Zakat the 5th pillar-sitoon (ستون) of Islam, designed to purify/Pak wealth and support those in need. Every adult Muslim is required to pay it once their wealth reaches the minimum (نصاب)nisab of wealth either equal to Gold or Silver nisab and ensure it has been held for one Islamic year.
Proper Zakat computation ensures compliance with Shariah and helps distribute wealth fairly among the deserviisng needy persons arround us. This guide explains how to compute zakat on cash, trade assets, and livestock, along with nisab rules, 2.5 percentages, and eligibility, and encourages the use of a Zakat Kalkulator for accuracy.
Nisab of Zakat is the minimum amount of wealth that triggers the obligation to pay zakat to poor. It is traditionally based on gold or silver values, though the value may vary depending on local markets and in local currency.
If your total eligible assets equal or exceed the nisab and have been held for one year, zakwat becomes due/Farz (فرض).
Assets included in zakat computation typically consist of:
Items for personal use, such as residences, vehicles, and household goods, are excluded.
The standard rate for liquid wealth and trade goods is:2.5% of net eligible wealth, for example:
For precise calculations, a Calculator ofr zakat computation can help ensure accuracy for any region.
Eligibility to Receive the charity of Zakat.
Zakat computation is a mandatory Islamic charity given to those in need. It should be distributed to the poor, needy, debt-ridden, travelers in hardship, and others eligible under Shariah rules. Proper computation ensures the right amount is given, fulfilling your religious duty and helping support the welfare of the less fortunate.
Zakat computation and Kherat must be distributed to those entitled under Islamic law:
Distribution should strictly follow these categories.
Zakat computation also applies to animals used for trade, breeding, or milk production once they reach the minimum numbers (nisab). Animals kept for labor or personal transport are exempt.
Sheep & Goats
| Number Owned | Due |
| 40–120 | 1 |
| 121–200 | 2 |
| 201–399 | 3 |
| 400+ | 1 per 100 |
Cattle (Cows/Buffaloes)
| Number Owned | Due |
| 30–39 | 1 one-year calf |
| 40–59 | 1 two-year cow |
| 60 | 2 calves |
| Each +30 | Add 1 calf |
| Each +40 | Add 1 cow |
Camels
| Number Owned | Due |
| 5–9 | 1 sheep |
| 10–14 | 2 sheep |
| 15–19 | 3 sheep |
| 20–24 | 4 sheep |
| 25–35 | 1 one-year camel |
| 36–45 | 1 two-year camel |
| 46–60 | 1 three-year camel |
Fitrah Zakat
Zakat Fitrah 2026 is a separate obligation paid per individual before Eid al-Fitr. It is not included in wealth-based calculations.
Calculating zakat manually can be complicated, especially for businesses. A Zakat Calculator helps:
Payment of zakat is a personal religious obligation under Islamic law. This article and calculator are provided for educational purposes only and do not collect or manage zakat on behalf of anyone.
Those eligible are the poor, needy, debt-ridden, travelers in hardship, those working to collect it, people whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing captives, and for those in financial difficulty. It must be given to genuinely deserving individuals to fulfill religious obligation.
To calculate on gold, first determine its total weight in grams or ounces. Multiply by the current market value per gram/ounce. If the total equals or exceeds 85 grams (nisab), pay 2.5% of that value as obligatory contribution to eligible recipients.
It is 2.5% of total wealth or savings held for one lunar year, given only if the amount meets or exceeds the nisab threshold (85 grams for gold, 595 grams for silver).
The difference lies in obligation and purpose: one is mandatory, calculated on wealth, and given annually to specific beneficiaries, while the other is voluntary, given anytime, in any amount, to help others or earn spiritual reward, without strict rules or thresholds.
The intention (niyyah) for giving fitrah is:
“I intend to give this fitrah for the sake of Allah, to purify myself and fulfill the obligation of Fitrah for this year.”
It should be made in the heart before giving.
The supplication (dua) commonly recited when giving fitrah is:
“اللَّهُمَّ تقَبَّل منِّي صَدَقَةَ الفِطْرِ”
“Allahumma taqabbal minni sadaqat al-fitr”
Meaning: “O Allah, accept from me this charity of Fitrah.”
The general zakat computation rate is 2.5% of savings and wealth. For animals, it varies:
Camels: 1 sheep for 5–9 camels, 2 sheep for 10–14, and increases with number.
Cows: 1 calf for 30–39 cows, 2 calves for 40–59, more as herd grows.
Sheep/goats: 1 sheep for 40 or more.
Amounts depend on the type and number of livestock.
Types include:
Zakat on wealth (Mal): Savings, gold, silver, cash, business assets.
Zakat on agricultural produce: Crops, fruits, and grains.
Zakat on livestock: Camels, cows, sheep, goats.
Zakat on trade goods: Merchandise or inventory for business.