My response: First, we need to agree and be clear that wealth is a responsibility upon it's owner. Allah the Almighty has said, in the sura of At-Takathur " The mutual rivalry (for piling up of worldly things) diverts you" 102:1 ......." then in that Day you shall be asked about the blessings (delights) you indulged in, in this world)!" 102:8.
Now let's get to the answers to the questions I posed:
Question 1: Should Zakat be calculated as a family, or as individuals?
Answer: Zakat should be calculated as individuals. In our example, the Gold should be separated while calculating Zakat. Since the wife’s Gold is less than the Nisaab (85g), and this is the only Zakatable asset she owns, she should not be paying Zakat.
Question 2: In the example, would the Zakat amount be the same or different if they had calculated it individually?
Answer: The Zakat amount would be different as if calculated individually, the wife will not pay Zakat on her gold. If it was combined with the Husband's wealth, then they would be paying Zakat on the gold too.
Importance of Intention Our approach to all the five pillars of Islam must start with intentions. Zakat is an act of Ibadah (worship) and this act should be performed by an individual, requiring an individual's intention while calculating & making the intention to pay Zakat.
If the family owns a joint account, let’s say the husband is the breadwinner, then he should pay on those savings but not his wife. Ownership is critically important unless they agree to owning 50% of the savings each.
Why is it important to know how much wealth you own?
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is reported to have said:
“The feet of a servant will not move on the Day of Judgment until he has been questioned about four things): his life - how he spent it, his knowledge - how he acted upon it, his wealth - where he earned it and how he spent it, and his body - how he used it.” [Tirmidhi, Kitab Sifat al-Qiyaama war Raqa’iq, no. 2417.]
My practical advice:
If you and your spouse have a joint account, you should agree on the percentage amount that each of you own, either based on your income or the amount put forward by each.
In this case, each person should calculate their Zakat on the percentage amount that they own of the joint savings plus any other assets such as jewellery etc.
I hope this helps clarify why we need to have a separate intention for an individual for purification of hearts and wealth, as well as worship of Allah for greater reward.
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