Is there an obligation of Zakah (alms) on jewelry (Huly)?
Chapter on Zakat on Gold and Silver
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
The ruling is that whether the amount of jewelry is small or large, they are equal regarding permissibility (Ibahah) and the obligation of Zakah. This view holds that the prohibition of tying the ruling to a specific amount, based on personal opinion or arbitrary judgment, is not permissible because the religious law has permitted adornment without restriction. The narration from Jabir, which suggests hesitation, is not explicit in negating the obligation. Furthermore, a contradictory narration from Jabir exists, and the opinion of a single Companion (Sahabi) that restricts a matter permitted absolutely should not serve as binding proof when others permit it without restriction.
Supporting text
A dissenting opinion, attributed to Ibn Hamid, states that jewelry is permissible as long as it does not reach one thousand Mithqal (a measure of weight). If it reaches that amount, it becomes forbidden (haram) and Zakah becomes obligatory upon it. The evidence cited is the narration where Jabir was asked about Zakah on jewelry, to which he replied, 'No,' but when pressed about one thousand Dinars, he stated, 'That is certainly a lot.' This position is supported by the reasoning that excessive jewelry leads to extravagance and showing off, and it is not necessary for its use.