How is there such a large difference between the nisab (threshold) for silver and the nisab for gold, and what is the ruling on the zakat for money based on the nisab for silver or the lesser of the two in value? And are most people therefore considered negligent in paying their zakat?

The difference in the nisab (definition) (minimum taxable amount) for zakat (definition) between gold and silver arose due to the increasing disparity in their prices. The mufta bihi (prevailing opinion) is to consider the lower of the two currencies for the nisab of zakat, which is what most scholars have affirmed for zakat on trade goods. However, some scholars, such as Sheikh Qaradawi, hold the view that only the nisab of gold is to be considered, absolutely. Whoever acts according to one of these two opinions or follows a trustworthy scholar commits no sin. As for whoever finds the opinion of considering the lower of the two currencies to be more preponderant, they must pay zakat on their wealth if it reaches that nisab. Muslims must learn the rulings of their religion, especially the pillars of Islam, to avoid shortcomings resulting from ignorance.