Revisiting the Gold and Silver Nisab for Zakat: A Numismatic Study of Prophetic Era Dinar and Dirham Weights and Measures

Abstract

In the pivotal second year of Hijrah, a series of momentous events unfolded in Madinah, marking significant transformations within the Muslim community. Central to this period was the divine ordinance of Zakat, mandating Muslims to allocate 2.5% of wealth, exceeding the nisab threshold, towards charitable deeds. Historically, this threshold was defined by the weight of 20 gold dinars or 200 silver dirhams, echoing a time predating the metric system's introduction in the late 18th century. This study investigates historical numismatic evidence to scrutinize established weights of dinars and dirhams from the Nabawi era, contrasting traditional values with those determined by contemporary numismatists — approximately 4.25 grams for dinars and 2.975 grams for dirhams, reflecting a 10:7 weight relationship not evident during the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) lifetime nor during the era of his great-grandfather, Hashim ibn ‘Abd Manaf (464-497 CE). The finding reveals discrepancies stemming from the Umayyad Caliph ‘Abd al-Malik’s monetary reforms in the 7th century, which significantly lowered the standard weights of these currencies. By critically examining historical narratives alongside modern numismatic findings, this study proposes an alternative, empirically substantiated Taqribi (approximate) definition for the dinar and dirham. This reevaluation not only challenges longstanding fiscal conventions but also aligns with Shaykh Yusuf al-Qaradawi’s assertion on the necessity of redefining Zakat thresholds for contemporary application. Findings advocate for a revision back to the nisab’s original standards, thereby honoring directives against altering the Muslim ummah’s monetary foundations, as evidenced by teachings. Through analytical journey, aspiration is to restore authentic nisab values for gold and silver, offering a recalibrated framework for Islamic economic practices.