One of the most powerful reminders I’ve come across in my gold-saving journey is this:
The poor takes care of their family. So does the rich.
The poor prays. So does the rich.
The poor gives kindness, smiles, good deeds. So does the rich.
But there is one thing the poor cannot do – they cannot pay zakat.
Only the wealthy can do that.
And that shook me.
Because when I started saving gold through Public Gold, I didn’t think of myself as wealthy.
I just wanted to protect my savings from inflation.
To set aside something real.
To be disciplined.
But the truth is – once your gold savings cross 85 grams and have been held for a year, you are no longer “just a saver.”
You are someone with enough.
And that comes with responsibility.
What Is Zakat on Gold?
Zakat is 2.5% of your gold savings, once:
- It exceeds 85 grams, and
- You’ve held it for one lunar year
In Singapore, you can calculate and pay your zakat easily via MUIS – even if your gold is stored in Malaysia or bought through Public Gold.
Below is the Zakat calculator from MUIS.
For example, let’s say the combined weight of my physical gold bars is 100gm – the zakat payable for my gold assets is $319.05. This is for March 2025.
Source: https://pay.zakat.sg/calculator
Zakat calculations are simple – it’s based on market value of gold.
But what’s not simple – is the mindset.
Zakat Is Not a Penalty. It’s a Privilege.
Zakat isn’t something you lose.
It’s something you are chosen to give.
And I say this with full awareness:
When I give zakat on my gold, I’m reminded that I’ve been given something others haven’t.
It humbles me.
It protects me.
It reminds me that my gold is not just savings – it’s trust. And that trust includes fulfilling the right of those who need it.
The Misconception That Gold Savers Are Investors
Some people think buying gold is for traders or rich people who want to speculate.
I disagree.
I’m not an investor.
I’m a Muslim woman who’s been self-employed for over a decade.
No corporate bonuses. No pension. Just self-discipline and long-term thinking.
I bought gold not to flip for profit – but to freeze a portion of my savings.
To take it out of reach – from inflation, from temptation, from forgetfulness.
And when the time came to pay zakat – I did.
Not because I had to.
But because I could.
If you’ve been saving gold, check your numbers.
Has it passed 85 grams? Has it been a year?
If yes, it’s not a loss to give 2.5%.
It’s a gift to be able to.
