Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat)

Sahih al-Bukhari 1447

Hadith Text

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "There is no Zakat on less than five camels and also there is no Zakat on less than five Awaq (of silver). (5 Awaq = 22 Fransa Riyals of Yemen or 200 Dirhams.) And there is no Zakat on less than five Awsuq. (A special measure of food-grains, and one Wasq equals 60 Sa's.) (For gold 20, Dinars i.e. equal to 12 Guinea English. No Zakat for less than 12 Guinea (English) of gold or for silver less than 22 Fransa Riyals of Yemen.)"

Narrated Abi Sa`id Al-Khudri: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying (as above).

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the nisab (minimum threshold) for various categories of wealth upon which Zakat becomes obligatory. The wisdom behind these specific amounts lies in ensuring Zakat is only taken from those possessing substantial wealth, while exempting those with minimal possessions.

For livestock: Five camels represent the minimum nisab. Below this number, the animals are considered essential for subsistence rather than surplus wealth.

For silver: Five awaq (200 dirhams) constitutes the nisab. The equivalent measurements provided demonstrate the scholars' meticulous effort to translate prophetic measurements into contemporary currencies for practical application.

For agricultural produce: Five awsuq (approximately 653 kg of staple food grains) represents the minimum amount subject to Zakat, ensuring only substantial harvests are taxed.

For gold: Twenty dinars establishes the nisab. The Prophet (ﷺ) set different nisabs for gold and silver based on their relative values and common usage in society.

These thresholds embody the divine wisdom of making worship accessible while maintaining social justice through wealth redistribution to the deserving eight categories mentioned in Surah At-Tawbah.