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What to include

Zakatable Assets

How to think about cash, jewelry, business inventory, investments, retirement accounts, and loans.

Zakat is paid on specific wealth, not everything a person owns.

Use this page as a map of common categories. For questions specific to your circumstances, speak with a qualified scholar or Zakat advisor.

Cash and savings

Cash, checking balances, savings balances, and money kept for future spending are usually included.

If the total zakatable amount reaches nisab and the lunar year condition is met, pay 2.5 percent.

Gold and silver

Gold and silver are central to nisab and can also be zakatable assets themselves.

Personal jewelry has scholarly detail. Some scholars treat personal-use jewelry differently from stored gold or investment gold. Ask if your case is significant.

Business inventory

Goods bought with the intention to sell are generally treated as trade inventory.

Intention matters here too. An item bought for personal use is different from an item bought for resale.

Investments and retirement accounts

Stocks, funds, retirement plans, and restricted accounts can require a more careful calculation.

Access, penalties, underlying assets, and school of thought can affect the answer. Use a qualified calculator or advisor rather than guessing.

Loans and debts

Money owed to you and money you owe to others both require careful treatment.

Recoverable loans, bad debts, and long-term liabilities are not all treated the same way. Ask a qualified scholar or Zakat advisor how they apply to your circumstances.

Practical checklist

  • Separate personal-use items from assets held as wealth or trade.
  • Write down business inventory and investment values.
  • Ask about jewelry, retirement accounts, and loans.

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