What zakat is
Zakat is the yearly charity that Muslims pay on savings and certain kinds of wealth, once that wealth is above a minimum amount called the nisab and has been held for one lunar year (the hawl). It's one of the five pillars of Islam. The rate on money, gold, silver, savings and trade goods is 2.5%, or one fortieth.
How the calculator works it out
wealth = cash + savings + gold + silver + business stock + money owed to you − debts due now
if wealth ≥ nisab: zakat = wealth × 2.5%
The nisab is set by weight, so its value changes with metal prices:
- Silver nisab: 612.36 grams (52.5 tola) × today's silver price per gram.
- Gold nisab: 87.48 grams (7.5 tola) × today's gold price per gram.
Some organisations round these to 595 g of silver and 85 g of gold. The difference is small, but if your wealth is close to the line, ask your local mosque which figure they follow.
Worked example
You have 5,000 in the bank, gold jewellery worth 3,000, and a credit card bill of 500 due this month.
Wealth counted: 5,000 + 3,000 − 500 = 7,500.
If silver costs 1.20 per gram, the silver nisab is 612.36 × 1.20 = 734.83. You're above it.
Zakat: 7,500 × 0.025 = 187.50.
Gold or silver nisab: which to use?
Silver is far cheaper than gold, so the silver nisab is a much lower threshold. Many scholars recommend it today because more people end up paying, which means more help for those in need. Others say the gold nisab is fairer for people whose wealth is only cash. Both views are widely held. If you're unsure, follow the advice of a scholar you trust.
What to include, and what to leave out
| Include | Usually leave out |
|---|---|
| Cash at home and in bank accounts | The home you live in |
| Gold and silver (jewellery, coins, bars) | Your car and furniture |
| Shares and funds held to sell or grow | Clothes and personal items |
| Stock your business holds for sale | Tools and equipment used for work |
| Loans you've given that will be repaid | Money you've already spent |
Scholars differ on gold jewellery that's worn regularly. The Hanafi school counts it, while the other main schools often don't. Pensions and long-term mortgages are also handled in different ways. Usually only the payments due now are taken off, not the whole loan.
Who can receive zakat
The Qur'an (9:60) names eight groups, including the poor, the needy, people in debt and travellers in hardship. Zakat can't be given to your own parents, grandparents, children or grandchildren, because supporting them is already your duty.
Please note: this calculator follows the most common method, but zakat rules have details that depend on your situation and your school of thought. For complex cases like business assets, property for rent or pensions, ask a qualified scholar.
Frequently asked questions
When should I pay zakat?
Once a lunar year, on the date your wealth first went above the nisab. Many people choose a fixed date, such as the start of Ramadan, so it's easy to remember. Because the lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, the date moves earlier each year on the usual calendar.
Where do I find today's gold or silver price?
Ask a local jeweller or use a gold rate website for your country. Use the price per gram of 24-carat gold or pure silver, in the same currency as the rest of your figures.
Do I pay zakat if I'm below the nisab?
No. If your wealth after debts is below the nisab, no zakat is due. You can still give voluntary charity (sadaqah) whenever you like.
Why is my result shown without a nisab check?
The calculator needs today's metal price to work out the nisab. Until you enter one, it shows 2.5% of your wealth so you can see the amount, but it can't tell you whether zakat is due.