Using the Zakat calculator

Enter all assets that have been in your possession over a lunar year into the Zakat calculator. This will then give you the total amount of Zakat owed.

What is Nisab?

The nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess before they become eligible to pay Zakat. This amount is often referred to as the nisab threshold.

Gold and silver are the two values used to calculate the nisab threshold. The nisab is the value of 87.48 grams of gold or 612.36 grams of silver.

Current Nisab Value: 

Date: 27 May, 2026 / 9 Dhūl-Ḥijjah 1447

Gold Nisáb: R207,224.52
Silver Nisáb: R24,854.16
Silver: R40.59/g (R1,150.64/oz)
Gold: R2,368.82/g (R73,678.65/oz)

Prices & Calculations exclude VAT

Zakat is payable at 2.5% of the wealth one possesses above the nisab. Nisab, which is equal to 85 grams of 24k gold, is the minimum amount of wealth one must have before they are liable to pay zakat. *The nisab amount listed is based on the latest available report to us (note: This number may change daily depending on fluctuations in the gold exchange rate).

Zakat is liable on gold, silver, cash, savings, investments, rent income, business merchandise and profits, shares, securities and bonds. Zakat is not paid on wealth used for debt repayment of living expenses such as clothing, food, housing, transportation, education, etc.

Administration & Financial Stewardship

Islamic Relief South Africa is committed to maintaining the highest standards of efficiency, transparency, and accountability. We continuously strive to reduce our administrative costs year after year to ensure that the maximum possible portion of every donation reaches those in need.

Over the past three to four years, our administration rate has remained approximately 6–7%. We remain committed to maintaining a low administration rate and continuously review our cost structures to ensure responsible stewardship, while safeguarding strong governance, compliance, and programme quality.

Zakat Policy & Administration

Islamic Relief South Africa adheres strictly to Shari’ah principles in the collection, allocation, and distribution of Zakat.

• No administration fee is deducted from Zakat funds.
• Administrative costs are covered through non-Zakat funds, including Lillah, Sadaqah, and Shari’ah-compliant investments.
• Zakat is allocated strictly in accordance with Islamic principles.

Allah (SWT) states in the Qur’an (9:60):

“Zakat expenditures are only for the poor, the needy, those employed to collect it (al-‘āmilīn ‘alayhā), those whose hearts are to be reconciled, freeing captives, those in debt, in the cause of Allah, and the stranded traveller…”

Qur’an (9:60)

This verse establishes the categories of Zakat eligibility, including those appointed to administer and distribute it, thereby ensuring proper governance, accountability, and responsible stewardship.

Zakat Policy & Administration

Islamic Relief Worldwide, as the implementing office, acts as the agent of eligible Zakat recipients. We follow a formal engagement process with communities, whereby beneficiaries authorise us to implement projects on their behalf.

This process includes:

• Careful identification and selection of beneficiaries
• Clear definition of project scope and intended outcomes
• Community consultation and authorisation

Every project implemented is supported by a detailed budget. Each individual budget line is rigorously assessed for Zakat eligibility, including:

• Direct beneficiary support
• Project delivery costs
• Eligible overheads

Zakat funds are allocated only to those budget lines that qualify under Shari’ah guidelines. Non-Zakat funds are allocated to the remaining components of the project budget.

This structured allocation approach ensures full Shari’ah compliance, financial integrity, and responsible management of donor trust.