Gold is one of the most commonly held assets in Pakistan, especially in the form of jewellery. Many Pakistani Muslim women own gold jewellery passed down through generations or received as wedding gifts (Mehr/dowry). Understanding how Zakat applies to gold is therefore essential for millions of Pakistani Muslims.
Is Zakat Due on Gold Jewellery?
Yes — according to the majority of Islamic scholars (including Hanafi, Maliki, and Shafi'i scholars), Zakat is obligatory on gold jewellery if its value exceeds the Nisab and it has been held for a full lunar year (Hawl), regardless of whether the jewellery is worn regularly or stored.
Some scholars (particularly in the Hanbali school) hold the opinion that gold worn regularly is exempt. However, the majority view — and the one most commonly followed in Pakistan — is that all gold is zakatable.
What Types of Gold Are Zakatable?
- ✅ Gold jewellery (rings, bangles, necklaces, earrings)
- ✅ Gold coins and gold sovereigns
- ✅ Gold bars and bullion
- ✅ Gold ETFs and gold investment funds
- ✅ Gold held in a bank (digital gold)
- ❌ Platinum jewellery (different ruling)
- ❌ Diamonds and precious stones (the stone itself is not zakatable; only gold setting)
How to Calculate Zakat on Gold
The process is straightforward:
- Weigh your gold — Get the total weight in grams. Note the purity (24K, 22K, 21K, 18K).
- Convert to pure gold equivalent — Multiply weight by purity percentage (e.g., 22K gold = 91.67% pure)
- Find current market price — Check the current gold price per gram in Pakistan from a jeweller or the State Bank of Pakistan.
- Calculate total gold value — Pure gold weight × current price per gram
- Check against Nisab — If value exceeds Nisab (87.48g of gold or 612.36g of silver), Zakat is due
- Pay 2.5% — Zakat = Total gold value × 2.5%
Worked Example (Pakistan 2025)
Scenario: Sister Fatima owns 50 grams of 22K gold jewellery. Current gold price = Rs 22,000/gram (24K equivalent).
Step 1: Pure gold weight = 50g × (22/24) = 45.83g of pure gold
Step 2: Gold value = 45.83g × Rs 22,000 = Rs 1,008,260
Step 3: Silver Nisab = 612.36g × Rs 280 = Rs 171,461 ✓ (Nisab exceeded)
Step 4: Zakat = Rs 1,008,260 × 2.5% = Rs 25,207
Current Gold Prices in Pakistan (2025)
Gold prices fluctuate daily. As a reference, in early 2025:
- 24K gold: approximately Rs 22,000–24,000 per gram
- 22K gold: approximately Rs 20,000–22,000 per gram
- 21K gold: approximately Rs 19,000–21,000 per gram
- 18K gold: approximately Rs 16,000–18,000 per gram
Always verify current prices with your local jeweller or the Sarafa Bazar (gold market) in your city.
Practical Tips for Pakistani Muslims
- Keep a record of all your gold jewellery with weight and purity
- You can pay Zakat on gold in cash (you don't need to sell the gold)
- Many Pakistani families pay Zakat on gold during Ramadan for extra reward
- If you are unsure of the weight, visit a local jeweller to have it weighed
Use Our Free Zakat Calculator
Simply enter the market value of your gold (weight × current price) in the gold field of our calculator. It will automatically calculate your Zakat.