The Hanafi school is the largest of the four Sunni madhabs, followed by a significant portion of Muslims worldwide — particularly in Turkey, Central Asia, South Asia, and parts of the Middle East. It was founded by Imam Abu Hanifa (699-767 CE) and further developed by his students, most notably Imam Abu Yusuf and Imam Muhammad al-Shaybani.
In matters of Zakat, the Hanafi school is notable for considering all gold and silver to be zakatable, regardless of whether it is jewelry in personal use. According to this school, a person wearing gold jewelry includes its value in their Zakat calculation (al-Hidaya 1/103; Radd al-Muhtar 2/298). The Hanafi school also has specific rules regarding debt deduction — generally allowing debts to be deducted from zakatable wealth — and the treatment of business assets.
The Hanafi methodology is known for its emphasis on analogical reasoning (qiyas) and juristic preference (istihsan). In Zakat calculation, this translates to a systematic approach that considers the Nisab at the beginning and end of the Hawl period, without necessarily requiring continuous possession above the threshold throughout the year.