Third Pillar of Islam
Zakat is one of Islam's five pillars, alongside Shahada (faith), Salah (prayer), Sawm (fasting), and Hajj (pilgrimage). It is an act of worship and a social obligation.
Zakat Calculator
Work out how much Zakat you owe. Enter your zakatable assets and liabilities, set the current gold and silver prices, and the calculator shows your net wealth, the nisab threshold, and your Zakat due at 2.5%.
87.48 g
Gold Nisab
612.36 g
Silver Nisab
2.5%
Zakat Rate
~354 days
Hawl (lunar year)
Nisab settings
Enter the current gold and silver price per gram for your region. Nisab is calculated live from these rates — update them to today's market prices for an accurate result.
Nisab based on
The silver-based nisab is usually lower, so more people qualify to pay Zakat. Many scholars consider it the more conservative and inclusive choice — it is selected by default.
What Is Zakat?
Zakat (Arabic: زكاة) is the third pillar of Islam and one of the five fundamental obligations every Muslim must fulfill. It is a mandatory annual purification of wealth that redistributes a fixed portion of surplus assets to those in need.
“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves — you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.”
Purification of Wealth
Zakat "purifies" your accumulated wealth. It acknowledges that wealth is a trust from Allah (SWT) and that others have a rightful share in it.
Social Justice Mechanism
Zakat is Islam's built-in welfare system. It redistributes wealth from those who have to those in need, reducing inequality and alleviating poverty.
Annual Obligation (Hawl)
Zakat must be paid once per lunar year (Hawl — about 354 days) on wealth that has been in your possession above the Nisab for that full year.
How to Calculate Zakat
Calculating Zakat correctly involves a few key steps. Follow this process to ensure your Zakat is accurate and Shariah-compliant.
Determine Your Zakat Date (Hawl)
Your Hawl is the anniversary of the first date your wealth crossed the Nisab. Zakat is calculated on this date each year using the Islamic/lunar calendar.
Calculate Nisab Threshold
Find today's gold price (per gram) and multiply by 87.48g (gold Nisab) or use silver: silver price × 612.36g. This is your minimum threshold for Zakat to apply.
Add All Zakatable Assets
Total all zakatable assets: gold, silver, cash, savings, investments, business inventory, receivables, and money owed to you.
Subtract Immediate Liabilities
Deduct short-term debts and immediate bills due within the month. Do NOT deduct long-term mortgages in full.
Check Against Nisab
If your net zakatable wealth ≥ Nisab, Zakat is obligatory. If it falls below Nisab, no Zakat is due this year.
Apply 2.5% Rate
Multiply your net zakatable wealth by 0.025 (2.5%). The result is your Zakat amount due. Pay it to eligible recipients as soon as possible.
Zakat-Eligible Assets Guide
Not all wealth is subject to Zakat. Use this reference table to understand which assets are zakatable and at what rate.
| Asset Type | Zakatable? | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold (Investment / Bullion) | Yes | 2.5% | On full market value after one Hawl |
| Gold Jewellery (Personal Use) | Debated | 2.5% | Hanafi: Yes. Shafi'i/Maliki/Hanbali: No (if for personal use) |
| Silver (All forms) | Yes | 2.5% | All silver including tableware and ornaments |
| Cash in Hand | Yes | 2.5% | All physical currency held |
| Bank Savings | Yes | 2.5% | Exclude interest (riba); include only principal |
| Business Inventory | Yes | 2.5% | Valued at current market/selling price |
| Stocks / Shares | Partial | 2.5% | On zakatable portion (working capital, inventory) of the company |
| Halal Mutual Funds | Yes | 2.5% | On current Net Asset Value (NAV) |
| Rental Income (Saved) | Yes | 2.5% | If saved and held for Hawl |
| Investment Property | Partial | 2.5% | Only properties purchased with intent to resell |
| Primary Home | No | — | Personal residence is not zakatable |
| Vehicle (Personal Use) | No | — | Not zakatable unless used as business inventory |
| Agricultural Produce | Yes | 5–10% | Separate from standard Zakat (Ushr/Zakat ul Zar'a) |
| Livestock | Yes | Varies | Specific rules for camels, cattle, sheep/goats |
| Pension (Accessible) | Partial | 2.5% | Only on the portion you can withdraw today |
| Receivables (Confident) | Yes | 2.5% | Money owed to you that you expect to receive |
| Doubtful Debts | No | — | Pay Zakat only in the year it is recovered |
The 8 Categories of Zakat Recipients
The Quran (9:60) specifies eight categories of eligible Zakat recipients (Asnaf). Zakat must only be paid to those who qualify.
1. Al-Fuqara (الفقراء)
The poor — those whose wealth is below the Nisab threshold and lack basic necessities.
2. Al-Masakin (المساكين)
The destitute — those in severe poverty, often worse off than Fuqara.
3. Al-Amileen (العاملين)
Zakat collectors — those appointed by Islamic authorities to collect and distribute Zakat.
4. Al-Muallafah (المؤلفة)
Those whose hearts are to be reconciled — new Muslims or those sympathetic to Islam.
5. Ar-Riqab (الرقاب)
To free captives / slaves — today applied to those in bondage or trafficking situations.
6. Al-Gharimin (الغارمين)
Those in debt — people burdened with debts incurred for permissible purposes who cannot repay.
7. Fi Sabilillah (في سبيل الله)
In the cause of Allah — those striving in Allah's path including Islamic education and community causes.
8. Ibn As-Sabil (ابن السبيل)
The wayfarer — travellers who are stranded and in need, even if wealthy at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Zakat, Nisab, and how to calculate your annual obligation correctly.
Disclaimer: This Zakat calculator is provided as an educational tool to help estimate your Zakat obligation. Results are based on standard Hanafi/general Islamic finance principles. For complex financial situations, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar or certified Zakat institution. Nisab values should be verified with current gold/silver market prices. This tool does not constitute a fatwa.