What is Zakat?
Zakat is the third pillar of Islam, an obligatory annual charity of 2.5% on wealth that meets the Nisab threshold. It purifies your wealth and helps those in need.
Allah says in the Quran:
خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيهِم بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْ ۖ إِنَّ صَلَاتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase.”
Who Must Pay Zakat?
Zakat is obligatory upon every Muslim who:
- Owns wealth above the Nisab threshold
- Has held that wealth for one full lunar year (Hawl)
- Is free from debts that would reduce their wealth below Nisab
Understanding the Nisab Threshold
The Nisab is the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must have before Zakat becomes obligatory:
- Gold Nisab: 85 grams of gold
- Silver Nisab: 595 grams of silver
The Supreme Scientific Council of Morocco recommends using the silver Nisab as it is lower and benefits more recipients.
2026 Approximate Nisab Values (MAD)
Based on precious metal prices in the Moroccan market in 2026:
| Reference | Legal Weight | Price per Gram (MAD) | Nisab (MAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold (24 carat) | 85 grams | ~1,294 | ~110,000 MAD |
| Silver | 595 grams | ~12.5 | ~7,438 MAD |
Morocco's official position: The Supreme Scientific Council recommends the silver nisab (~7,438 MAD) as the calculation base, a lower threshold that allows more Muslims to participate and more poor to benefit. Always verify current metal prices before calculating. Our Zakat Calculator uses up-to-date rates. For the full breakdown, see the Nisab Zakat al-Mal 2026 in Morocco guide.
What Wealth is Zakatable?
Zakatable Assets
- Cash on hand and in bank accounts
- Gold and silver (beyond personal jewelry in Maliki fiqh)
- Stocks and mutual funds
- Business inventory and trade goods
- Money owed to you (receivables)
Non-Zakatable Assets
- Primary residence
- Personal vehicle
- Household furniture and clothing
- Personal-use jewelry (Maliki position)
- Tools of your trade
Step-by-Step Calculation
Step 1: Calculate Your Total Assets
Add up all zakatable wealth:
- Cash + Bank balances + Gold/Silver value + Investment value + Business assets + Receivables
Step 2: Subtract Deductions
Deduct immediate debts and essential expenses that are due within the year.
Step 3: Check Against Nisab
If your net wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold, Zakat is due.
Step 4: Calculate 2.5%
Multiply your net zakatable wealth by 0.025 (2.5%).
Example: If your net wealth is 100,000 MAD → Zakat = 2,500 MAD
Zakat al-Fitr
In addition to annual Zakat al-Mal, Muslims must pay Zakat al-Fitr before Eid al-Fitr prayer:
- Amount: Set annually by the Supreme Scientific Council (approximately 20 MAD per person for 2026)
- Who pays: Every Muslim, including children
- When: Before Eid al-Fitr prayer (can be paid 2-3 days early)
- Alternative: ~2.5 kg of staple food per person
The Eight Recipients of Zakat
As mentioned in Surah At-Tawbah (9:60):
- Al-Fuqara, The poor
- Al-Masakin, The needy
- Zakat administrators, Those who collect and distribute
- Those whose hearts are to be reconciled, New Muslims or potential converts
- Freeing those in bondage
- The debt-ridden, Those overwhelmed by debt
- In the cause of Allah, For Islamic causes
- The wayfarer, Stranded travelers
Use Our Calculator
Our Zakat Calculator makes this process simple:
- Enter your assets in each category
- Automatic Nisab threshold comparison
- Clear breakdown of your Zakat obligation
- Based on Maliki fiqh as practiced in Morocco
May Allah accept your Zakat and multiply your reward.
