Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zakat?▼
Zakat is the 3rd pillar of Islam — an obligatory charity of 2.5% on wealth held for one full lunar year (Hawl = 354 days) above the Nisab threshold. It purifies wealth and supports those in need. Allah commands it in the Quran: "And establish prayer and give Zakat" (Al-Baqarah 2:43).
What is Nisab?▼
Nisab is the minimum wealth threshold. Set by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) at 87.48g gold or 612.36g silver. In Pakistan (August 2026): Gold Nisab ≈ Rs 34.9 lakh, Silver Nisab ≈ Rs 3.66 lakh. If your total net wealth (assets minus debts) is above this, Zakat is due. Most scholars recommend using Silver Nisab as it's lower and more inclusive.
Do I pay Zakat on gold jewelry?▼
Yes. In the Hanafi school (majority in Pakistan), ALL gold and silver jewelry is Zakatable regardless of whether it's worn or not. Other schools (Shafi'i, Maliki, Hanbali) exempt regularly worn jewelry. If you follow Hanafi, include the gold/silver content value of all your jewelry.
Bank may deduct Zakat automatically?▼
Yes. Under Pakistan's Zakat & Ushr Ordinance 1980, banks deduct 2.5% Zakat from savings/profit-and-loss accounts on 1st Ramadan if the balance meets or exceeds the government Nisab (Rs 503,529 for 2026). If you've already paid Zakat elsewhere or want to pay directly to recipients, submit a Zakat exemption declaration (CZ-48) to your bank before Ramadan.
What assets are NOT Zakatable?▼
Personal-use items are exempt: your home, personal car, clothes, furniture, appliances, books. Also exempt: the value of your professional tools/equipment, crops for personal consumption, and food stores for the year.
Who can receive Zakat?▼
Zakat can only be given to 8 categories mentioned in Quran (Surah At-Tawbah 9:60): (1) Fuqara — the poor, (2) Masakin — the needy, (3) Zakat collectors, (4) Those whose hearts are to be reconciled, (5) Those in bondage (slaves seeking freedom), (6) Those in debt, (7) In the cause of Allah, (8) The wayfarer (stranded traveler).
