Zakat Essentials - Who Pays, How Much, To Whom
Zakat - 2.5% of qualifying wealth held for a lunar year above the nisab - purifies wealth and funds the eight eligible categories named in the Quran.
Also searched as: zakat ka nisab | zakat rules | zakat calculator | zakat kin ko dein
How to
Steps in order
- 1List all zakatable assets on your zakat date (one lunar year after you first owned nisab).
- 2Subtract immediate debts and dues.
- 3Check the total against nisab; if above, pay 2.5% to eligible recipients.
- 4Use our calculators for gold, silver, cash, business, harvest and livestock.
The calculation
Nisab is the minimum threshold (value of 87.48g gold or 612.36g silver); wealth above it held for one hijri year pays 2.5% on cash, gold, silver, trade goods and investments - each asset class has details.
Debts due, immediate expenses and personal-use items are excluded; harvest has ushr (5-10%) and livestock its own schedule.
The eight recipients
The poor, the needy, zakat workers, those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing captives, debtors, in the path of Allah, and stranded travelers - Quran 9:60.
Parents, children and spouses cannot receive your zakat; give it to the eligible around you first, then further.
Sources & review
Quran 9:60; Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim (zakat rulings)
Learn personal details from a qualified teacher; minor school differences exist.
Educational content — not a fatwa. See methodology and disclaimer.
Reviewed • 2026-01-01Our methodology
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is zakat due on my house and car?
No - personal-use assets are exempt; only growing or held wealth (cash, gold, trade goods, investments) counts.
Gold or silver nisab - which one?
Scholars differ; the silver nisab includes more people and benefits the poor - our calculator shows both.
Can I pay zakat to my brother or masjid?
Needy siblings may receive it; masjids only if the funds reach the eligible poor, not for construction.
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