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The Simple Guide to Zakat on Gold
July 29, 2024
Zakat is the most important part of Islam which allows Muslims to financially help people in need. It’s an annual reminder to share our blessings. However, gold is an expensive metal for many people and according to Islam, it must be included in Zakat payments. It is a duty that transcends religion, it is a way to improve our spirits while making a good impact in people’s lives.
In this article, we’ll explain the details of how to calculate Zakat on gold and the process in an understandable procedure. After that, you will be able to perform this important duty easily.
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Table of contents
How to calculate Zakat on Gold
Practical Tips for Paying Zakat on Gold
How to calculate Zakat on Gold
What is Nisab?
If you have gold, jewellery or coins, you have to pay Zakat on it. The Nisab is the minimal amount of money that a Muslim must have before being required to pay Zakat. You have to donate if your gold totals 85 grams or more than that. This is called Nisab. This criteria guarantees that only those with the right resources will have to pay Zakat.
Islam requires a small but important Zakat tax of 2.5% on gold. This is a way of showing kindness that keeps things financially manageable. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) set this rate to make sure that the offering is beneficial and responsible.
Step-by-Step Calculation of Zakat
Firstly, measure the gold purity with 24 karats signifying pure gold. If your gold is of lower purity, like 18 or 21 karats, you have to figure out its pure gold value.
Next, weigh everything made out of gold including jewellery and any expensive items you have.
Then, you have to use the purity calculator to convert the total weight to pure gold. For example, if you have 100 grams of 18-karat gold, the pure gold value is (100 x 18) / 24 = 75 grams.
After that, compare the total pure gold weight to the Nisab’s 85 grams. If your gold equals or surpasses this amount then you must pay Zakat.
Finally, calculating zakat on gold is 2.5% of the total pure gold weight. If you have 100 grams of pure gold, the Zakat payable is 100 x 0.025 = 2.5 grams of gold or the equivalent value in money.
When to Pay Zakat
Zakat is necessary for Muslims just like praying five times a day. It is the Five Pillars of Islam that are the main duties of Muslims to show their love for Allah and help those in need. Muslims must pay it after a lunar year from when their wealth first reached or exceeded the Nisab level. However, the Nisab is the lowest quantity of wealth that a Muslim must possess before being required to pay Zakat.
Muslims can pay Zakat on a yearly basis and it helps to regularly reflect on their financial condition and the capacity to help others. Because the Islamic lunar calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the exact day for paying Zakat changes each year.
Who Receives Zakat?
To ensure that Zakat benefits those in very need, the Quran explains who should receive it. Verse 60 of Surah al-Towbah says:
“Charity is for the poor, the needy and those employed to administer it.”
That means Zakat is used to help those who are poor as an example of Islamic compassion and brotherhood. People who can receive of Zakat are:
- The poor: Those who don’t have enough money to live.
- The needy: People who have some money but still struggle to live comfortably.
- Those employed to collect Zakat: People who are hired to gather and give out Zakat.
- Those whose hearts are to be reconciled: People who are new to Islam or need support to feel better about it.
- To free slaves: Using Zakat money to help people who are trapped in slavery.
- Those in debt: People who owe money and can’t pay it back.
- In the cause of Allah: Using Zakat for activities that help and promote Islam.
- Wayfarers: Travellers who are stuck or need money while they’re out of home.
When Muslims donate Zakat to these groups, they make sure that their money reaches where it is most needed. This can solve quick financial problems and improve people’s relationships.
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Charity given to a poor person is charity, but charity given to a relative is both charity and upholding kinship ties.” (Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2581; al-Tirmidhi, 658; al-Albaani classifies as saheeh in Sahih al-Nasaa’i, 2420)..
Practical Tips for Paying Zakat on Gold
Keeping Accurate Records
Keeping good records of your gold holdings might make it easier to calculate Zakat. Keep note of the weight and purity of all gold items and update your records regularly.
Using Zakat Calculators
Online Zakat calculators can help with correctness. These calculators normally ask you for the weight and purity of your gold before providing the amount of Zakat payable. It can save time and help avoid any calculation mistakes.
Consulting with Scholars
If you feel unsure about details of your Zakat duties then you can talk with an Islamic scholar or a knowledgeable member of your community. They can offer advice for your specific situation.
Frequency Ask Question (FAQ)
Do I need to pay Zakat on gold jewellery?
Yes, gold jewellery is part of zakat. You have to calculate the pure gold amount in your jewellery and pay 2.5% total of that.
What if my gold is mixed with other metals?
You should focus on the pure gold value. To find out how much pure gold is in your mixed metal items, use the purity calculator.
Can I pay Zakat in money instead of gold?
Yes, you can pay the same amount of the Zakat in money. This can be more helpful and acceptable in Islamic principles.
What if I don’t have enough money to pay Zakat?
If you have the Nisab quantity of gold but do not have enough cash on hand to pay the Zakat, you may have to sell part of it. It is most important to make sure that the duty is fulfilled.
Conclusion
Well, don’t think zakat is just giving money to others but it is the best way for Muslims to become closer to Allah (SWT). When someone donates Zakat, Allah will clean their wealth and hearts. Also, it teaches us important qualities like caring, giving and consideration for those who may need help.
While being a Muslim, Zakat is very important. It’s a financial duty and also a spiritual one. Allah has instructed us to pay Zakat to clean our wealth and help people in need. By completing this requirement, we show kindness and help others, which represent Islam’s necessary beliefs.
As we calculate and pay Zakat on gold, we obey Allah’s instructions. It teaches us that our contributions might have a major effect on the lives of others. So, if you are giving Zakat regularly, it will be a deeply ingrained custom of compassion and giving that is all done in conformity with Allah’s will.
