When to Pay Zakah on Jewelry
Dear scholars, As-Salamu `alaykum. We are now married for seven years. Soon after our marriage we had a storm of financial crises. For the last four years we were in the United States. We have filed for bankruptcy and still owe a lot of people their money ($13,000).We were told by my father-in-law that we are not required to pay zakah. However, I have some jewelry in my possession in my safety box which is worth $5,000. We have thought many times of selling it but were stopped by my relatives. I don’t use it or wear it. It is simply lying idle. It was given to me by my in-laws and parents. I have no intention to keep it as saving; it is kept solely for my children. I have this fear of Allah in my mind that we are doing wrong because now my husband makes a moderate amount of money for our survival. However, if I am able to save some money I try my best to spend it in charity. Please guide me. Jazakum Allah khayran.
