I was thinking about a topic that concerns many people—especially those who have gold savings or jewelry: how to correctly calculate Zakat on 21-karat gold and other karat types. The topic is more important than we imagine, because Zakat is not only a religious duty; it is a purification of both wealth and the soul.

First, we need to know that Zakat is obligatory on every Muslim who has gold, whether it is jewelry, bars, or even gold investments. The important thing is that you reach the legal Nisab, which is 85 grams of pure gold. After that, if a full Hijri year passes, you are required to pay Zakat at a rate of 2.5% of the market value.

The point that interests many people is: how do you calculate Zakat on 21-karat gold specifically? The difference between it and 24-karat or 18-karat gold lies in the purity percentage. 21-karat gold contains 87.5% pure gold, while 24-karat is 100% pure, and 18-karat contains only 75%.

If you have 100 grams of 21-karat gold, the calculation is simple: multiply 100 by 0.875 = 87.5 grams of pure gold. Then multiply this amount by the market price per gram. If we assume the price is 400 Saudi riyals per gram, the result is 35,000 Saudi riyals. And the Zakat on this amount = 35,000 × 2.5% = 875 Saudi riyals.

The exact Nisab: if you own 21-karat gold and want to know the Nisab precisely, it is approximately 97 grams. This figure is derived from the basic Nisab of 85 grams of 24-karat gold divided by the purity percentage.

The matter does not end with jewelry and bars. If you invested in gold funds or shares of mining companies, how to calculate Zakat on 21-karat gold and other types also applies. The difference is that you calculate it based on the market value at the time you pay Zakat.

One important point: you should only pay Zakat from lawful (halal) wealth. If the gold is mixed with unlawful wealth or usury (riba), Zakat is not accepted. Intention is also very important—you must pay it with the purpose of complying with Allah’s command, not for show or reputation.

The categories that are entitled to Zakat are eight groups mentioned in the Quran: the poor, the needy, those employed to administer it, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, in freeing slaves, those in debt, in the cause of Allah (fi sabilillah), and the traveler/wayfarer. Do not give it to anyone other than them, even if they are relatives.

Finally: if the gold is worn for daily adornment (rings, bracelets, and necklaces), there is a difference of opinion among scholars. The majority say there is no Zakat on it, but the Hanafi school says there is. The most cautious approach is to ask a scholar or a mufti in your country so you can be sure.

In summary: how to calculate Zakat on 21-karat gold—or any other karat—depends on the purity percentage, then you multiply by the market price and pay 2.5%. What matters is that you give it with a sincere intention and deliver it to those who are entitled to it, because blessing and reward come with compliance and sincerity.