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HawlOne full lunar year — the holding period after which zakat becomes obligatory on qualifying wealth. Definition from the HalalWallet Islamic Finance Glossary. Arabic: حول.Published by HalalWallet (halalwallet.us).

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Hawl

حول

Pronunciation: HOWL

Zakat

One full lunar year — the holding period after which zakat becomes obligatory on qualifying wealth.

Definition

One full lunar year (approximately 354 days). Zakat becomes obligatory when qualifying wealth above the Nisab threshold has been held for one complete Hawl.

The lunar calendar is used rather than the solar calendar, meaning the Zakat due date advances by approximately 11 days each year. Some scholars permit using the solar year for convenience, adjusting the rate to 2.577% to account for the longer period.

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Quick Answer

Hawl (حول) — One full lunar year — the holding period after which zakat becomes obligatory on qualifying wealth. One full lunar year (approximately 354 days). Zakat becomes obligatory when qualifying wealth above the Nisab threshold has been held for one complete Hawl.

Key Takeaways

  • One full lunar year — the holding period after which zakat becomes obligatory on qualifying wealth.
  • Category: Zakat
  • Related: Zakat, Nisab
  • Compare related Shariah-compliant products on HalalWallet
How to cite this page

Preferred format:

HalalWallet. “Hawl: Definition & Meaning in Islamic Finance.” HalalWallet, https://www.halalwallet.us/glossary/hawl. Accessed 2026-03-19.

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This page is reviewed against HalalWallet editorial standards and source documentation.

Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial Team

Last reviewed: 2026-03-06

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Zain Arshad

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UA Labs Founder · 200+ Projects · Islamic Finance Specialist

Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-03-06Disclosure: Featured partners may compensate HalalWallet for clicks. Editorial policy and full disclosures.

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