Before calculating zakat, every Muslim must determine whether their wealth reaches the nisab — the minimum threshold of wealth required for zakat to become obligatory.
For Muslims in the U.S., this means converting the nisab’s traditional gold or silver weight into U.S. dollars based on current market prices. In this article, we’ll explain what nisab is, why it matters, and the 2025 U.S. values you should use.
What Is Nisab?
Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must have before they are required to pay zakat. It is measured by the value of:
- 87.48 grams (3 ounces) of gold
- 612.36 grams (21.6 ounces) of silver
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ set these standards over 1,400 years ago, and they continue to guide zakat obligations today.
Why Nisab Matters
If your total zakatable assets are below nisab, you are not obligated to pay zakat that year. If they meet or exceed nisab, zakat becomes obligatory at 2.5% of your qualifying wealth after one lunar year.
Nisab in 2025 – U.S. Dollar Values
The nisab changes with the market price of gold and silver. Here are approximate early-2025 U.S. rates:
| Type | Weight in grams | Approx. Price per gram | Total Nisab Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 87.48 g | ~$72.00 | ~$6,300 |
| Silver | 612.36 g | ~$0.90 | ~$550 |
These figures are based on January 2025 spot market averages. Check updated rates before calculating zakat.
Gold vs. Silver Nisab – Which to Use in the U.S.?
The gold nisab sets a higher threshold (around $6,300), meaning fewer people qualify to pay zakat. Many Muslims in the U.S. choose this standard for practicality, as it better reflects contemporary wealth levels.
The silver nisab is significantly lower (around $550), which means more people become zakat-eligible and more funds are distributed to those in need. Some individuals prefer this standard to maximize charitable impact.
There isn’t a unanimous scholarly consensus in the U.S. on which nisab to use. Many organizations lean toward the gold standard for zakat on personal wealth because it aligns more closely with modern economic conditions, while others encourage using silver to increase community benefit. Ultimately, either standard is valid — what matters most is consistency once you choose one.
How to Check Current Nisab
To determine nisab in dollars, start by checking the current gold and silver spot prices from a trusted U.S. source such as Kitco, GoldPrice.org, or Monex. Multiply the current price per gram by the nisab weight — 87.48 g for gold and 612.36 g for silver — to calculate the dollar thresholds. Then compare your zakatable assets against those amounts to see if you meet the nisab and are obligated to pay zakat.
Applying Nisab to Your Zakat Calculation
- If your net zakatable assets meet/exceed nisab → Pay zakat at 2.5%.
- If below → No zakat required that year.
Example (Gold nisab method):
- Net zakatable assets: $8,000
- Nisab: $6,300
- Zakat due: $8,000 × 2.5% = $200
Key Takeaways
- Nisab determines whether zakat is obligatory.
- In 2025, U.S. gold nisab is around $6,300; silver nisab is around $550.
- Use updated gold/silver prices for accuracy.
- Choosing between gold and silver nisab depends on your financial situation and charitable goals.