How much Zakat do I pay on gold?

You pay 2.5% of the current market value of your gold holdings, provided you have owned the gold for one full lunar year (Hawl) and its value exceeds the Nisab.

Is Zakat due on cryptocurrency?

Yes. Contemporary Islamic scholars including those at the Islamic Fiqh Academy consider cryptocurrency a zakatable asset. Pay 2.5% on its market value on your Zakat date.

Zakat Calculator 2026 — Gold, Cash, Crypto, Stocks

Quick Answer: Zakat is 2.5% of your total net zakatable wealth (assets minus immediate debts) if it equals or exceeds the Nisab threshold and has been held for one full lunar year (Hawl). Use the calculator above for an instant result.

What Is Zakat? A Complete Guide

Zakat (Arabic: زكاة) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam — the obligatory annual almsgiving that every eligible Muslim must pay. The word "Zakat" comes from the Arabic root meaning purification and growth. By paying Zakat, Muslims purify their wealth spiritually while contributing to the welfare of their community.

Zakat is mentioned 32 times in the Quran, often alongside Salah (prayer), highlighting its central importance in Islam. The Quran states: "Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah's blessings] upon them." (Quran 9:103)

Unlike voluntary charity (Sadaqah), Zakat is a religious obligation with specific rules, thresholds, eligible recipients, and calculation methods defined by Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh).

Who Must Pay Zakat?

Zakat is obligatory on every Muslim who meets all of the following conditions:

Muslim: Zakat is only obligatory on Muslims
Adult (Baligh): Has reached the age of puberty
Sane (Aaqil): Is of sound mind
Free (Hurr): Is not in a state of slavery
Owns Nisab: Possesses wealth equal to or above the Nisab threshold
Hawl has passed: Has held that wealth for one complete lunar year

Some scholars also require that the wealth be "in excess of one's basic needs," though the majority opinion is that the Nisab threshold itself accounts for this.

What Is Nisab and How Is It Calculated in 2026?

Nisab is the minimum threshold of wealth above which Zakat becomes obligatory. There are two Nisab values used today, based on the prophetic sunnah:

Nisab Method	Weight	Approx. Value (USD)	Approx. Value (AED)
Gold Nisab	85 grams of gold	~$8,372	~30,727 AED
Silver Nisab	595 grams of silver	~$685	~2,514 AED

Values are approximate and fluctuate with market prices. Our calculator uses current approximate gold and silver prices.

Most contemporary scholars — including the Islamic Fiqh Academy, the European Council for Fatwa and Research, and scholars like Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi — recommend using the silver Nisab. This is because silver Nisab is lower, meaning more Muslims are included in the obligation of Zakat, which serves the social welfare purpose of Zakat more effectively.

What Assets Are Zakatable?

Islamic jurisprudence identifies several categories of zakatable wealth. Here is a comprehensive breakdown:

Cash and Bank Savings

All cash in hand and in bank accounts is zakatable. This includes current accounts, savings accounts, fixed deposits, and money market funds. The full balance on your Zakat date is included, regardless of whether interest is earned (interest earnings should be given away to charity separately).

Gold and Silver

All gold and silver owned for investment or saving purposes is zakatable at 2.5% of its current market value. Gold jewellery is a matter of scholarly debate — the Hanafi and Maliki schools consider all jewellery zakatable, while the Shafi'i and Hanbali schools exempt jewellery in personal use. To be safe, many contemporary scholars recommend paying Zakat on all gold and silver above the Nisab.

Stocks and Shares

Stocks are zakatable. The most widely accepted method is the Market Value Method: pay 2.5% on the total current market value of your shares on your Zakat date. An alternative scholarly opinion (the Underlying Asset Method) requires a more detailed analysis of the company's zakatable assets per share. Our calculator uses the market value method for simplicity.

Cryptocurrency

Contemporary Islamic scholars including those at Darul Uloom Deoband, Al-Azhar, and the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA) consider cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) a zakatable asset when held as an investment. Pay 2.5% of the market value on your Zakat date. Crypto used for direct transactions is treated like currency.

Business Inventory and Receivables

Business owners must include the value of goods held for sale (inventory) and money owed to the business that is likely to be recovered (receivables). Fixed assets like machinery and buildings used in production are not zakatable.

Rental Income

Net rental income accumulated over the year is zakatable if it reaches the Nisab and has been held for a year. Note: the property itself (building) is not zakatable — only the income it generates.

What Assets Are NOT Zakatable?

The following are generally not subject to Zakat:

Your primary home (residence)
Vehicles for personal use
Furniture and household items
Tools and equipment used in your profession
Fixed business assets (machinery, commercial property)
Pension funds in many scholarly opinions (check with a scholar)
Debts owed by insolvent debtors unlikely to repay

How to Calculate Zakat — Step by Step

Set your Zakat date: Choose one consistent date each year — Ramadan 1st is popular
List all zakatable assets: Cash, gold, silver, stocks, crypto, business inventory, receivables, rental income
Calculate their total current value in your chosen currency on that date
Deduct immediate debts: Only debts due within the coming year are deductible
Check against Nisab: Is your net wealth above the Nisab threshold?
If yes — pay 2.5%: This is your annual Zakat obligation

Who Can Receive Zakat?

