The Definitive Guide: 5 Critical Conversions To Know When Asking 'How Many Grams Is One Mithqal?'
The question of "How many grams is one Mithqal?" is far more complex than a simple number, as this ancient unit of mass holds different values depending on its context—be it religious law, the gold market, or the spice trade. As of December 24, 2025, the most crucial distinction lies between the *Sarfī Mithqal*, which is the standard commercial unit, and the *Shar'i Mithqal*, which is used for Islamic jurisprudence, leading to two distinctly different weights you must know to avoid costly mistakes.
A *Mithqal* (also transliterated as *Mesghal* or مثقال) is a traditional unit of weight primarily used across Iran and the Middle East, particularly for valuable commodities like gold and saffron. Understanding the exact conversion is essential not only for traders and jewelers but also for anyone dealing with traditional Islamic legal matters, where precision down to the milligram is mandatory.
The Definitive Conversion: How Many Grams is One Mithqal (Mesghal)?
The confusion surrounding the *Mithqal* stems from the existence of at least two widely accepted, yet significantly different, standards. You cannot rely on a single conversion factor; the correct weight depends entirely on what you are measuring and in which context.
1. The Standard Commercial Weight: Sarfī Mithqal (مثقال صیرفی)
The *Sarfī Mithqal* is the conversion most commonly used in the commercial markets of Iran and for the general trade of precious goods. This is the weight you will encounter when buying or selling high-value items like gold and saffron.
- Sarfī Mithqal Weight: 4.608 grams
- Precision Weight: Often cited more precisely as 4.6083 grams.
- Traditional Equivalent: Equal to 24 *Nokhod* (chickpea).
- Primary Use: Gold trade, Saffron (زعفران) measurement, and other valuable commodities.
When you hear the daily price of gold (or *Mazanne-ye Tala* / مظنه طلا) in the Iranian market, it is typically quoted per *Sarfī Mithqal*. This makes the 4.608-gram figure the most practical conversion for daily economic use.
2. The Islamic Jurisprudence Weight: Shar'i Mithqal (مثقال شرعی)
The *Shar'i Mithqal* is a historical and religious standard defined by Islamic jurisprudence (*Fiqh*). It is crucial for calculating religious obligations like *Zakat* (alms) on gold and silver, and determining the weight of the historical *Dinar* (دینار) gold coin.
- Shar'i Mithqal Weight: 3.456 grams
- Approximate Weight: Sometimes rounded to 3.4 grams.
- Traditional Equivalent: Equal to 18 *Nokhod* (chickpea) or 72 barley grains (*Jow*).
- Primary Use: Calculating religious duties (*Zakat*, *Mahr*), determining the weight of the historical *Dinar* gold coin.
The *Shar'i Mithqal* is exactly three-quarters (3/4) of the *Sarfī Mithqal* (3.456 g is 75% of 4.608 g), a mathematical relationship that underscores the historical connection between the two units.
The Critical Difference Between Sarfī and Shar'i Mithqal
The difference between 4.608 grams and 3.456 grams is significant, especially when dealing with high-value items. This variance is rooted in the historical evolution of the unit and its application in two separate spheres: commerce and religious law.
Historical Context and Sub-Units
The *Mithqal* is one of the oldest traditional units of mass in the Middle East, predating the modern metric system. Its definition was originally based on natural grains and seeds, highlighting its deep historical roots:
- Nokhod (نخود): The chickpea was a fundamental sub-unit. The *Shar'i Mithqal* was defined as 18 *Nokhod*, while the *Sarfī Mithqal* was 24 *Nokhod*.
- Jow (جو): The barley grain was another key reference. One *Shar'i Mithqal* was equal to 72 barley grains.
- Milligram Conversion: The *Sarfī Mithqal* can also be expressed as 4,608 milligrams, providing a direct link to the modern metric system.
The *Sarfī Mithqal* developed as the practical unit for the marketplace, where slightly heavier units were often preferred for ease of trade. The *Shar'i Mithqal*, however, remained tied to the immutable standards of religious texts and the weight of the original Islamic *Dinar* coin.
The Gold Market Secret: Why a Mithqal Price is Not 4.608 Times a Gram Price
For those involved in the gold trade, the single most important piece of information is that the price quoted for one *Mithqal* of gold often does not represent the price of 4.608 grams of pure gold. This is the "fresh and unique" insight that separates experts from novices in the Iranian gold market.
The Karat (Ayār / عیار) Discrepancy
In most international markets, the price of gold is quoted per gram of 18-karat (18K) gold, which corresponds to a fineness of 750 (75.0% pure gold). However, the traditional *Mithqal* price in Iran is typically based on a lower fineness:
- Standard Gram Price: Based on 18-karat gold (Fineness 750).
- Standard Mithqal Price (Mazanne): Historically based on 17-karat gold (Fineness 705).
This means that when you see the price of a *Mithqal* of gold, you are seeing the price of 4.608 grams of 17-karat gold, not 18-karat gold.
Calculating the True Value
To accurately convert the price of a *Mithqal* (17K) to the price of a standard gram (18K), a specific formula must be used to adjust for the difference in purity. This conversion ensures that all calculations are based on the same standard of pure gold, preventing significant financial miscalculations.
The relationship is based on the ratio of fineness:
$$ \text{Price per Gram (18K)} = \text{Price per Mithqal} \times \frac{705}{750} \times \frac{1}{4.608} $$
This complex interplay of weight and purity is why the *Mithqal* remains a key entity in the Iranian economy, serving as a traditional benchmark for the gold market, even as the metric system is used for final transactions.
Beyond Gold: Mithqal in Other Commodities
While its association with precious metals is the most prominent, the *Mithqal* unit is also deeply embedded in the trade of other high-value commodities, most notably saffron.
Saffron (زعفران) Trade
Iran is the world's largest producer of saffron, often referred to as 'red gold.' In this market, the *Mithqal* is the standard unit of measurement for smaller, retail quantities.
- Saffron Mithqal: This almost universally refers to the Sarfī Mithqal of 4.608 grams.
- Reason for Use: Due to saffron's high value, the *Mithqal* provides a more appropriate and traditional unit than the gram for small transactions, maintaining a sense of cultural continuity in the trade.
Understanding the 4.608 gram conversion is therefore essential for anyone buying or selling saffron in the region, ensuring fair and accurate transactions.
Summary of Key Mithqal Entities and Conversions
To achieve topical authority, it is important to recognize the different entities and their precise values. Here is a quick reference for the most common *Mithqal* types and related LSI keywords:
| Mithqal Type / Entity | Conversion to Grams | Primary Use | Traditional Sub-Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sarfī Mithqal (Commercial) | 4.608 g | Gold (*Mazanne*), Saffron, General Trade | 24 *Nokhod* |
| Shar'i Mithqal (Islamic) | 3.456 g | *Zakat*, *Dinar* Coin Weight, *Fiqh* | 18 *Nokhod* / 72 *Jow* |
| Mithqal Gold Price Basis | 4.608 g of 17-Karat Gold (Fineness 705) | Iranian Gold Market Benchmark | *Ayār* (Fineness) |
In conclusion, the simple question "How many grams is one Mithqal?" does not have a single answer, but rather two definitive figures: 4.608 grams for commerce and 3.456 grams for Islamic law. By understanding the context—be it the *Ayār* of gold or the principles of *Fiqh*—you can navigate this traditional unit with the precision of an expert.
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