Question # 546: How is zakat to be paid on precious stones such as diamonds?

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Dear questioner,

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Shorter Answer: The majority of scholars are of the view that no zakah is due on precious stones unless they are for trade. If there are diamonds etc., mixed with gold, such jewelry should be taken to a jeweler (expert) so that he can examine it and ascertain the portion of gold in it.

Long Answer: The majority of scholars are of the view that no zakah is due on precious stones unless they are for trade. In their opinion, zakah is only due on gold and silver:

  • Imam Maalik said in al-Mudawwanah: “No zakah is due on gems, pearls, or amber.”
  • Al-Shafi’i said in al-Umm: “No zakah is due on the things that women wear for adornment, or that are kept by men and women, such as pearls, chrysolite, sapphires, rubies, precious stones extracted from the sea, etc. Zakah is only due on gold and silver.”
  • Al-Nawawi said in al-Majmoo’: “Apart from gold and silver, no zakah is due on gems such as sapphires, turquoise, pearls, rubies, emeralds, chrysolite, iron, brass, copper and glass, no matter how beautifully they are made or how high their value. No zakah is due on musk and amber either.”
  • Shaykh Ibn Baaz replied [to a similar question]: If the jewelry is made of gold or silver, then zakah is due on it, if it reaches the nisab and one full hijri year has passed, whether it is for wearing or for lending, according to the more sound of the two scholarly opinions, because of the sahih ahadith which have been narrated concerning that. If they are not made of gold and silver – such as diamonds, carnelians, etc. – then no zakah is due on them unless they are intended for trade, in which case they come under the general heading of trade goods, so zakah must be paid on them as in the case of all other trade goods…
  • Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen replied [to a similar question]: No zakah is due on them unless they are prepared for trade, in which case they come under the same ruling as all other trade goods. (Fataawa al-Zakah). He also said: “[If there are diamonds etc. mixed with gold, such jewelry] should be taken to a jeweler (expert) so that he can examine it and [ascertain the portion of] gold [in it].”

(The above reply is based on various answers on similar topics provided by Islamqa.info)

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