Is zakat obligatory on books ornamented with gold and silver, or plated with them, if their total value reaches the nisab?
If gilding or embellishment on books reaches the (minimum threshold for ) after being dismantled, zakat becomes obligatory. This is because embellishing books other than the Book of Allah (the Quran) is forbidden. However, if it is consumed (worn out) to the extent that a nisab cannot be collected from it, then no zakat is due on it. If the gilding is consumed such that nothing can be obtained from it by scraping, then its continued use is not forbidden, and no zakat is due on it. Otherwise, it is forbidden, and zakat becomes obligatory if it alone reaches the nisab, or if it reaches the nisab by combining with other wealth. Where we said it is forbidden, its removal and zakat become obligatory. If it is consumed such that nothing remains, then its continued use is permissible, and no zakat is due on it due to the lack of benefit and the loss of financial value. It is forbidden to embellish books of knowledge.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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