Source: Fatāwā Arkān al-IslāmThe Question:
If a person owns gold along with diamonds or other precious stones, how should zakat be calculated in such a case?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh. Ammā ba‘d:
This calculation should be done with the help of professionals to ensure accuracy.
Step-by-Step Ruling:
- Valuation by Experts:
- The owner should take the gold and diamonds together to a reliable goldsmith or experienced jeweller.
- They will determine whether the gold portion alone reaches the zakat niṣāb.
- If the Gold Does Not Reach Niṣāb:
- In this case, zakat will not be obligatory.
- If the Gold Reaches or Completes the Niṣāb:
- If the person also owns other gold which, when combined, completes the niṣāb, then all gold’s value will be added together — including the gold that contains diamonds.
- The diamonds themselves are not zakatable, but the gold holding them is valued for zakat purposes.
- Zakat Rate:
- Once the total value of zakatable gold is determined, zakat is paid at 2.5% (one-fortieth) of its current market value.
Example:
- A bangle weighing 50 grams contains both gold and diamonds.
- A jeweller separates the value of gold from the diamond’s price.
- If the gold value reaches or exceeds the niṣāb (approximately 85 grams of gold or its cash equivalent), zakat is due on the gold value at 2.5%.
Conclusion:
Zakat is only due on the gold portion, not on the diamonds. The calculation should be based on current gold prices, and the assistance of an experienced jeweller ensures accuracy.
وَالله أعلم بالصواب
