The Ruling on the Zakah of Gold Jewelry

Q: My mother owns gold jewelry intended for use. I used to tell her that it is obligatory for her to pay its zakah, but she says that the scholars differ regarding the zakah of gold intended for use. Is the zakah of gold intended for use obligatory or not?

A: This is a matter in which there is scholarly disagreement, just as your mother mentioned. Some scholars said that zakah is due on it, while others said that there is no zakah on it. The correct view is that zakah is due on it. So inform her of this, and that the correct view is that zakah is due on it if it reaches the nisab (minimum threshold for zakah). In that case, she owes zakah on it according to the correct view, which is one-quarter of a tenth. The nisab for gold is eleven and three-sevenths of a pound, meaning eleven and a half pounds. If what she has reaches this amount, it is subject to zakah; if it is less, there is no zakah on it, provided it is gold. As for diamonds, pearls, and other gems, there is no zakah on them if they are for wearing. Zakah is only due on them if they are for sale and trade. If they are for wearing, there is no zakah on them. Zakah is only due on gold and silver; these are the two metals on which zakah is due.