Introduction
Nisab (نِصاب) is the minimum threshold of wealth specified by Shariah. If a person's net Zakatable assets equal or exceed the Nisab threshold on their Zakat anniversary date, Zakat (2.5%) becomes mandatory upon their entire Zakatable wealth.
In Fatawa Razawiyyah (Volume 10) and Bahar-e-Shariat (Part 5), Aala Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمه الله عليه) provided precise research on classical Shar'i weights (Mithqal and Dirham), traditional South Asian units (Tola and Masha), and modern metric equivalents.
Section 1: The Religious Basis of Nisab
Nisab was established directly by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) based on the currency standards of his time: Gold Dinar (weighed in Mithqals) and Silver Dirham.
1. Gold Nisab Standard
- Shar'i Weight: 20 Shar'i Mithqals (مثقال)
- Traditional Unit: 7.5 Tolas (تولہ)
- Metric Weight: 87.48 Grams (or ~87.479g pure gold)
2. Silver Nisab Standard
- Shar'i Weight: 200 Shar'i Dirhams (درہم)
- Traditional Unit: 52.5 Tolas (تولہ)
- Metric Weight: 612.36 Grams (or ~612.35g pure silver)
Section 2: Traditional Weight Units vs. Modern Metric Grams
Aala Hazrat (رحمه الله عليه) meticulously verified the weight conversions between classical Shar'i measures and modern mass metrics:
- 1 Shar'i Mithqal = 4.374 Grams
- 20 Mithqals (Gold Nisab) = 20 × 4.374g = 87.48 Grams (7.5 Tolas)
- 1 Shar'i Dirham = 3.0618 Grams
- 200 Dirhams (Silver Nisab) = 200 × 3.0618g = 612.36 Grams (52.5 Tolas)
- 1 Tola = 12 Mashas = 11.664 Grams
Important Distinction: The religious standard is fixed permanently by weight (7.5 Tolas Gold / 52.5 Tolas Silver). The monetary cash value of Nisab changes continuously because market prices of gold and silver fluctuate daily.
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Section 3: Why Different Websites Show Slightly Different Gram Conversions
Muslims often notice small variations across Islamic publications (e.g. 87.48g vs 85g for gold, or 612.36g vs 595g for silver).
Reasons for Variations:
- Traditional Tola Weight (11.664g): Used in South Asia and verified by Aala Hazrat (7.5 Tolas × 11.664g = 87.48g; 52.5 Tolas × 11.664g = 612.36g).
- Modern Metric Tola / Troy Ounce Conversions: Some Arab or Western publishers use historical regional dirhams resulting in 2.975g per dirham (200 × 2.975g = 595g).
SALAH Live uses the authentic Aala Hazrat / Hanafi research standard (87.48g Gold / 612.36g Silver).
Section 4: Determining Monetary Nisab for Cash and Mixed Assets
When calculating Zakat on cash, bank accounts, or mixed assets (cash + gold + silver + business stock), which Nisab standard applies?
The Hanafi Jurisprudential Rule (Anfa' lil-Fuqara):
In Hanafi Fiqh and Aala Hazrat's fatawa, when cash or mixed assets are being evaluated, the Silver Nisab value (the current market price of 612.36 grams of pure silver) is applied.
Why Silver Nisab is Applied for Mixed Assets:
Silver Nisab produces a lower monetary threshold than Gold Nisab in modern times. Applying Silver Nisab ensures that more individuals qualify as Zakat payers, thereby maximizing financial relief for the poor and destitute (Anfa' lil-Fuqara - most beneficial for the poor).
Example Calculation of Current Silver Nisab Value:
- Silver Rate: Suppose silver is $0.90 USD per gram.
- Silver Nisab (612.36g): 612.36 × $0.90 = $551.12 USD.
- Result: Anyone whose net Zakatable cash, bank balances, and trade stock equal or exceed $551.12 USD must pay 2.5% Zakat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. If I only own gold and no other asset, which Nisab applies?
If you own only gold (and zero silver, zero cash, zero trade stock, zero receivables), your Zakat obligation is judged against the Gold Nisab (7.5 Tolas / 87.48 grams). If you own less than 87.48 grams of gold and no other Zakatable asset, no Zakat is due.
2. What if I own 4 Tolas of gold and some cash?
Because you own mixed assets (gold + cash), the assets are combined in monetary value and judged against the Silver Nisab threshold under Hanafi Fiqh.
Aala Hazrat & Hanafi Scholarly References
- Fatawa Razawiyyah (فتاویٰ رضویہ): Imam Ahmad Raza Khan (رحمه الله عليه), Volume 10, Bab-un-Nisab, Pages 66–110.
- Bahar-e-Shariat (بہارِ شریعت): Sadr-ush-Shari'ah Allama Mufti Amjad Ali Aazmi (رحمه الله عليه), Part 5, Nisab of Gold & Silver.
- Al-Bahr-ur-Ra'iq: Imam Ibn Nujaym al-Hanafi (رحمه الله عليه), Kitab-uz-Zakat.
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