QUESTION:
As Salaamu Alaikum,
I’ve realized that with the recent update to the Darul Uloom website that the Nisab valuation is not displayed or at least not as easily available anymore if that could be addressed.
Also, I have few questions about Zakat and Nisab as a young Muslim.
Firstly, I’ve seen that there are two varying Nisab rates for Gold and Silver: 85 grams of Gold and 595 grams of silver; and, 87.46 grams of Gold and 612.48 grams of silver
Why are there varying rates? and could you quote the hadiths based on this information as well
Secondly, the rate of zakat is at 2.5%. Let’s say it’s just cash I have, does that rate apply to my total cash balance or what is in excess of the nisab?
Thirdly, is zakat payable from the moment I reach the Nisab threshold or the 1-year anniversary of having the nisab amount?
JazakAllah Khair in advance
ANSWER:
Assalamu Alaikum,
Wa Alaikum As Salaam,
Inshallah, we will look into displaying the Nisab of Zakah on the site.
- The difference in the Nisab of gold being 85 grams or 87.46 grams and the Nisab of silver being 595 grams or 612.48 grams is not a major one, and all can be used. The reason for this difference is basically, trying to identify accurately, the content of gold and silver found in 200 dirhams (of silver) and in 20 dinars (of gold), both of which were the Nisab given by the Prophet (S.A.W).
In this regard, the Prophet (S.A.W) is reported to have said, ‘And on silver, for every 200 dirhams (silver coin) the due is 2 ½ %’. (Sahih Muslim). In another tradition, the Prophet (S.A.W) said, ‘There is no Zakaah on anything less than five uqiyya of silver’. (Ahmad, Muslim)
While commenting on the above, Imam An Nawawi has stated that it is the unanimous opinion of the scholars that one uqiyya equals to 40 dirhams, thus five uqiyya equals to 200 dirhams (silver coins).
With respect to gold, the Prophet (S.A.W) is reported to have said, ‘In the case of gold, you have nothing to pay until you own 20 dinars (gold coins)’. (Abu Dawood).
From the above, it is established that the Nisab of gold is 20 dinars (gold coins) and that of silver is 200 dirhams (silver coins). Each being independent of the other.
It should be understood that dinars (gold coins) and dirhams (silver coins) were used as currencies during the time of the Prophet (S.A.W) and afterwards. However, when these were no longer used as currencies, the scholars had to determine the weight content of silver and gold found in those coins. It is on account of this, we see a little difference in weight given by mint factories of the past when they identified the amount of silver that was found in 200 dirhams and the amount of gold that was found in 20 dinars.
- Once your cash reaches the minimum Nisab, you must pay Zakaah on the total amount of your cash, and not only on what is in excess of the Nisaab.
- Zakaah is not payable from the moment you become a possessor of a Nisab. Instead, one year must pass over your money (when you continue to be in possession of the Nisab), and then you must pay Zakaah on that.
And Allah Knows best
Mufti Waseem Khan
17/04/2023