Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and an obligation for every eligible Muslim. It is not only a religious duty but also a way to purify wealth and help those in need. In Pakistan, millions of Muslims pay zakat every year, but many people remain confused about how to calculate it correctly—especially when it comes to salary income and gold holdings.
This guide will explain the rules of zakat, the Nisab thresholds, and how to calculate zakat on salary and gold in Pakistan.
What is Zakat?
Zakat is a mandatory charitable contribution, typically 2.5% of one’s wealth that has been held for at least one lunar year. It applies to:
- Cash (savings, salary balances).
- Gold and silver.
- Business investments.
- Agricultural produce and livestock (for farmers).
The primary purpose of zakat is to redistribute wealth within the community and support those in financial hardship.
Nisab for Zakat in Pakistan 2025
Before zakat becomes obligatory, your wealth must exceed the Nisab threshold. Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must have before being liable to pay zakat.
As per Islamic guidelines:
- Gold Nisab = 87.48 grams of gold (approx. 7.5 tolas).
- Silver Nisab = 612.36 grams of silver (approx. 52.5 tolas).
In Pakistan, many scholars recommend using the silver Nisab because it ensures more people become eligible, increasing support for the poor. However, some prefer calculating based on gold Nisab.
Zakat on Salary in Pakistan
One of the most common questions is: Do I pay zakat on my monthly salary?
- Zakat is not due on salary the moment you receive it. Instead, zakat is due on the savings left from your salary after completing a full lunar year.
- Example: If you saved Rs. 300,000 from your salary over the year and the Nisab is Rs. 200,000, you must pay 2.5% of Rs. 300,000 = Rs. 7,500 as zakat.
- If you live paycheck to paycheck and have no savings by year-end, you are not liable for zakat on salary.
Zakat on Gold in Pakistan
Gold is one of the most important assets on which zakat must be paid.
- If you own more than 7.5 tolas (87.48 grams) of gold, zakat becomes obligatory.
- The zakat rate is 2.5% of the total market value of your gold.
- Example: If gold is Rs. 18,000 per gram in 2025, and you own 100 grams (Rs. 1,800,000), zakat = Rs. 45,000.
Women who own gold jewelry for personal use are still required to pay zakat if the amount crosses the Nisab.
Combined Zakat on Salary + Gold
If you have both salary savings and gold, they must be combined when calculating zakat.
Example:
- Savings = Rs. 300,000
- Gold value = Rs. 1,800,000
- Total wealth = Rs. 2,100,000
- Zakat (2.5%) = Rs. 52,500
This ensures that all eligible wealth is considered together.
Zakat Calculator for Pakistan
To make the process easier, you can use an online Zakat Calculator (like the one on your website). It allows you to enter:
- Cash savings.
- Salary savings.
- Gold value.
- Silver value.
- Business investments.
The calculator instantly tells you how much zakat you need to pay in Pakistani Rupees.
Tips for Paying Zakat in Pakistan
- Calculate annually – Fix a date in Ramadan or any lunar month to calculate zakat every year.
- Use Nisab as per current rates – Always check updated gold/silver rates in Pakistan.
- Distribute correctly – Give zakat only to eligible recipients (poor, needy, debt-ridden, orphans, etc.).
- Avoid mixing with charity (sadaqah) – Zakat is an obligation, while sadaqah is voluntary.
- Keep records – Track your zakat payments for clarity and accountability.
Conclusion
Paying zakat on salary and gold in Pakistan is a responsibility that brings both spiritual reward and social justice. In 2025, with inflation and rising costs, ensuring that zakat reaches the right people is more important than ever. By understanding the Nisab and calculating zakat correctly on salary savings and gold jewelry, you can fulfill this Islamic duty with confidence.
If you are unsure about the exact calculation, use our Zakat Calculator for Pakistan to make the process simple, accurate, and stress-free.