About Zakat

Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a form of obligatory charity that has a major role in Islamic social finance. It is an obligation for eligible Muslims to give a portion of their wealth to specific categories of people in need.

The word Zakat means "purification" and "growth." By giving Zakat, Muslims purify their wealth and gain spiritual growth.

Zakat is obligatory on every Muslim who possesses wealth equal to or exceeding the nisab threshold (minimum amount) for one lunar year (Hawl).

The nisab is generally defined as the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver, depending on the school of thought.

Zakat is typically calculated at 2.5% of a Muslim's total savings and wealth that has been in their possession for one lunar year.

Different schools of thought may have slight variations in calculation methods, particularly regarding what assets are zakatable and how the nisab is determined.

• Hanafi: Uses silver as the primary nisab reference and includes more asset types.
• Maliki: Focuses on growth assets and has specific rules for agricultural produce.
• Shafi'i: Similar to Hanafi but with some differences in asset classification.
• Hanbali: Considers both gold and silver for nisab and has detailed rules for business assets.

The Quran (9:60) specifies eight categories of people who are eligible to receive Zakat:

1. The poor (al-fuqarā')
2. The needy (al-masākīn)
3. Zakat administrators
4. Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
5. Those in bondage (slaves and captives)
6. The debt-ridden
7. In the cause of Allah (fi sabilillah)
8. The wayfarer

This Zakat calculator is designed to help Muslims calculate their Zakat obligation based on different schools of thought. It provides a comprehensive approach to Zakat calculation, taking into account various asset types and currencies.

The calculator uses real-time gold and silver prices to determine the nisab threshold and allows users to save their calculations for future reference.

While we strive for accuracy, this calculator is provided as a guide only. For specific rulings related to your personal situation, please consult with a qualified Islamic scholar.