Fatwa #441720 December 2001South Africa
Platinum is more rare/precious than gold. Discovered recently (+400 yrs). Why no Zakaat? Plat. Jewellery is more expensive than gold.
Question
Platinum if it had been discovered in the time of the prophet (saws) would have been used like gold, maybe more so because its characteristics. Like intoxicants are forbidden,of "dates and grapes", but also of potatoes(vodka) or rice (sushi), since the latter was "discovered" later.
Answer
At the time of Rasulullah (SAW), there were other natural valuables besides
gold and silver as platinum is available today. But only gold and silver
have been mentioned independently as zakaatable. However, the Fuqaha have
discussed the illat (underlying reasons) of the six zakaatable items
mentioned in the Hadith. If those reasons with the conditions of zakaat
being compulsory are found in platinum, then only will platinum be
zakaatable.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.
gold and silver as platinum is available today. But only gold and silver
have been mentioned independently as zakaatable. However, the Fuqaha have
discussed the illat (underlying reasons) of the six zakaatable items
mentioned in the Hadith. If those reasons with the conditions of zakaat
being compulsory are found in platinum, then only will platinum be
zakaatable.
and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.