Question 039: In Sunni tradition, any pure gold a person possesses, even as given as a gift, one must pay a yearly zakat based on its weight. Does the same tradition apply to the Shia?
Answer 039: If gold or silver meet the criterion of being made into coins, and are in currency for transactions, are in one’s possession, and reach the taxable limits, zakat will apply. If these coins are made into ornaments and used by women as ornaments, (E.g., necklaces and bracelets) then zakat will no longer apply.
If gold or silver do not meet the criteria mentioned above, like in the case where they aren’t used as currency in transactions, then zakat will not apply. Based on this, since the gold used today isn’t used as currency, zakat does not apply to it.
If the gold or jewelry being used isn’t for the woman’s ornamental needs, or exceeds their social status, and a khums year passes, it will be subject to khums.[1]
[1] . An inquiry from the office of the Supreme leader; Imam Khomeini, Tawdih al-Masa’il (annotated), researched and corrected by: Bani Hashemi Khomeini, Sayyid Mohammad Hosein, vol. 2, pp.128-132, Islamic Publications Press, Qum, eighth edition, 1424 AH. Tawdih al-Masa’il (annotated), vol. 2, pg. 131; Sistani and Saafi Golpaygani (inquiry from their offices); Zanjani: “Gold and silver coins used as currency that women use as ornaments, if are still commonly used in transactions as currency, are subject to zakat, but if they aren’t commonly used in transactions as currency, zakat will not apply, but it is still a recommended precaution to pay their zakat as well.” Tawdih al-Masa’il (annotated), vol. 2, pg. 130. Tawdih al-Masa’il (annotated), vol. 2, pp. 128-132. Makarem Shirazi (inquiry from office). Makrem Shirazi, Sistani, and Saafi Golpaygani (inquiries from offices).