وَٱلَّذِينَ يَكۡنِزُونَ ٱلذَّهَبَ وَٱلۡفِضَّةَ وَلَا يُنفِقُونَهَا فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ فَبَشِّرۡهُم بِعَذَابٍ أَلِيمٍ
The question: Is zakat obligatory on gold and silver jewelry worn for adornment?
First view: Zakat is obligatory (Hanafis, Zahiris, and Hanbalis in one narration):
- "Those who hoard gold and silver and do not spend them in the way of Allah." (9:34)
- Hadith: A woman came with her daughter wearing two gold bracelets — the Prophet said: "Do you pay zakat on these?" (Abu Dawud 1563 — hasan)
- Gold and silver are inherently currency — wearing them for adornment does not remove their ruling.
Second view: Not obligatory (Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbalis in another narration):
- Hadiths on its obligation are weak or disputed in authenticity.
- Jewelry is designated for direct use — not hoarding — resembling an inhabited home.
- Zakat requires growth potential — jewelry does not grow.
Strongest view: Precaution dictates paying its zakat — especially when reaching the nisab (85 grams of gold).
Question: What is the evidence for obligating zakat on jewelry? What is the evidence against?
Answer: For obligation: At-Tawbah 9:34 and Abu Dawud 1563. Against: the hadiths are weak and jewelry is for use not hoarding.