Before we start
Three choices determine how your zakat is calculated. None has a pre-selected default. Choose deliberately, and you can change them later.
Fiqh Reference
Why do we ask this?
What are we asking?
The fiqh reference your calculation will be built on: one of the four schools, or a contemporary American fiqh council (FCNA or AMJA).
Why do we ask?
Some zakat questions have a fiqh difference of opinion that materially affects the final number (jewelry, debt deduction, retirement method); your choice determines which opinion the platform applies.
Effect on your calculation
The effect of your choice will show clearly at every step it touches, and in the final result breakdown.
What did the scholars say?
The platform presents the considered opinions as documented in the accompanying fiqh research (the four Sunni schools, and the rulings of the two American fiqh councils FCNA and AMJA), leaving the choice to you.
Nisab
Fetching metal prices...
Advanced: higher precaution
Why do we ask this?
What are we asking?
Which nisab you use: gold or silver, and its dollar value today.
Why do we ask?
The nisab is the minimum wealth threshold that, once reached and held for a full year, makes zakat due; its dollar value changes daily with the metal's price.
Effect on your calculation
If your net wealth reaches the chosen nisab, zakat is due; otherwise, no zakat is due this year.
What did the scholars say?
"There is no zakat on less than five awaq [of silver]" and "there is no zakat on less than twenty dinars [of gold]". Most contemporary scholars and American zakat organizations favor silver as more beneficial to the poor and more inclusive; al-Qaradawi favored gold as closer to the intended "threshold of wealth" and protective of asset owners from the unfairness of a lower threshold.
Calendar
Why do we ask this?
What are we asking?
The calendar used to measure the hawl (zakat year): lunar or solar, and its effect on the zakat rate.
Why do we ask?
The hawl is a religious requirement, and the lunar year is about 354 days; those who use the longer solar year raise the rate to compensate.
Effect on your calculation
Lunar: 2.5%. Solar: 2.577% (= 2.5% × 365 ÷ 354) to compensate for the eleven extra days.
What did the scholars say?
"On silver, a quarter of a tenth," and "if you have two hundred dirhams and a year has passed over them, five dirhams are due"; these are the basis of the 2.5% rate. The safer, original practice is to use the lunar year.
Has a full year passed since your wealth reached the nisab?
We'll complete the calculation as an estimate and flag the result accordingly. You can still continue.
Why do we ask this?
What are we asking?
Has a full lunar year (about 354 days) passed since your wealth reached the nisab?
Why do we ask?
The hawl is one of the conditions for zakat to be due; zakat is not owed on wealth until it has passed.
Effect on your calculation
If you answer yes, your calculation is final. If you answer no or aren't sure, we still complete the calculation as an estimate and flag the result accordingly. You're not blocked from continuing.
What did the scholars say?
Hadith: "There is no zakat on wealth until a year has passed over it." A school note: the Hanafis are satisfied with the nisab being met at the two ends of the year; the majority require it to be maintained throughout.