By: Sami Fakhra Jadran-Ireland

A common misconception is that Muslim women are penalized for owning gold or silver—that Islam imposes a kind of “tax” on their jewelry. In reality, this belief overlooks the spiritual principle behind zakat (obligatory almsgiving).

What Is Zakat? Zakat—meaning “purification” or “growth” in Arabic—is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a mandatory act of charity that applies to wealth, not income, and becomes due once  a Muslim’s savings—including cash, tradeable assets, and gold or silver jewelry—exceeds a set minimum and remains in their possession for one full lunar year. According to Islamic teachings, as practiced and taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), zakat supports the poor and ensures that surplus wealth uplifts society while purifying the giver’s soul (Ahmad, 1983, pp. 5–6). For Muslim women, jewelry that is stored away and not worn regularly may qualify for zakat, not as a burden, but as a form of intentional generosity.

Giving as a Legacy This principle is rooted in the life of Hazrat Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her), the Prophet Muhammad’s (sa) first wife who was a successful entrepreneur and the first Muslim women. She gave her entire fortune to support Islam. Her legacy of purpose-driven giving continues to inspire women today.

Today’s Women, Timeless Giving In many Muslim homes, women play a quiet but powerful role in guiding  spiritual  practice, including acts of charity. Zakat is often calculated with their insight, and many give sadaqa, voluntary charity offered at any time to support those in need. While zakat is obligatory, sadaqa is a personal acts of kindness and devotion. These are not unfair tax burdens. They are purposeful acts that ensure wealth serves humanity. Unused jewelry becomes more than ornament, it becomes a means of service.

As the Holy Qur’an states: “As to the men that give alms, and the women that give alms, and those who lend to Allah a goodly loan

—it will be increased manifold for them, and theirs will also be an honorable reward ( Al-Hadid [57]:19).

For members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, zakat is entrusted to the Community’s organized system, where it is distributed fairly and responsibly to those most in need—from  local families to global relief efforts.

Practice with Purpose The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be on him), clarified: “Jewelry which is used—there is no Zakat on it. Jewelry which is stored and used very seldom—one should give Zakat (an obligatory act of charity) upon it. Jewelry which is worn and occasionally given to poor women to use—some have given the judgment that there is no Zakat upon them. Jewelry which is worn and not given for others’ use—it is better to give Zakat upon it. Our household acts upon this and gives Zakat for the jewelry  every year.” (Fiqh-e-Ahmadiyya, vol. 1, pp. 360–361)

This timeless wisdom reminds us that what we own gains deeper meaning when it serves others.

The Heart of Her Gold In a world often defined by accumulation, zakat reminds us that true wealth lies in what we give—not in what we keep. Muslim women give with grace—finding joy in justice and meaning in mindful giving.