◆ Nisably

Learn About Zakat

Educational articles and guides to help you understand your Zakat obligations. Not a fatwa.

Note: All content here is educational only. Nisably is not a fatwa authority. For religious rulings, please consult a qualified Islamic scholar or trusted Zakat institution.

What is Zakat?

Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam — an obligatory annual charity on Muslims who meet the Nisab threshold. It is calculated as 2.5% of total Zakatable wealth that has been held for one full lunar year (Hawl).

What is Nisab?

Nisab is the minimum threshold of wealth above which Zakat becomes obligatory. It is typically calculated based on the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver. Scholars differ on which to use; Nisably shows you both and lets you choose with full transparency.

What is Hawl?

Hawl is the Islamic lunar year (approximately 354 days). Zakat is due once your wealth has been above the Nisab for one complete Hawl. If your wealth falls below Nisab during the year, the Hawl may need to restart — Nisably tracks this and alerts you.

What assets are Zakatable?

Generally, Zakatable assets include:

  • Cash (bank accounts, savings)
  • Gold and silver (in most scholarly opinions)
  • Business inventory and trade goods
  • Receivables (money owed to you)
  • Investments (varies — Nisably shows relevant notes)

Personal use assets (your home, car, furniture) are generally not Zakatable. Gold jewelry inclusion depends on the scholarly position you follow — Nisably shows you the difference of opinion and asks you to choose explicitly.

See how Nisably handles calculations with full transparency.

Read our methodology