Zakat Mal: Rules and Requirements

Zakat is one of the most important obligations in Islam for Muslims who possess wealth. By paying zakat, a believer not only fulfills a command from Allah SWT but also ensures that their wealth remains pure and blessed. One form of this obligation is zakat mal.

Zakat mal refers to zakat paid on various types of wealth owned by a Muslim. Fahmi Ali Hudaefi, SEI., MSh.Fin., a lecturer at the Faculty of Islamic Studies (FAI), Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), explained that the Arabic term māl means wealth, therefore, zakat mal refers to zakat derived from specific assets that meet the requirements set by Islamic law.

"Zakat mal means zakat issued from a Muslim's wealth after it has reached a certain minimum threshold and has been held for a specific period of time," Fahmi explained when interviewed on Thursday, (12/3/2026).

Fahmi added that contemporary scholars, such as Yusuf al-Qaradawi in his book Fiqh az-Zakah, explain that the concept of wealth is not limited to gold or silver. Rather, it evolves alongside modern economic conditions, encompassing zakat on trade, professional income, stocks, bonds, and even cryptocurrency assets in some countries.

The obligation of zakat mal in Islam has a strong foundation in the Qur'an. Fahmi explained that the duty to pay zakat is mentioned in several Qur'anic verses that emphasize the importance of fulfilling zakat as an act of obedience to Allah SWT.

One such verse is found in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 43:

وَاَقِيْمُوا الصَّلٰوةَ وَاٰتُوا الزَّكٰوةَ وَارْكَعُوْا مَعَ الرّٰكِعِيْنَ

Meaning: "Establish prayer, give zakat, and bow together with those who bow."

Another verse affirming the obligation of zakat appears in Surah At-Tawbah, verse 103:

خُذْ مِنْ اَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ وَتُزَكِّيْهِمْ بِهَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيْهِمْۗ اِنَّ صَلٰوتَكَ سَكَنٌ لَّهُمْۗ وَاللّٰهُ سَمِيْعٌ عَلِيْمٌ

Meaning: “"Take zakat from their wealth to purify and cleanse them, and pray for them. Indeed, your prayer brings comfort to them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing." 

In Indonesia, zakat management also has a legal basis through Law No. 23 of 2011 on Zakat Management, which regulates various types of wealth subject to zakat, including gold, money, trade goods, agricultural produce, livestock, and income from services.

Zakat mal becomes obligatory once certain conditions are met. The requirements include being a Muslim and having full ownership of the wealth (al-milku at-taam). "This means the wealth is under the owner's full control and can be freely utilized," Fahmi explained.

In addition, the wealth must reach the nisab (minimum threshold), be held for one Hijri year, be productive or have the potential to generate profit, be acquired through lawful (halal) means, and the owner must not carry debts requiring immediate repayment that would reduce the wealth below the nisab.

"The nisab for zakat mal in classical fiqh is set at the equivalent of 85 grams of pure 24-karat gold. If a person's wealth reaches or exceeds that value and has been held for one Hijri year, then zakat becomes obligatory," Fahmi explained.

In Indonesia, discussions surrounding the nisab have also evolved. Recently, a debate emerged involving the National Zakat Board (BAZNAS).

According to a statement from BAZNAS' public relations office, the nisab for income and professional zakat in 2026 was set at Rp7,640,144 per month, or Rp91,681,728 per year. The decision was reached through a consultative meeting on Friday (20/2/2026), taking into account sharia principles, regulatory considerations, and the economic conditions of society.

Prof. Dr. H. Waryono Abdul Ghafur, M.Ag., Director of Zakat and Waqf Empowerment at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, explained that the nisab calculation refers to the price of 14-karat gold equivalent to 85 grams, resulting in the figure of Rp91,681,728 annually or Rp7,640,144 per month. The adjustment from 24-karat to 14-karat gold remains aligned with current regulations, as cited from the BAZNAS website on Thursday (12/3/2026).

According to Fahmi, the policy essentially aims to ensure that the obligation of zakat can still be fulfilled amid changing economic conditions. "Moreover, as we know, public trust in the government is currently declining for various reasons. BAZNAS, as a government-affiliated zakat institution, is also affected. Therefore, any policy it introduces inevitably touches on social issues," he added. 

The calculation of zakat mal has drawn attention due to a BAZNAS policy adjusting the gold standard from 24 karat to 14 karat in determining the nisab. Fahmi explained that the nisab is calculated from total gross income over one year, equivalent to 85 grams of gold.

"A few years ago, when gold prices were not as high as they are today, an annual income of around Rp85 million, or about Rp7 million per month, already fell within the category requiring zakat mal," he explained.

However, with the significant rise in gold prices, the value of 85 grams of gold can now reach approximately Rp255 million. The adjustment to 14-karat gold was introduced so that the obligation to pay zakat mal remains achievable even when gold prices are high.

Fahmi stated that the policy implemented by BAZNAS does not violate Islamic law. On the contrary, it aims to preserve the obligation of zakat amid sharp increases in gold prices.

However, he added that Muslims may still adhere to the 24-karat gold standard if they choose. "The BAZNAS policy is not binding for all of Indonesia, it applies only within the scope of BAZNAS itself," Fahmi concluded.

In essence, zakat mal is a form of social worship aimed at purifying wealth and helping others. For this reason, Muslims are encouraged to fulfill this obligation with greater awareness and in accordance with Islamic teachings.

Writer: Genis Dwi Gustati

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva