What is the criterion for valuing trading goods (Urood) for Zakat when two established currencies exist, and their value in one currency meets the Nisab while the other does not?
Chapter on Zakat on Trade Merchandise
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
If the Hawl passes while the trading goods' value equals the Nisab in silver but not in gold, they must be valued by silver so that the poor receive their due share. Conversely, if the value is below the Nisab in silver but reaches the Nisab in gold, they are valued by gold to mandate Zakat. This applies whether the goods were purchased using gold, silver, or other goods. Abu Hanifa holds this view. The evidence for this is that the valuation serves the interests of the poor, so the currency providing them a greater benefit should be considered, similar to the original asset.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i posits that trading goods should be valued according to the currency (gold or silver) used for their purchase, as the Nisab for goods is established upon what they were bought with, thus requiring adherence to that initial measure.