Two questions decide whether you owe Zakat this year: Is my wealth above the nisab? and Has a full lunar year passed? Getting these right is the foundation of a valid Zakat. Here is a clear explanation of the nisab threshold and Zakat due date for 2026.
What is nisab?
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must own before Zakat becomes obligatory. It filters out those who are not financially able to give. The Sunnah fixes nisab as the value of:
- 85 grams of gold, or
- 595 grams of silver
You convert these into rupees using the current market rate. If your net Zakatable wealth is below nisab, no Zakat is due this year.
Gold nisab vs silver nisab — which to use?
The two thresholds give different rupee amounts because gold and silver prices differ. The silver nisab is lower, so using it means you are more likely to qualify — and more poor families receive help. The majority of scholars recommend the silver nisab for this reason; it is the safer, more generous option.
The lunar-year rule (Hawl)
Zakat is due only after your wealth has stayed above nisab for one full lunar year, known as the hawl. The Islamic (Hijri) year is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, so your Zakat date shifts slightly earlier each Western calendar year.
Important: your wealth does not need to stay above nisab every single day. What matters is that it is above nisab at the start and end of your Zakat year. Dips in between do not reset the clock.
How to set your personal Zakat date
Pick the date your wealth first crossed the nisab — that becomes your annual Zakat anniversary. Many people simply choose a memorable Islamic date such as the 1st of Ramadan, both for the ease of remembering and for the extra reward of giving in Ramadan. Once fixed, calculate and pay every year on that same Hijri date.
What if my wealth changes during the year?
You do not track every rise and fall. On your Zakat day, simply value everything you own that is Zakatable, subtract immediate debts, and if the total is above nisab, pay 2.5%. Money that came in during the year is included in that single annual snapshot.
Don't miss your due date
Delaying Zakat once it is due, without a valid reason, is discouraged. A missed year still has to be paid — the obligation does not disappear. Setting a fixed date and a reminder is the easiest way to stay consistent.
Fulfil your Zakat with confidence
Once your due date arrives and your figure is ready, give your Zakat to verified, eligible recipients. Wafa Educational And Charitable Trust distributes it locally in Nuh, Haryana and across India through food programmes, poor family support and clean water projects — transparently and without delay, so your obligation is fulfilled and a family's need is met.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nisab for Zakat in 2026?
Nisab is the value of 85 grams of gold or 595 grams of silver at current market rates. If your net wealth stays above this for a lunar year, Zakat becomes due at 2.5%.
When is Zakat due?
Zakat is due once your wealth has remained above nisab for one full lunar (Hijri) year. You fix a personal Zakat anniversary date and pay every year on that date.
Should I use the gold or silver nisab?
Most scholars recommend the silver nisab because it is lower, meaning more people qualify to give and more of the poor benefit. It is the more cautious and generous choice.
Turn this into action
Your Zakat, Sadaqah or Lillah reaches verified families in Nuh, Haryana and across India — quickly, transparently and with a receipt. Give today and become the reason for someone's relief.
