When people think of zakat, they usually think of gold. But for most families in Pakistan, the silver nisab is the rule that actually decides whether zakat is due. This guide explains why, in simple words, with examples.
Today one tola of silver costs Rs 5,368.
What Is the Silver Nisab?
The nisab for silver is:
- 52.5 tola, which is 612.36 grams
At today’s rate, that is about Rs 281,820.
Compare that with the gold nisab of 7.5 tola, worth about Rs 3,103,500. The silver nisab is a much smaller amount of money.
Why the Silver Nisab Matters So Much
There are two cases:
1. You own only silver
If you own 52.5 tola of silver or more for a full Islamic year, zakat is due on it.
2. You own a mix of wealth
This is where most families are. If you own any combination of:
- some gold
- some silver
- cash at home or in the bank
- savings certificates
- business goods for sale
…then many scholars, especially in the Hanafi school followed by most Pakistanis, say you add everything together and compare the total with the silver nisab. Because the silver nisab is low, even modest savings can make zakat due.
Scholars give the reason that the lower nisab benefits the poor, who receive zakat. Different scholars explain this point in different ways, so if your case is unclear, ask a scholar you trust.
The Zakat Rate
Zakat is 2.5% of all zakatable wealth, once the nisab is reached and a lunar year has passed.
How to Calculate Zakat on Silver
Step 1: Weigh your silver
Weigh silver jewellery, utensils and coins. Write the weight in tola or grams.
Step 2: Find the purity
Jewellery and utensils are often 925 sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure. Bars and coins are often 999.
Step 3: Multiply by today’s rate
Value = weight × today’s silver rate (adjusted for purity if needed).
Step 4: Add your other wealth
Add gold, cash and savings.
Step 5: Take 2.5%
If the total is above the silver nisab, zakat = total × 2.5%.
Example 1: Silver Only
Bilal owns 60 tola of silver utensils. At a rate of, say, Rs 5,000 per tola, they are worth Rs 300,000.
60 tola is above the 52.5 tola nisab, so zakat is due:
Rs 300,000 × 2.5% = Rs 7,500
Example 2: Mixed Wealth
Sana owns:
- 3 tola of 22K gold (below the 7.5 tola gold nisab)
- Rs 200,000 in the bank
Her gold alone is below the gold nisab. But added to her cash, her total is well above the silver nisab. So zakat is due on everything: the value of the gold plus the Rs 200,000.
(These examples use made-up rates. Use our zakat calculator with today’s live prices.)
What Counts and What Doesn’t
Counts:
– Gold and silver (jewellery, coins, bars)
– Cash, bank balances, savings certificates
– Business stock for sale
– Money others owe you that you expect to get back
Doesn’t count:
– Your home, car and furniture for personal use
– Tools of your trade
– Precious stones like diamonds (in most opinions)
When to Pay
Pick a fixed date each year — many choose a day in Ramadan — and calculate with that day’s rates. Silver and gold prices change daily, so check the silver price and gold rate on the day.
Common Mistakes When Calculating Zakat
- Using the gold nisab when you have mixed wealth. If you have cash and some gold, check the total against the silver nisab, as explained above.
- Using last year’s rates. Silver and gold change every day. Always use the rate on the day you calculate.
- Forgetting bank savings. Money in bank accounts, savings certificates and committees (that you have already received or that are owed to you) usually counts.
- Counting the house you live in. Your own home, car and furniture are not zakatable.
- Paying on the 925 weight as if it were pure silver. Sterling silver is 92.5% pure; you can adjust the value for purity.
- Not keeping a list. Write down your gold and silver once — weight and karat or purity — and update only the rates each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nisab of silver in grams?
612.36 grams, which is 52.5 tola.
Which nisab should I use, gold or silver?
If you have only gold, the gold nisab applies. If you have a mix of wealth, many scholars say to use the silver nisab. Ask a scholar for your situation.
Is zakat due on silver jewellery I wear?
In the Hanafi view, yes, zakat is due on silver jewellery as well.
Final Word
The silver nisab is small, so most families with savings will owe some zakat. Write down everything you own once, update the rates each year, and let our zakat calculator do the maths. See also our guide on zakat on gold.
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