Zakat Calculator

Zakat is the third pillar of Islam. It signifies the amount of wealth a Muslim pays to the poor and less privileged people. Zakat is a compulsory act of worship and signifies the responsibility and duty the richer have towards those in need. Literal meaning of the word Zakat is ‘to cleanse.’ Muslims believe that paying Zakat purifies their wealth and pleases Allah SWT.

Nisab is a term that denotes the minimum amount of wealth Muslims must have before Zakat becomes obligatory upon them. They are required to donate 2.5% of their total wealth to those in need.

Nisab was set by Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) at 20 Mithqaal of gold or 200 dirhams of silver. This is the equivalent of 87.48 grams (7.5 tola) of gold and 612.36 grams (52.5 tola) of silver, respectively.

Important Note: If someone possesses only gold, then the Nisab level for gold (87.48 grams) must be used. However, if a mixture of assets are possessed then the (lower) silver Nisab level must be used.

Zakat brings one closer to Allah SWT. As an obligatory act of charity, it ensures that the poor and needy are protected from deprivation and financial insecurity.

Here are the eight categories of recipients:

• The poor (Fuqara)
• The needy (Masakeen)
• Collectors of Zakat (Al-‘Aamileen)
• Convert Muslims (Al-Mu’allafatu-Al-Quloob)
• Freeing slaves (Ar-Riqaab)
• Debtors (Gharimeen)
• The way of Allah SWT (fi Sabilillah)
• Wayfarers (Ibn-us-sabil)

Zakat must be paid by the one who is:

• Muslim
• Major (Baligh)
• Sane
• Owner of wealth above the level of Nisab

If all the above apply, you have to pay 2.5% Zakat on all of your savings and other applicable assets.