The gold Nisab threshold is one of two standards used to determine whether a person's wealth has reached the minimum level for Zakat obligation. For Sunni schools, this threshold is set at 85 grams of gold (equivalent to 20 mithqals). In the Ja'fari (Twelver Shia) tradition, it is approximately 69.12 grams (15 common mithqals).
To calculate the gold Nisab in modern currency, the weight threshold is multiplied by the current market price of gold per gram. Because gold prices fluctuate daily, the Nisab value in dollars, pounds, or any other currency changes accordingly. This is why checking the current gold price on or near one's Zakat due date is important.
The gold Nisab generally produces a higher threshold than the silver Nisab, meaning fewer people would qualify as Zakat-payers under the gold standard. Some scholars prefer the gold standard as it may better represent meaningful wealth in today's economy, while others recommend using whichever threshold is lower.
Related Terms
Nisab(نصاب)
The minimum wealth threshold that makes Zakat obligatory. Based on the value of gold (85g) or silver (595g) for Sunni schools.
Zakatable Wealth
The portion of a person's total wealth that is subject to Zakat calculation — excluding personal-use items like a primary home and vehicle.
Zakat al-Mal(زكاة المال)
Zakat on wealth — the annual 2.5% obligation on accumulated assets that meet or exceed the Nisab threshold.
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