Zakat on gold jewelry
28-12-2004 | IslamWeb
Question:
According to most opinions we have to give Zakaat of gold only if it exceeds 85 grams. But there is one Hadeeth in which Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, where he told Fatima, may Allaah be pleased with her, that she has to give Zakaat on the one bangle which she wore otherwise her hand will be in Hell. Which opinion is correct? Hope you will answer this question.
Answer:
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad 
is His slave and Messenger.
Some scholars 
are of the view that it is obligatory to pay Zakah (obligatory charity) on gold and silver and other adornments if they reach the minimum amount liable for Zakah by themselves or with other money or tradable goods added to them (which is the value of 85 grams of gold or more, i.e. 2.5% of the value, and if it is owned for a lunar year).
It is reported that 'Aa'ishah 
came to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam , and he saw a silver ring (or bracelets) on her hand, so he asked her: "What is this, O 'Aa'ishah?” She replied, "I made these to beautify myself for you." The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, asked: "Have you paid the Zakah on them?” She replied, "No." Upon this, he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, "If you don't pay the Zakah on them, they could lead you to the hellfire." It might be that this ring or ankle bracelets had reached the minimum amount liable for Zakah or that 'Aa'ishah had other jewellery which, if added to them, would have made them reach the minimum amount liable for Zakah. As-San'aani 
said in his book Subul As-Salaam, that this narration means that it is not a requirement for adornments to reach the minimum amount liable for Zakah. However, the first opinion is the well-known one.
As regards the opinion of the majority of Muslim jurists and that of some Companions it is that there is no Zakah on jewellery that is used as an adornment. This is our view here at Islamweb if the jewellery is worn frequently. If it is not worn except on special occasions, then Zakah has to be paid. However, it is more appropriate to pay Zakah on it even if it is worn most of the time in order to be on the safe side, to avoid the difference of opinion, and to meet the needs of the poor.
Allaah Knows best.