Zakaat on a lost gold ring

Q: My wife took out her gold ring to make wudhu at home and then forgot where she left it. This happened last week. 

We searched high and low for it, in the cupboards, drawers, and in every part of the house (in the kitchen, under the sofa, or any other place possible). 

After searching extensively, we have now lost hope of finding it, and we now suspect the helper may have snatched it. Will my wife need to pay zakaat on the ring?

A: If you lost hope of finding it and you feel that the helper had stolen it, then you do not have to pay zakaat on it. However, if you find it, then as a precaution, you should pay zakaat on it.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)