Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam and an essential act of worship for Muslims. It is not only a means of purifying one’s wealth but also a way to support the poor and needy in society. Every year, millions of Muslims in Pakistan and around the world calculate and pay their zakat, ensuring that their wealth remains pure and that those in need receive help.
In this article, we’ll explain the concept of zakat, the nisab threshold, how much zakat you need to pay in Pakistan, and provide practical examples.
📌 What is Zakat?
Zakat literally means “to purify” or “to grow”. In Islam, zakat is a mandatory charity that Muslims must pay annually if their wealth exceeds a certain amount called nisab.
It is calculated at 2.5% of a Muslim’s savings and wealth that has remained in their possession for one lunar year (hawl). This includes cash, gold, silver, investments, and other assets.
📊 Nisab for Zakat in Pakistan (2025)
The nisab is the minimum threshold of wealth a Muslim must have before zakat becomes obligatory. It is usually measured against gold or silver:
- Gold Nisab: 7.5 tolas (approx. 87.48 grams of gold)
- Silver Nisab: 52.5 tolas (approx. 612.36 grams of silver)
In Pakistan, most people use the silver nisab because it benefits more poor people, but you may calculate according to either.
👉 For example, if silver price is Rs. 2,500 per tola, then nisab = 52.5 × 2,500 = Rs. 131,250. If your savings exceed this, zakat is due.
Nisab for Zakat in Pakistan – 2025 (Gold vs Silver)
| Type of Nisab | Amount in Tola | Amount in Grams | Approx. Price per Gram (PKR) | Total Nisab Value (PKR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 7.5 Tolas | 87.48 grams | Rs. 18,000* | Rs. 1,574,640 |
| Silver | 52.5 Tolas | 612.36 grams | Rs. 2,500* | Rs. 1,530,900 |
*Note: Prices are approximate and based on market rates in 2025. Always check the latest gold and silver rates before calculating your zakat.
🧮 How to Calculate Zakat?
Zakat is due on wealth and assets that remain with you for a full Islamic year. Common items include:
- Cash in hand and bank accounts (savings, fixed deposits, prize bonds, etc.)
- Gold and silver jewelry (if you own more than the nisab threshold).
- Business assets (stock, goods, receivables).
- Investments (shares, property held for resale).
Excluded items:
- Personal home, car, furniture, clothes, and daily-use items.
👉 Formula:
Zakat = (Total zakatable assets – Liabilities) × 2.5%
🕌 Examples of Zakat Calculation in Pakistan
Example 1 (Salaried Person):
- Savings in bank: Rs. 300,000
- Gold jewelry: Rs. 200,000
- Liabilities (loan repayment): Rs. 50,000
- Total = 450,000
- Zakat = 450,000 × 2.5% = Rs. 11,250
Example 2 (Business Owner):
- Cash: Rs. 500,000
- Stock in trade: Rs. 1,200,000
- Accounts receivable: Rs. 300,000
- Liabilities: Rs. 200,000
- Total = 1,800,000
- Zakat = 1,800,000 × 2.5% = Rs. 45,000
🏦 How Zakat is Collected in Pakistan
In Pakistan, zakat is deducted automatically from savings accounts, profit accounts, and fixed deposits on the 1st of Ramadan every year. This is called deductible zakat.
However, many people prefer to calculate zakat on their full wealth and distribute it themselves to eligible relatives, neighbors, or through welfare organizations such as:
- Edhi Foundation
- Shaukat Khanum Hospital
- Saylani Welfare
- Alkhidmat Foundation
🤔 Who is Eligible to Receive Zakat?
According to the Quran (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:60), the following categories of people are eligible:
- The poor (al-fuqara)
- The needy (al-masakeen)
- Those employed to collect zakat
- New Muslims and those whose hearts need reconciliation
- Slaves and captives (to set them free)
- Those in debt
- In the path of Allah
- The wayfarer (traveler in need)
👉 Zakat cannot be given to: your parents, children, spouse, or descendants.
📈 Importance of Zakat in Society
Zakat is not just an individual duty; it plays a major role in reducing poverty and inequality. In Pakistan, where millions live below the poverty line, zakat serves as a vital source of relief for orphans, widows, and the underprivileged.
By paying zakat, you not only fulfill a religious obligation but also contribute to social justice and economic balance.
✅ Conclusion
Zakat is a powerful system of wealth distribution in Islam. In Pakistan, where zakat collection is both a religious and a state practice, it ensures that wealth circulates and supports those in need.
If your wealth exceeds the nisab threshold, you must calculate and pay 2.5% of your savings annually. Using an online Zakat Calculator Pakistan makes it easy to determine the exact amount.
Remember, paying zakat purifies your wealth and brings blessings into your life, while also uplifting those who are struggling.