Quick answer: Nisab is the minimum wealth a Muslim must hold before Zakat becomes due: the value of 87.48g of gold or 612.36g of silver. If your net wealth stays above nisab for one lunar year, you owe Zakat at 2.5%. Most scholars recommend the lower silver standard.
Quick answer: Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must own for a full lunar year before Zakat becomes due. It is set at the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. If your net zakatable wealth stays at or above this threshold for one Islamic year, you pay 2.5% of it as Zakat.
Nisab is like a special test for Zakat. If you have less than this amount, you don’t owe Zakat. If you have this much or more, then you owe 2.5% of your wealth. This guide will help you understand the gold and silver amounts. We’ll also look at which one to use and how the lunar-year rule (called “hawl”) works.
What is Nisab?
Nisab (نِصاب) is a special wealth level. It helps us know who needs to pay Zakat and who doesn’t. This way, only people with extra money pay Zakat. The two main ways to measure Nisab come from gold and silver. These metals were like stable money a long time ago.
| What It Is | How Much | Common Name |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Nisab | 87.48 grams | ≈ 7.5 tola / 20 mithqal |
| Silver Nisab | 612.36 grams | ≈ 52.5 tola / 200 dirham |
The price of gold and silver changes every day. This means the actual cash value of Nisab also changes. You can use a free Nisab calculator. It uses today’s prices so you’ll always know the current amount in your own money.
Gold or Silver Nisab — Which One Should You Use?
If all your money is in gold, use the gold amount. If it’s all in silver, use the silver amount. But what if you have different kinds of money and assets? Scholars have different ideas:
- Silver Nisab is a lower amount. This means more people might need to pay Zakat. Many scholars suggest using it because it helps more poor people.
- Gold Nisab is a higher amount. Some people prefer this one, especially if most of your money is in cash today.
If you’re not sure, it’s always best to ask a trusted local scholar. You can also follow the guidance of your specific school of thought (madhhab).
The Lunar-Year Rule (Hawl)
You only owe Zakat if your wealth has stayed at or above the Nisab amount for one full Islamic (lunar) year. We call this period the hawl. Here are some important things to remember:
- A lunar year is about 11 days shorter than our regular solar year. So, if you ever calculate Zakat using a solar calendar, the rate might feel a little higher than 2.5%.
- What if your wealth dips below Nisab for a short time during the year? Most scholars say this usually doesn’t reset your hawl. As long as you had Nisab at the start and end of the year, you’re usually good.
- The normal Zakat rate for money and similar wealth is 2.5% (which is 1/40).
What Counts Towards Nisab?
When we talk about wealth for Zakat, we usually include things like cash, money in bank accounts, gold and silver, items you sell in a business, stocks you hold for trading, and money that people owe you (if you expect to get it back). Things you use every day, like your home, car, or clothes, usually don’t count. For more details on specific items, check out our tools for Zakat on gold and Zakat on savings. You can also read our full guide to calculating Zakat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grams is the Nisab for Zakat?
It’s 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver. If your extra wealth meets either of these amounts for a full lunar year, you owe 2.5% Zakat.
Should I use the gold or silver Nisab?
Many scholars suggest using the silver amount for mixed wealth. It’s lower, so it helps more poor people. But how people do it can vary. Follow your local scholar or your madhhab’s guidance.
How much Zakat do I need to pay?
You pay 2.5% (one-fortieth) of your extra wealth. This is due after your wealth has been at or above the Nisab amount for one full lunar year.
Does my house or car count for Nisab?
No, they don’t. Things you use for yourself, like your home, car, and clothes, are usually not part of your Zakat calculation.
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Related Guides
- Zakat on Stocks — Learn how Nisab applies to your investments.
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