Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "No Zakat is imposed on less than five Awsuq of dates; no Zakat is imposed on less than five Awaq of silver, and no Zakat is imposed on less than five camels."
The Nisāb Thresholds in Islamic Law
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari establishes the minimum thresholds (nisāb) for three categories of wealth upon which Zakat becomes obligatory. The Prophet (ﷺ) clearly delineated these amounts to remove ambiguity and ensure proper implementation of this pillar of Islam.
Explanation of the Measurements
Five Awsuq refers to approximately 653 kilograms of dates or other staple crops, equivalent to the volume that would fill 60 ṣāʿ (a traditional measure). This quantity represents the minimum harvest upon which agricultural Zakat becomes due.
Five Awaq of silver equals 200 dirhams or approximately 595 grams of pure silver. This establishes the nisāb for monetary wealth in silver currency, which served as the primary monetary standard during the Prophet's era.
Five camels represents the minimum number upon which Zakat becomes obligatory for livestock owners. This threshold begins the graduated scale of Zakat on camels that increases with the herd size.
Legal Implications and Wisdom
The wisdom behind these thresholds is to exempt those with minimal wealth from the obligation, ensuring Zakat only applies to those possessing substantial means. This demonstrates Islam's mercy and practicality in legislation.
Scholars have derived from this hadith that wealth below these amounts is considered essential for basic needs and therefore exempt from Zakat. The nisāb represents the point where wealth transitions from necessity to surplus.
These specific measurements establish the principle of nisāb across all Zakatable categories, providing a clear framework for Muslims to determine their obligations and fulfill this fundamental pillar of faith properly.