Muslim scholars in Ghana have announced the official Nisaab threshold for Zakat in 2026 (1447 AH), urging Muslims across the country to carefully assess their savings and fulfil their religious obligation of charity once their wealth meets the prescribed level.

The estimation, presented by the Chief Imam of Muslim Executive Foundation, Sheikh Abdul Razak Bawa Aransa, outlines both gold-based and silver-based calculations. However, scholars are recommending the silver standard as the more appropriate benchmark for Ghana’s developing economy.

Based on current market rates, the Zakat Nisaab for 2026 has been set at GH¢7,559.98. Any Muslim who maintains this amount or more for one lunar year is required to pay 2.5 per cent, which amounts to approximately GH¢188.

“On consensus, we go for silver,” Sheikh Abdul Razak stated. “The hadith of the Prophet is satisfied, more people will pay Zakat, and the poor and needy will benefit from the essence of Zakat.”

Nisaab refers to the minimum amount of wealth a Muslim must possess before Zakat becomes obligatory. Zakat, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a mandatory form of charity that purifies wealth and supports the vulnerable in society.

The estimation document cites the Qur’anic injunction in Chapter 9, Verse 103: “Take Sadaqah-Zakat from their wealth, a charity by which you purify them and cause increase, and invoke Allah’s blessings upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”

It also references a hadith narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib, in which the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explained that when a person possesses 200 dirhams for one year, five dirhams become payable, and that nothing is due on gold until it reaches 20 dinars.

“These prophetic standards form the basis of our calculations today,” Sheikh Abdul Razak explained. “Zakat is not guesswork; it is calculated according to clearly established religious principles.”

Under the gold-based method, which is generally associated with developed economies, the Nisaab is set at 20 dinars, equivalent to 85 grams of pure gold.

Using market prices as of 11th Sha’ban 1447, corresponding to January 31, 2026, one ounce of gold was valued at USD 4,893.00. Converting 85 grams to 2.73 troy ounces results in a total value of USD 13,357.89. When converted to Ghana cedis at an exchange rate of GH¢10.95 to one US dollar, the Nisaab under the gold standard amounts to approximately GH¢146,268.89. At this threshold, a Muslim would pay 2.5 percent, which equals roughly GH¢3,660.

However, Sheikh Abdul Razak cautioned that this high benchmark may exclude many eligible contributors in developing economies.

“The gold standard is appropriate for developed economies,” he noted. “But in Ghana’s context, it may limit participation and reduce the collective impact of Zakat.”

Under the silver-based calculation, the Nisaab is set at 200 dirhams, equivalent to 595 grams of pure silver. Converted into troy ounces, this equals 19.13 ounces.

Based on the same January 31, 2026 market valuation, one ounce of silver was priced at USD 36.09. This gives a total value of USD 690.41. When converted to Ghana cedis at GH¢10.95 per dollar, the Nisaab is estimated at GH¢7,559.98.

This means that any Muslim who possesses GH¢7,559.98 or more in savings, cash, or equivalent assets for one full lunar year must pay 2.5 percent in Zakat, amounting to approximately GH¢188.

“Therefore, Nisaab for the year 2026/1447 starts from GH¢7,559.98, and GH¢188 is payable,” Sheikh Abdul Razak said.

He emphasised that adopting the silver standard ensures broader participation and strengthens social welfare.

“When more people contribute, the spirit of Zakat is fulfilled. It becomes a powerful system of social support that uplifts the poor and strengthens the Muslim community,” he said.

Sheikh Abdul Razak also urged Muslims to increase financial awareness and properly assess their wealth.

“Zakat purifies wealth and causes increase,” he reminded. “Every Muslim must understand how Nisaab is calculated so that they can observe their obligation with clarity and confidence.”

He encouraged Muslims to review their savings, investments, and other cash equivalents ahead of key Islamic periods, particularly Ramadan, when Zakat payments traditionally increase.

For further clarification and guidance, Sheikh Abdul Razak Bawa Aransa, together with Malam Mohammed Amin Mustapha Rocky, has made contact lines available for consultation. Educational tools, including Zakat calculation software, have also been recommended to assist the public.

As the 1447 AH year approaches, the announcement is expected to guide Zakat compliance nationwide, ensuring that the religious obligation continues to serve its core purpose, reducing inequality and supporting the poor and needy in Ghana.