Introduction
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam, acting as a source for purifying our wealth and soul. It also brings us closer to Allah (SWT) through spiritual rewards and blessings. Zakat holds great importance in our faith, serving both religious and social purposes. It is considered an obligatory act of charity that financially capable individuals contribute to support the less fortunate members of society. Among the various assets on which Zakat is due, gold stands out as one of the most common and valuable. In Islam, Zakat must be paid on gold if its value reaches a specific nisab after subtracting any personal debts.
The obligation of Zakat on wealth is based on Quranic verses, such as Surah Al-Ma’arij, which emphasize the responsibility to give the rightful share of our wealth to those in need, including beggars and people experiencing poverty.
For more information on giving Zakat, please visit this blog post titled “Giving Zakat in Islam.”
What is Zakat on Gold?
Zakat on Gold holds great significance in Islamic law. Gold is highly valued in Islamic finance and culture, serving as a symbol of wealth and security. Giving Zakat on gold is not just a financial transaction but a spiritual duty that purifies the giver’s wealth.
 In Surah At-Tawbah, the Quran warns against collecting gold and silver without spending it on Allah’s (SWT) ways, highlighting the importance of using wealth for righteousness.
In Islam, paying Zakat for gold is a fundamental religious obligation. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Monetary Wealth: This includes any gold not meant for personal use, like:
- Gold bars
- Gold coins
- Gold bullion
- Gold trade commodities
- Gold savings or investments
- Monetary value of gold held in financial institutions
Physical Assets: These are gold items that are in physical form and may include:
- Gold jewelry (whether worn or not, depending on the scholarly opinion that we mention in the letter section)
- Gold ornaments
- Gold household items
- Any other tangible gold items
The Nisab for Gold
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth required to pay Zakat. Specifically, Nisab for gold is determined by the amount of gold you own. The Nisab for gold is 87.48 grams, which equals 7.5 tola. If your gold assets exceed this weight in jewelry, bullion, or any other type of gold, you must pay Zakat at 2.5% of its value.
When calculating your Zakat, you look at how much your gold is worth above this limit. Since gold prices can vary, the amount of Zakat you give could differ yearly. Keeping track of the current limit and gold prices is important to ensure you’re giving the right amount of Zakat.
Calculating Zakat on Gold
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to calculate Zakat on gold in Islam:
Determine the Nisab
Ensure that your gold amount meets or exceeds the Nisab threshold mentioned above.
Lunar Year
You must hold gold for a year before Zakat becomes due. This waiting period ensures consistency and fairness when calculating Zakat.
Determine the Type of Gold Owned
- Jewelry: Gold jewelry that is owned for personal use.
- Coins: Gold coins owned for investment or collection purposes.
- Bullion (Gold Bars): Gold bars or ingots held for investment.
- Business Inventory: Gold is held as inventory for business purposes.
Assess the Total Weight of Gold
- For jewelry, coins, and bullion, determine the weight in grams or tola.
- For business inventory, assess the weight of gold in stock.
Determine the Market Value
- Check the current market value of gold per gram or tola.
- Use a reliable source for gold prices, such as a local jeweler, financial institution, or online gold market.
Calculate the Total Value of Gold
Multiply the weight of your gold (in grams or tola) by the current market price per gram/tola.
Zakat = (Zakat Rate) x (Market Value of Gold)
Calculate Zakat
Apply the Zakat rate (2.5%) to the total value of gold.
Formula for Calculating Zakat on Gold in Islam
Zakat = (Market Value of Gold) x 2.5%
Example Calculation
- You have 10 tolas of gold jewelry, and the current market price is $60 per tola.
- Total Value of Gold = 10 tola x $60/tola = $600
- Zakat = 2.5% x $600 = $15
Therefore, you would owe $15 in Zakat on your gold jewelry.
Practical Examples
How much Zakat on 1 tola gold
Zakat = 2.5% x (Market Value of 1 tola of gold)
Percentage of Zakat on gold
Zakat Percentage = (Zakat Amount / Total Value of Gold) x 100
An online Zakat calculator is a practical and efficient way to calculate the amount of Zakat due on your gold holdings. The Citizens Foundation (TCF) has made this easy with its online Zakat Calculator for 2024. You can quickly determine the Zakat payable according to the Nisab threshold by inputting the current value of your gold and other assets.
Rules Specific to Zakat on Gold
Here’s a breakdown of the specific rules for calculating zakat on gold in Islam.
- Zakat must be paid 2.5% of the value of the gold that you own.
- The value of 87.48 grams or (7.5 Tola) of gold is the nisab (threshold) for paying Zakat.
- You don’t have to pay Zakat for other precious metals like platinum or precious stones like diamonds.
- Mixed metals are only liable to Zakat if half or more of the metal is gold.
Zakat on Gold in Business
In a business context, Zakat applies specifically to gold. To understand how Zakat is applied to gold in a business context, it is important to consider the calculation methods used for gold that is kept as stock in trade. This involves determining the market value of the gold and calculating the Zakat based on that value.
It is also important to note that the Zakat for personal gold differs from that of business-related gold. For personal gold, Zakat is calculated at 2.5% of the total value of gold that has been in possession for one lunar year. For business-related gold that is being used as stock in trade, the Zakat is calculated based on the value of the gold at the end of each business year.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
Do I pay Zakat for the gold I wear?
Paying Zakat on the gold you wear can be confusing, as scholars have different opinions in Islam. Some say you should pay Zakat on all gold for wearing or trading. Others believe Zakat is optional for gold jewelry that’s used personally, like a gold ring or women’s jewelry. It is often considered that if jewelry is intended for personal use and not for investment, Zakat may not be due.
Zakat on gold rate — How fluctuations in gold prices affect the calculation of Zakat
Zakat is calculated based on the current market value of gold. Therefore, fluctuations in gold prices can affect the amount of Zakat due. When it’s time to calculate Zakat, you should assess the current market value of your gold and calculate 2.5% of this value as Zakat. This means that if the value of your gold has increased since you acquired it, your Zakat payment will be higher, and vice versa if the value has decreased.
Is Zakat on Gold a One-Time Payment?
No, Zakat on gold is not a one-time payment. It’s an annual obligation. If you meet the Nisab value of gold, it should be calculated and paid annually. This ensures that wealth circulates among the community, helping those in need regularly.
Conclusion
In Islam, you can see Zakat on gold as a special tax, but you should not view it as a burden. Instead, it is a way to help others and improve society. By giving away some of your gold, you are not only helping those in need but also ensuring that your wealth is clean and pure. This practice is not merely about following rules but about displaying compassion and care for the less fortunate. It is a reminder that wealth is not just for personal gain but also a responsibility to help others. When you calculate and give Zakat on your gold, you are fulfilling a religious duty and playing a role in making society more fair and compassionate.
