Zakat on animals
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
Answer
Saaiduna Abu Dhar Radiallahu Anhu narrates that once I went to the Prophet of Allah Sallallahu Alahi Wasalam and he said, “By Allah in Whose Hands my life is in, whoever had camels or cows or sheep and did not pay their Zakat, those animals will be brought on the Day of Resurrection far bigger and fatter than before and they will tread him under their hooves, and will butt him with their horns, and (those animals will come in circle): When the last does its turn, the first will start again, and this punishment will go on till Allah has finished the judgments amongst the people.” (Sahih Bukhari p.188 v.1)
Saaimah animals are those animals left to graze freely in the pastures for a specific reason, either, so that they yield milk, or for breeding purposes, or for increased stock. Those animals which are left for grazing, other than for breeding or milk production are not zakatable. Zakat is obligatory on Saaimah animals whether they are male or female. However, those animals kept for personal use like for eating is completely exempt from zakat.
Zakat is not wajib on horses. Horses kept for reselling, are zakatable, regardless of whether they feed on wild pastures or they are fed. They will be regarded as good in trade and when they reach nisab amount, zakat has to be given on them. There will be no zakat upon donkeys; mules, tamed cheetahs and tamed dogs provided they are not intended for resale. (Fiqhus Zakat p.299 v.1)
Zakat for sheep and goats
The Nisaab (minimum number) when Zakat becomes applicable is forty animals, which are more than twelve months old. There is no Zakat of the number is less than forty. One goat must be given in zakat for every 40 goats. Fom 40 to 120 this is the nisab. From 121 to 200 goats, two goats must be given. From 201 to 399 goats, three goats must be given. For 400 goats, four goats must be given. Thereafter for each additional hundred, one sheep that is one year old must be given as Zakat. The same nisab applies for sheep as well. (Ahsanul Fatawa p.272 v.4)
Zakat for camels
- 5-9, one year old goat
- 10-14 two goats
- 15-19 three goats
- 20-24 four goats
- 25-35, one 1 year old camel
- 36-45, one 2-year old she camel;
- 46-60, one 3-year old she camel;
- 61-75, one 4-year old she camel;
- 76-90, two 2-year old she camel;
10. 91-124, two 3-year old she camel.
(For further information on the nisab please check the relevant books on zakat on animals)
Only Allah Knows Best
Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
