Zakat on Gold Jewellery: Everything Muslims in India Need to Know – Co

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and a fundamental act of worship for every eligible Muslim. In India, a common and often confusing question is whether zakat is applicable on gold jewellery, especially jewellery worn by women.

This complete 2026 guide explains zakat on gold jewellery clearly, covering Islamic rulings, calculation methods, Indian context, and practical examples helping Muslims fulfil their religious obligation correctly and confidently.

What Is Zakat and Why Is It Important?

Zakat is a compulsory form of charity in Islam, meant to purify wealth and help those in need. It is obligatory on Muslims who possess wealth above a minimum threshold known as Nisab for one lunar year.

Gold, silver, cash, business assets, and investments are all zakatable assets making gold jewellery an important topic for many Muslim households in India.

Is Zakat Applicable on Gold Jewellery?

Islamic scholars have differing opinions on zakat on gold jewellery, but many respected scholars agree on the following:

Zakat is compulsory on gold jewellery if its value reaches the Nisab limit
This applies even if the jewellery is worn regularly
The obligation is based on gold weight and purity, not usage

In India, many scholars and Islamic institutions recommend paying zakat on gold jewellery to remain on the safer side religiously.

Gold Jewellery and Nisab: Understanding the Threshold

Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth required for zakat to become obligatory.

Gold Nisab: approximately 87.48 grams of gold
Silver Nisab: approximately 612.36 grams of silver

Most scholars in India advise using the silver Nisab value as it benefits more people in need and ensures zakat is not neglected.

How to Calculate Zakat on Gold Jewellery

Zakat on gold jewellery is calculated at 2.5% of its total value.

Step-by-Step Calculation

Determine the total weight of your gold jewellery
Confirm gold purity (22K, 21K, etc.)
Calculate current market value
Pay 2.5% of the total value as zakat

Example

If a person owns gold jewellery worth ₹5,00,000:

Zakat payable = 2.5% of ₹5,00,000 = ₹12,500

Does Zakat Apply to Bridal and Heirloom Jewellery?

Yes. Zakat applies to all gold jewellery owned, including:

Bridal jewellery
Heirloom and ancestral jewellery
Jewellery kept in lockers
Jewellery worn occasionally

The intention or emotional value attached to jewellery does not exempt it from zakat.

22K vs 21K Gold Jewellery: Does Purity Matter for Zakat?

Gold purity affects zakat calculation because it influences value.

22K gold jewellery has higher gold content and higher zakat value
21K gold jewellery has slightly lower gold content

Zakat is always calculated on the actual gold content and current market price.

Common Misconceptions About Zakat on Jewellery

“Zakat is not required on worn jewellery” – Incorrect according to many scholars
“Only men must pay zakat” – Incorrect; women must also pay zakat on their gold jewellery
“Bridal jewellery is exempt” – Incorrect

Clarifying these misconceptions helps Muslims fulfil zakat accurately.

When Should Zakat on Gold Jewellery Be Paid?

Zakat becomes due once a full lunar year (Hawl) passes while owning wealth above Nisab.

Many Muslims in India choose to pay zakat:

During Ramadan
On a fixed Islamic date each year
Along with zakat on cash and savings

Consistency in timing helps ensure zakat is never missed.

Who Can Receive Zakat?

Zakat must be given only to eligible recipients defined in Islam, including:

Poor and needy individuals
People in debt
Travellers in need
Zakat collection and distribution causes

Zakat cannot be given to immediate family members such as parents, children, or spouse.

Zakat on Gold Jewellery in the Indian Context

In India, gold jewellery is commonly purchased for:

Weddings
Festivals
Long-term savings

This makes it especially important for Indian Muslims to understand zakat obligations clearly, as gold jewellery often forms a significant portion of household wealth.

Final Thoughts: Fulfilling Zakat with Knowledge and Intention

Zakat on gold jewellery is not merely a financial duty it is an act of worship and social responsibility. By understanding the correct rulings and calculation methods, Muslims in India can fulfil this obligation with confidence and peace of mind.

Paying zakat purifies wealth, strengthens faith, and supports those in need making it one of the most rewarding acts in Islam.