Understanding Zakat on Agricultural Produce: Fruits and Grains

Are you aware of the Zakat obligations on agricultural produce?

Agriculture is the backbone of many economies, providing both sustenance and livelihood. 

Yet, many farmers and landowners overlook an essential part of their responsibilities—paying Zakat on crops they produce. This neglect doesn’t just prevent the fair distribution of wealth; it also goes against the spirit of social justice

Zakat on agricultural produce ensures that the wealth created from the earth circulates within society.

Let’s explore the types, nisab, conditions, and timings of Zakat on agriculture products.

Types of Agricultural Produce Liable for Zakat

The two types of agricultural produce subject to zakat are as follows:

• Grains
  Grains that are storable, such as barley, wheat, and similar crops, are subject to Zakat.
• Fruits
  Fruits that can be stored, like dates, raisins, and almonds, are also liable for Zakat.

Nisab of Zakat on Grains and Fruits

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) explained that the nisab for agricultural produce is five wasqs, as mentioned in the hadith: 

“There is no Zakat on grains or dates until such items weigh five wasqs” (Muslim). 

Each wasq equals 60 saa‘s, making the total nisab 300 saa‘s.

• 1 saa = 4 mudds
• 1 mudd = approximately 120 mithqaal
• 1 saa = 480 mithqaal 
• 5 wasqs = approximately 609.84 to 612 kilograms, depending on the produce type.

Note: Mithqal is a traditional unit of weight, equivalent to 4.25 grams.

The saa of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is equivalent to two cupped handfuls by an average-sized person, and a mudd equals one handful. This traditional measurement is essential, as Zakat is only due if the harvested crop meets this threshold.

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) further narrated: 

“No Zakat is due on less than five awaqs, camels, or wasqs.” 

Modern scholars estimate the Zakat nisab to be approximately 653 kilograms for fruits or crops, depending on their weight and type.

Zakat Rate on Grains and Fruits

The rate of Zakat due to agricultural produce, including grains and fruits, varies depending on the method of irrigation:

• One-Tenth (10%)
  Crops irrigated naturally, such as by rain or streams, require a Zakat payment of one-tenth of the total produce.
• Half of One-Tenth (5%)
  Crops irrigated through effort, such as drawing water from wells, require a Zakat payment of half of one-tenth.
• Three-fourths of One-Tenth (7.5%)
  Crops irrigated through natural and manual methods require a Zakat payment of three-fourths of one-tenth. This rate applies when the irrigation is evenly split between both methods. 

This ruling is based on the following Prophetic teachings:

If the irrigation method varies, meaning one is more dominant, the rate is adjusted. The rate reflects which method benefits the crops more. In cases where there is uncertainty, the method that is deemed more beneficial should determine the zakah rate.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) explained that if irrigation is equally split, zakah is due. The rate in such cases is three-quarters of one-tenth. If one method is more beneficial, that method should be taken into account when determining the zakah rate.

Rules for Zakat on Grains and Fruits

The following rules must be met for Zakat to apply to grains and fruits:

1. Storage Capability
   Zakat is only due on crops that can be stored for later use. Daily consumables that cannot be stored, such as perishable vegetables, are exempt.
2. Measurability in Wasqs
   The Nisab for Zakat on grains and fruits is five Wasqs, equivalent to 612 kilograms of good-quality wheat.
3. Cultivation Purpose
   Zakat is only obligatory on crops grown for cultivation and production on agricultural farms. Subsistence farming, which is aimed solely at fulfilling personal or familial needs, is exempt.
4. Paying Zakat in Cash

If crops are sold before Zakat is paid, they cannot be substituted with cash. However, if there is a genuine need, cash may be allowed. The majority of scholars hold that Zakat should be given from the harvest itself.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen and An Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) stated that Zakat cannot generally be paid in cash. But Maalik considered it permissible to give dirhams (silver coins) in place of dinars (gold coins), and vice versa.

However, it may be allowed in cases of pressing need. For instance, if the Zakat is due on livestock or crops, but the individual does not have the physical items to give, they may offer equivalent value if necessary.

Timing for Zakat on Grains and Fruits

The obligation to pay Zakat for grains and fruits on time is derived directly from the Quran. 

Allah (SWT) commands:
"He is the One who brings forth gardens and palm trees, olives, and pomegranates. These crops appear similar, yet they differ in taste. Enjoy the fruits they yield and give their due at harvest, but avoid waste. Surely, He does not love those who waste."

(Surah al-An’am: 141)

When Zakat Becomes Due

• Grains: Zakat is due when grains fully mature and are ready to be separated from the husk.
• Fruits: Zakat is due when fruits ripen. For instance, dates are ripe when they turn bright or red, and grapes when they become sweet.

Calculation and Payment

• For grains, Zakat is calculated after impurities like dust, husk, straw, or chaff are removed.
• For fruits, Zakat must be paid at the time of harvest. It is prohibited for the owner to sell or use any portion before paying Zakat.

Responsibility for Zakat 

• If grains or fruits are sold after maturing or ripening, the seller must pay Zakat, as the obligation was established in their possession.
• If sold before ripening, the buyer is responsible for paying Zakat.

Unlike other forms of wealth, Zakat on plants and fruits does not require the passage of a full lunar year. It is paid once at the time of harvest, even if some of the produce is stored for later use.

Zakat on Partnership Farms

If a partnership exists in which one partner provides the land and the other works it, Zakat is due on each partner's share. This applies only if their respective shares exceed the Zakat Nisab threshold. If one partner’s share falls below the Nisab, there is a difference of opinion among scholars. 

Some hold that Zakat should still be paid from the entire yield as if it were owned by a single individual. Thus, both partners would pay Zakat from their respective shares after the Zakat has been calculated for the whole crop.

In conclusion, Zakat on agricultural produce is an essential obligation that requires careful understanding. It is important to know the types of crops subject to Zakat, such as grains and fruits, and the nisab that determines how much of the harvest is subject to Zakat. 

The timing for Zakat, whether for grains or fruits, is crucial, with Zakat due once the crops are ready for harvest. Conditions such as the type of irrigation used, whether natural or artificial, also affect the Zakat rate. 

Additionally, Zakat on partnership farms involves specific rules that both partners must follow to ensure they fulfill their obligations properly. 

Grow Blessings in Jannah by Helping Orphans

Donate Now