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

#	Category (Arabic)	Description
1	Al-Fuqara (الفقراء)	The poor — those with little or no income
2	Al-Masakin (المساكين)	The needy — those whose income is insufficient
3	Al-Amilin (العاملين عليها)	Zakat administrators and collectors
4	Al-Mu'allafah Qulubuhum (المؤلفة قلوبهم)	Those whose hearts are being reconciled to Islam
5	Fi al-Riqab (في الرقاب)	Freeing of slaves or captives
6	Al-Gharimin (الغارمين)	Those in debt through no fault of their own
7	Fi Sabilillah (في سبيل الله)	In the cause of Allah (Islamic education, da'wah, etc.)
8	Ibn al-Sabil (ابن السبيل)	The stranded traveller

Zakat Calculator by Country

Our Zakat calculator supports Muslims in 12 countries and currencies. For country-specific guidance on where to pay Zakat locally, see our dedicated pages:

Zakat Calculator UAE (AED) — local charity organisations and guidance
Zakat Calculator Saudi Arabia (SAR) — ZATCA requirements
Zakat Calculator UK (GBP) — NZF and Islamic Relief guidance
Zakat Calculator Pakistan (PKR) — local nisab and recipients
Zakat Calculator Malaysia (MYR) — JAKIM and state zakat bodies
Zakat Calculator USA (USD) — ISNA and AMJA guidance

Common Zakat Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting crypto or stocks: These are zakatable assets just like gold
Deducting too many debts: Only immediate debts due this year are deductible
Using the wrong Nisab: Gold and silver Nisab can differ significantly
Not checking Hawl: Wealth must be held for a full lunar year
Excluding business inventory: If you sell goods, their stock is zakatable
Paying Zakat on fixed assets: Machinery and buildings used in business are NOT zakatable

Key Takeaways

Zakat is 2.5% of total zakatable wealth above the Nisab, held for one lunar year
Zakatable assets include cash, gold, silver, stocks, crypto, business inventory
Immediate debts (due within the year) can be deducted
Most scholars recommend the silver Nisab (~595g of silver)
Gold jewellery for personal use is debated — Hanafi/Maliki schools consider it zakatable
Cryptocurrency is zakatable according to the majority of contemporary scholars

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QuantixTools Islamic Finance Team

This calculator is based on published guidance from the Islamic Fiqh Academy, AAOIFI Shariah Standards, and recognised contemporary scholars. For personal rulings (fatwa), please consult a qualified Islamic scholar.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zakat

What is the Nisab for Zakat in 2026?

In 2026, the silver Nisab (595 grams of silver) is approximately $685 USD / 2,514 AED / 2,569 SAR. The gold Nisab (85 grams of gold) is approximately $8,372 USD / 30,727 AED. These values fluctuate with precious metal prices — use our calculator for the most current estimate.

Do I pay Zakat on money I will receive (future income)?

No. You pay Zakat only on wealth you actually possess on your Zakat date, not on expected future income. However, once that income is received and a full Hawl (lunar year) has passed with it above Nisab, Zakat becomes due on it.

Is Zakat due on a pension or retirement fund?

This is a matter of scholarly debate. Many contemporary scholars say Zakat is due on the accessible value of pension funds (the amount you could withdraw today). Others say Zakat is only due when funds are actually received. The safest position is to pay Zakat on any portion you can access, and pay on the full amount when you receive it. Consult your local scholar for a specific ruling.

Can I give Zakat to my own family members?

You cannot give Zakat to those you are financially responsible for (spouse, children, parents). However, you can give Zakat to other relatives such as siblings, cousins, or aunts and uncles — provided they are eligible (poor or needy) and you are not legally obligated to support them.

When is the best time to pay Zakat?

Zakat can be paid at any time of year once it becomes due. Many Muslims choose to pay during Ramadan because charitable deeds are multiplied in reward during this month. What matters most is that you pay within one year of Zakat becoming due. You may also spread payments throughout the year in monthly instalments.

What happens if I don't pay Zakat?

Neglecting Zakat without a valid excuse is a major sin in Islam. The Quran warns those who hoard wealth and do not pay Zakat of severe consequences (Quran 9:34-35). In addition, unpaid Zakat remains a debt on one's wealth that must be settled — it does not expire. Those who die with unpaid Zakat have it as a financial obligation that their estate must fulfill.

Is Zakat required on gold I wear as jewellery?

This is one of the most debated questions in Zakat fiqh. The Hanafi and Maliki schools require Zakat on all gold and silver, including jewellery worn regularly. The Shafi'i and Hanbali schools exempt jewellery intended solely for permitted personal use. Given the scholarly disagreement, many contemporary scholars recommend paying Zakat on gold jewellery as a precaution (ihtiyat).

How do I calculate Zakat on shares/stocks?

The most widely accepted method is the Market Value Method: multiply your total number of shares by the current share price on your Zakat date, then pay 2.5% of that value. A more detailed method (Underlying Asset Method) involves calculating the zakatable assets of the company per share, but this requires detailed financial statements. Most individual investors use the simpler market value method.

What is the difference between Zakat and Sadaqah?

Zakat is an obligatory annual payment with specific rules — a fixed percentage (2.5%), specific thresholds (Nisab), specific eligible recipients (eight categories in Quran 9:60), and the requirement of a one-year holding period. Sadaqah is voluntary charity with no fixed amount, no specific recipients, and no time requirements. Both are acts of worship, but Zakat is a pillar of Islam.

Can Zakat be given to Islamic organisations and charities?

Yes, provided the organisation distributes Zakat to eligible recipients. Reputable international Islamic charities like Islamic Relief, National Zakat Foundation (NZF), and local zakat bodies are eligible recipients. Verify that the organisation has a dedicated Zakat fund and distributes to the eight Quranic categories before donating.

Related Zakat Guides

Sources & References

Islamic Fiqh Academy — Zakat Rulings
Islamic Relief — Zakat Calculator Guidance
National Zakat Foundation (UK)
AAOIFI Shariah Standard No. 35 — Zakat
Quran 9:60 — Eight Categories of Zakat Recipients

Zakat Calculator — Gold, Cash, Crypto & All Assets