What is zakat?
Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. A Muslim who owns wealth at or above a minimum amount, called the nisab, for one full Islamic (lunar) year pays 2.5% of that wealth to people who are eligible to receive it. It is an obligation, not voluntary charity, and its purpose is to purify wealth and support those in need.
Nisab in Pakistan: gold and silver
The nisab is set by weight, not by a fixed rupee amount, so its value in rupees changes with gold and silver prices. That is why this calculator asks for today's rates.
| Nisab | In tola | In grams |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 7.5 tola | 87.48 g |
| Silver | 52.5 tola | 612.36 g |
One tola equals 11.664 grams. In the Hanafi school, if a person owns only gold and nothing else that is zakatable, zakat is due when the gold reaches 7.5 tola. If wealth is a mix of gold, silver, cash or other assets, their combined value is compared with the silver nisab, which is lower in rupees and so includes more people. The calculator's automatic option applies exactly this rule.
How to calculate zakat step by step
- Fix your zakat date. Zakat is due once a lunar year has passed since your wealth first reached the nisab. Many people use the same date every year, often in Ramazan.
- Enter today's gold and silver rates per tola. Use the rate for the purity of your gold.
- Add everything zakatable you own on that date: gold, silver, cash, bank balances, money owed to you, business stock and investments.
- Subtract debts due now, such as loan instalments, unpaid bills and salaries you owe.
- Pay 2.5% of the remaining amount if it is at or above the nisab.
What to include and what to leave out
Include
- Gold and silver, including jewellery (Hanafi view)
- Cash at home and in all bank accounts
- Money lent that you expect to get back
- Stock held for sale in a business, at sale value
- Shares, mutual funds, prize bonds, foreign currency
- Plots or property bought with the intention of selling
Leave out
- The house you live in
- Your personal car and motorbike
- Furniture, clothes and household items
- Tools and machinery used to run your business
- Rental property itself (but include saved rent)
- Debts you are unlikely to recover
Scholars differ on a few items, such as jewellery that is worn and money lent long term. If you are unsure, follow the guidance of a scholar you trust.
Zakat deducted by banks in Pakistan
Under Pakistan's Zakat and Ushr Ordinance, 1980, banks deduct zakat from certain savings and deposit accounts on the first day of Ramazan when the balance is above the nisab amount announced by the government for that year. If your bank has already deducted zakat on an account, count that amount as paid and subtract it from what this calculator shows. People who are exempt on grounds of faith or fiqh can submit a zakat declaration (commonly known as form CZ-50) to their bank before the deduction date. Ask your branch for the current process.
Who can receive zakat?
The Quran (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:60) names eight groups who can receive zakat, including the poor, the needy, people in debt and travellers in difficulty. In practice, most people in Pakistan give to deserving relatives (other than parents, grandparents, children and spouse), neighbours in need, or registered welfare organisations that collect zakat separately from general donations.
Working out the value of a plot before deciding if it counts? Our marla to square feet calculator converts marla, kanal and acres so you can apply your local price per square foot.
Frequently asked questions
What is the zakat rate?
Zakat is 2.5% of zakatable wealth that is at or above the nisab and has been held for one lunar year.
What is the nisab of zakat in Pakistan?
The nisab is 7.5 tola (87.48 g) of gold or 52.5 tola (612.36 g) of silver. Its rupee value changes daily with gold and silver prices, so multiply the weight by today's rate.
Should I use the gold or silver nisab?
In the Hanafi school, use the gold nisab if you own only gold. If you own a mix of assets, such as gold and cash, compare the total with the silver nisab. The automatic option in the calculator does this for you.
Is zakat due on gold jewellery that I wear?
According to the Hanafi school, which most people in Pakistan follow, yes. Some other schools of thought exempt jewellery in regular personal use.
Is zakat due on my house or car?
No. The house you live in and a car for personal use are not zakatable. Property bought to resell is zakatable at its current market value.
Does this calculator store my financial details?
No. All calculations run in your browser and nothing is sent or saved.