One of the most common questions Muslims ask when calculating Zakat is: which Nisab standard should I use — gold or silver? This guide explains both standards clearly, provides the current values for 2025, and helps you decide which to use.
What is the Nisab?
The Nisab (نصاب) is the minimum threshold of wealth that a Muslim must possess before Zakat becomes obligatory. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ set the Nisab at a specific amount of gold and silver to serve as a reference point for Muslims across all time periods.
The Two Nisab Standards
Gold Nisab — 87.48 Grams
The gold Nisab is equivalent to 87.48 grams of pure gold. At current Pakistani gold prices of approximately Rs 22,000 per gram (2025), the gold Nisab would be approximately:
87.48g × Rs 22,000 = Rs 1,924,560
This means only those with net zakatable wealth above approximately Rs 1.9 million would be required to pay Zakat under the gold standard.
Silver Nisab — 612.36 Grams
The silver Nisab is equivalent to 612.36 grams of pure silver. At current Pakistani silver prices of approximately Rs 280 per gram (2025), the silver Nisab would be approximately:
612.36g × Rs 280 = Rs 171,461
This means anyone with net zakatable wealth above approximately Rs 171,000 would be required to pay Zakat under the silver standard.
Which Standard Should You Use?
Scholars have different opinions on which Nisab standard to use. Here is a summary:
- Most Hanafi scholars recommend the silver Nisab, as it is lower and therefore more inclusive — ensuring more Muslims contribute to Zakat, which in turn provides more support to those in need.
- Some scholars recommend the gold Nisab, arguing it better reflects the original economic value intended by the Prophet ﷺ.
- Our recommendation: Use the silver Nisab. It is more widely accepted, especially in South Asia, and ensures you do not accidentally avoid a Zakat obligation.
"When in doubt about whether Zakat is obligatory, it is better to pay — as paying Zakat you don't owe is a charity, but not paying Zakat you do owe is a sin."
Nisab Values in Different Currencies (Approx. 2025)
| Currency | Gold Nisab | Silver Nisab |
|---|---|---|
| PKR (Pakistan) | ~Rs 1,924,560 | ~Rs 171,461 |
| USD (USA) | ~$5,500 | ~$175 |
| GBP (UK) | ~£4,350 | ~£138 |
| SAR (Saudi Arabia) | ~SR 20,625 | ~SR 656 |
* Approximate values based on early 2025 market prices. Always use current local prices in our calculator for accuracy.
Use Our Calculator
Our Zakat calculator automatically computes the Nisab based on the gold or silver prices you enter and the standard you select. Simply enter the current market price per gram in your currency, and the calculator does the rest.