Why is there a divergence in fatwas regarding the obligatory nature of zakat on a woman's jewelry, and what is the most authoritative opinion on this issue?

Zakat is obligatory on gold and silver, whether in the form of currency or ingots. However, scholars differ regarding Zakat on permissible jewelry intended for personal use. The majority view that it is not obligatory because it is a non-growing asset, while the Hanafis deem it obligatory.

The disagreement is limited to permissible jewelry intended for personal use, provided it is made of gold or silver (not precious stones), that it is permissible (as Zakat is unanimously obligatory on forbidden jewelry), and that it is intended for personal use (as Zakat is obligatory on what is prepared for trade or saving).

As for the opinions on Zakat on permissible jewelry intended for personal use: 1. Those who deem it obligatory: The Hanafis, a narration from Ahmad, and chosen by Ibn al-Mundhir, Al-Khattabi, Ibn Hazm, Al-San'ani, Ibn Baz, Ibn Uthaymeen, and the Permanent Committee. Their arguments are: The generality of texts that command Zakat on gold and silver without distinction. Specific Hadiths indicating the obligation of Zakat on jewelry, such as the Hadith of Aisha regarding finger-rings, the Hadith of Umm Salama regarding anklets, and the Hadith of the woman and her daughter regarding earrings. The statement of Ibn Mas'ud regarding the obligation of Zakat on jewelry. 2. Those who deem it not obligatory: The majority of Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali scholars. Their arguments are: That general texts do not include jewelry, as terms like "waraq" and "riqqah" refer to coined dirhams, and the "treasure" in the verse means what has not been spent. That all specific Hadiths regarding Zakat on jewelry are weak. The existence of narrations from many Companions stating that Zakat is not obligatory on jewelry, such as Anas, Jabir, Ibn Umar, Aisha, and Asma. The jurisprudential rule that anything prepared for personal use is not subject to Zakat.

The scholarly disagreement on this issue is strong, and it is safer to pay Zakat to clear one's conscience.