Zakat on Gold
Gold is explicitly mentioned in authentic narrations regarding Zakat, which is why people take this category seriously. The practical calculation comes down to two things: whether the gold you own is considered zakatable under your method and how you value it on your Zakat date.
This guide covers the most important real-world questions: jewelry vs investment gold, how to value gold fairly, how nisab connects to gold, and how to calculate Zakat in a clean consistent way.
Core idea
Value on your Zakat date
Many people value gold at current market value on their Zakat date and include that in their zakatable assets.
What matters
Jewelry vs wealth
Scholars differ on jewelry. Follow a trusted method and apply it consistently so your calculation is reliable.
Common rate
2.5%
Once Zakat is due, many people calculate 2.5% on the market value of zakatable gold and other qualifying assets.
Gold basics
What gold is counted for Zakat
People own gold in different forms. The key question is whether your gold is treated as personal use jewelry or wealth held for value.
Commonly included
- Gold bars and bullion
- Gold coins held as wealth
- Gold held for saving or investment
- Gold jewelry under methods that include jewelry
Jewelry note
Some scholarly approaches treat personal jewelry as zakatable, while others exempt certain personal usage. Because this is a major difference, it is best to pick a trusted ruling and use it consistently.
Practical rule
If your method treats the gold you own as zakatable, you generally include its market value on your Zakat date just like you include cash. If your method excludes certain jewelry, you exclude that portion according to the ruling you follow.
Valuation
How to value gold for Zakat
Valuation should be honest and realistic. Most people value gold at current market price for its purity level and weight on their Zakat date.
Step 1
Find the purity
Identify whether your gold is 24k, 22k, 21k, 18k, or another purity. Jewelry is commonly not 24k.
Step 2
Measure the weight
Use grams or ounces. If you have multiple items, list each item and its weight for clarity.
Step 3
Apply market price
Use a reputable gold price source for your region. Multiply price by weight, then total all items.
Tip for simplicity
If you have many jewelry items and do not know exact weights, you can weigh them together and value them as a group. Keep a record, so next year is easy.
Examples
Practical examples for gold
These examples show how people commonly total gold value on their Zakat date before calculating.
Example 1
| Gold jewelry value | 3,500 |
| Gold coins value | 2,500 |
| Total gold value | 6,000 |
Add this to other zakatable assets like cash. Compare to nisab, then calculate if due.
Example 2
| Gold bar value | 8,000 |
| Cash savings | 5,000 |
| Combined total | 13,000 |
Many people treat zakatable gold like cash in calculation. Once due, Zakat is commonly 2.5% on the combined total.
Evidence
Qur’an & Sahih Hadith references
These references establish Zakat as an obligation and explicitly mention gold and silver as a category of wealth tied to accountability.
Qur’an
Warning regarding hoarding gold and silver
Qur’an 9:34 to 9:35
Warns against hoarding gold and silver and not spending in the way of Allah, showing accountability attached to wealth.
Qur’an
Zakat recipients
Qur’an 9:60
Defines who Zakat can be distributed to, helping ensure the payment benefits the rightful categories.
Qur’an
Zakat purifies wealth
Qur’an 9:103
Shows the purification and spiritual benefit of giving.
Qur’an
Command to establish prayer and give Zakat
Qur’an 2:43
Pairs salah and Zakat as core obligations, showing Zakat is foundational.
Hadith
Warning against withholding Zakat (gold and silver)
Sahih Muslim 987a
A strong warning regarding withholding Zakat on gold and silver, showing seriousness and accountability.
Hadith
Nisab thresholds described
Sahih al-Bukhari 1447
Authentic narration used in discussions of nisab thresholds, including silver and related wealth measures.
Hadith
Islam built upon five pillars (includes Zakat)
Sahih al-Bukhari 8
Places Zakat among the pillars of Islam, showing its central importance.
Hadith
Five pillars narration (includes Zakat)
Sahih Muslim 16
Corroborates the pillars narration in Sahih Muslim, strengthening foundational evidence.
Note: Jewelry rulings differ by scholarly opinion. The best approach is to follow a trusted scholar, document your method, and be consistent every year.
FAQ
Common gold questions
Clear answers to common questions about gold jewelry, bars, coins, and valuation.
Do I pay Zakat on gold jewelry?▾
Scholars differ on gold jewelry. Some treat all gold as zakatable, while others exempt certain personal jewelry usage under conditions. The best approach is to follow a trusted scholar or local fatwa and apply it consistently.
How do I value my gold for Zakat?▾
A common approach is to value your gold based on its current market value on your Zakat date. Many people use the selling price for their purity level (for example 24k, 22k, 18k) and multiply by weight.
What is the nisab for gold?▾
Nisab is traditionally connected to gold and silver thresholds. Many people use a gold-based nisab or silver-based nisab method depending on guidance and circumstances. Use your chosen nisab method consistently.
Do I pay Zakat on gold coins and bars?▾
Gold bars and coins are commonly treated as zakatable if owned and held as wealth. Most people include their full market value on the Zakat date.
What is the simplest way to calculate Zakat on gold?▾
On your Zakat date, value all your gold in your currency, add it to other zakatable assets, subtract eligible liabilities if your method allows, compare to nisab, then calculate Zakat (commonly 2.5%).
Next steps
Combine gold with the rest of your assets
Gold is usually calculated as part of your total zakatable wealth. Next, include cash, savings, investments, and other asset categories that apply to you, then calculate once on your Zakat date.
About this Content
Written by the Zakat Finance editorial team. All content is based on authentic Islamic scholarship and is reviewed regularly to ensure accuracy. The content aims to provide guidance on Zakat calculation and does not replace advice from a qualified Islamic scholar.
Last updated: February 2026
Method note: We present common scholarly approaches to Zakat calculation, encouraging consultation with trusted scholars for personal cases.