About Zakat
Zakat (Arabic: زكاة) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is an obligatory annual charitable contribution paid by eligible Muslims on wealth that has been held for at least one lunar year (hawl) and exceeds the nisab threshold. Zakat is typically calculated at 2.5% of net zakatable wealth — that is, total zakatable assets minus immediate liabilities.
What counts as zakatable wealth?
- Cash, savings, and current account balances
- Gold and silver (at current market value)
- Stocks, shares, and investment funds
- Business inventory (goods held for sale)
- Money owed to you that you expect to be repaid
Property you live in, personal possessions (furniture, clothing, vehicles for personal use), and pension funds that are not accessible are generally not zakatable, though scholarly opinion varies. Consult a scholar for your specific situation.
Understanding the Nisab
Nisab is the minimum threshold of wealth above which Zakat becomes obligatory. It is traditionally defined as the value of 85 grams of gold (gold nisab) or 595 grams of silver (silver nisab). Because precious metal prices fluctuate, the nisab in any currency changes regularly. The calculator uses the lower of the two nisab values (silver nisab) by default — the more conservative and commonly applied standard — but allows you to update the thresholds to match your local zakat authority's current figures.
Important note
This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes only. Zakat rulings can be complex and vary by scholarly tradition and jurisdiction. Always verify your obligation with your local zakat body (e.g., National Zakat Foundation in the UK, Zakat Foundation of America, or your local Islamic authority) or a qualified Islamic scholar before paying.