Muftis clarify Zakat rules on Jewelry in use

Islamic scholars have clarified the ruling on zakat for gold and silver jewelry that is in use.

According to muftis, if a woman possesses gold or silver equal to the nisab threshold, it is obligatory for her to pay zakat, regardless of whether she wears the jewelry or not. Experts explained that for a responsible person, it is important to note the lunar date on which the jewelry was acquired.

Once a full lunar year passes from that date, zakat of two and a half percent becomes obligatory on the total value of the jewelry. This ruling applies even if the jewelry is used on different occasions throughout the year. In practical terms, a woman who has jewelry worth ten to eleven lakhs must calculate zakat based on the market value of her gold and silver on the anniversary of the acquisition date.

She should then pay two and a half percent of that value as zakat to fulfill her religious obligation. Additionally, scholars highlighted that if a woman purchases new jewelry, and the lunar year has not yet completed, the zakat for this new purchase will be due after one full lunar year.

However, if she is already a wealthy individual paying zakat during Ramadan, she must include the zakat on newly purchased jewelry from the previous seven months along with her zakat on existing wealth. Muftis emphasized that keeping track of acquisition dates and calculating zakat accurately ensures compliance with Islamic teachings.

They also advised that individuals consult knowledgeable scholars or reliable Islamic financial institutions to determine the precise amount and ensure timely payment, especially for valuable jewelry that is regularly in use. This guidance aims to help Muslims fulfill their zakat obligations correctly, promoting fairness and spiritual responsibility in wealth management.