Juristic Analysis of the Sacrificial Threshold (Nisāb) Based on Gold and Silver with Emphasis on the Ḥanafī School

Abstract

Allah Almighty has established various rules and regulations for the guidance and well-being of humanity, adherence to which leads a person toward success in both this world and the Hereafter. Among these rulings, financial transactions and acts of worship hold a special place, as they play a crucial role in achieving justice and social balance. The Nisāb of sacrifice is one of these rulings. Beyond being a religious obligation, it also contributes to ensuring financial and social fairness. The Nisāb of sacrifice is determined based on the value of gold and silver. Historically, the values of these two metals were nearly equivalent; however, today there is a significant disparity between them. Choosing either gold or silver as the standard affects whether an individual is considered to have reached the Nisāb. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the views of both classical and contemporary Ḥanafī scholars on this issue, so that individuals do not encounter confusion when addressing matters related to sacrifice. Factors influencing the Nisāb, in addition to religious criteria, also include economic fluctuations and the current market value of precious metals. Applying these standards to modern conditions requires a deep understanding of fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and careful implementation of the relevant rulings. The findings of this research indicate that adhering to the correct Nisāb ensures the fulfillment of the religious obligation while supporting financial and social justice. According to the majority of Ḥanafī scholars, both classical and contemporary, silver has consistently been regarded as the reliable standard for determining the Nisāb of tradeable wealth. This article employs a descriptive–analytical method and a library-based study of fiqh sources and hadiths, analyzing the views of past and present scholars and carefully examining the criteria and points of disagreement.