ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Nisab

Nisab is a certain amount of money that a Muslim must have before they have to give some of it to people who are in need. It’s kind of like having a piggy bank, but instead of saving the money for yourself, you have to give some of it away to poor people.

Now, the amount of money you need before you have to start giving some of it away is called the nisab. It’s like a line, or a limit that you have to cross before you have to start sharing your money.

And, this limit is based on the value of gold or silver. So, in order to figure out if you have reached the nisab, you have to figure out how much gold or silver is worth, and then see how much money you have in comparison to that.

For example, if one ounce of gold is worth $1,500, then the nisab would be 85 ounces of gold, which would be worth $127,500. If you have more money than that, then you’d have to start giving some of it away to people who are in need.

So, the nisab helps Muslims remember to be generous and kind to others who are less fortunate than themselves, and to share some of the blessings that they have with those who need it.