A Guide to Zakat on Livestock: Camels, Cattle, Goats & Sheep

Many livestock owners are unsure whether they are fulfilling their Zakat obligations properly.

Without proper knowledge, you might miss out on purifying your wealth and benefiting those in need. The complexity of Zakat on livestock—camels, cows, goats, and sheep—can confuse and delay in fulfilling this important duty.

The key to resolving this is understanding the exact conditions and calculations for Zakat on livestock.

Let's dive into the details of zakat on livestock.

What is the Nisab of Zakat on Livestock?

According to Islamic jurisprudence, Zakat is not due on other animals unless they are kept for trade. However, when their number reaches a specific nisab of Zakat becomes obligatory for grazing camels, cattle, and sheep.

In the Quran, An'am specifically refers to animals such as camels, cows, and sheep, upon which zakat becomes obligatory when they reach a certain number. The term An'am also serves as the title of the sixth chapter of the Quran, Al-An'am.

Nisab of Zakat on Camels

Zakat on camels becomes obligatory when the herd reaches a nisab of five. For every five camels, one sheep is due as Zakat. This obligation increases incrementally. At 25 camels, a bint makhad (a she-camel in its second year) is required. 

Larger herds necessitate older camels, like the bint labun, hiqqah, or jadha’ah, based on the count. For instance, 36 to 45 camels require a bint labun, and 46 to 60 require a hiqqah. 

• A bint makhad is a camel that has reached one year of age.
• A bint labun is a camel that has reached two years of age.
• A hiqqah is a camel that has reached three years of age.
• A jadha’ah is a camel that has reached four years of age.

Camels grazing freely in pastures most of the year are subject to Zakat. Working camels, however, are generally exempt.

Nisab of Zakat on Cattle

Cattle owners must pay Zakah on cattle once their herd reaches 30, as per Islamic guidelines. At this nisab for cattle, one tabi’ or tabi’ah (a one-year-old calf) is due. For 40 cattle, a musinnah (a two-year-old cow) is due.

Like camels, only grazing cattle are liable for Zakat. They must feed in pastures most of the year. Cattle that are manually fed or used for work are not subject to Zakat unless they are kept for trade.

Nisab of Zakat on Sheep and Goats

Goats and sheep have the lowest nisab, with Zakat becoming obligatory at 40.

At this point, one sheep/goat is due. For 121 to 200 sheep or goats, two sheep or goats are due. For every additional 100 sheep or goats above 300, one more is required.

Only grazing sheep/goats are subject to Zakat, while those that are fed manually are exempt unless they are meant for trade. No Zakat is due on flocks with fewer than 40 sheep/goats unless given voluntarily.

Conditions for Zakat on Livestock

Zakat on livestock becomes obligatory when the following conditions are met:

1. Ownership for One Year

Livestock must remain with the owner for a full lunar year. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“No property is liable to zakat until it has turned a year.”

2. Threshold Requirement

Zakat is due only when the livestock meets these minimum thresholds:

• Five camels

• 30 cows

• 40 sheep/goats

3. Natural Grazing

Livestock must graze in open fields that grow naturally for most of the year. If animals are fed manually for most of the year, they are exempt from zakat. 

Exemptions and Scholarly Opinions

Here are exemptions on animals according to Islamic teachings:

1. Grazing vs. Fed Animals
   Scholars agree that Zakat is obligatory only on grazing animals unless they are kept for trade.
2. Working Animals
   Animals used for labor, such as plowing or carrying loads, are generally exempt. This is based on a narration from ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him):
   “There is no Zakat on working animals.”

Zakah Guidelines for Livestock

Here are the guidelines for zakah on livestock with references to Islamic teachings.

1. Offering an Average Quality Animal

Zakah should not take the best animals unless the owner offers them willingly. Similarly, the poor should not receive defective animals unless the whole flock is deficient. In such cases, zakah is calculated based on the average quality of the animal.

Proofs from the Sunnah:

• Abu Bakr’s letter states, “Neither an old or defective animal nor a billy goat may be taken as zakah.”
• Umar forbade collecting zakah from barren sheep, milking ewes, pregnant sheep, or breeding rams.
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) advised offering animals of average quality. He said, “Allah asks you to offer neither the best nor the worst.”

2. Zakah on Animals Beyond Cattle

Animals such as horses, mules, and donkeys are generally exempt from zakah unless used for trade. 

For instance, the Prophet (PBUH) said, “I have exempted you from paying sadaqah on horses.” Similarly, Abu Hurairah reported that no explicit zakah on donkeys was mentioned in the revelation.

During Umar’s (may Allah be pleased with him) caliphate, communities voluntarily gave zakah on horses, showing flexibility for communal benefit.

3. Young Offspring and Zakah

For livestock that reproduce during the zakah year, their offspring are included in the zakah calculation at the year’s end.

However, scholars differ on whether young animals alone are subject to zakah:

• Abu Hanifah argues young animals count only if mature animals meet the nisab threshold.
• Imam Abu Malik and others argue that young animals contribute to the nisab. They are subject to zakah just like mature animals.

4. Combining or Separating Herds

Combining livestock among partners or separating them to adjust zakah amounts is discouraged:

• The Prophet (PBUH) stated, “Do not combine young and old [livestock] to alter zakah.”
• Scholars emphasize fairness, ensuring neither zakah collectors nor owners manipulate herd divisions for personal benefit.

For example:

• If three partners each own 40 sheep, the zakah due on a combined herd is one sheep. If separated, each partner would owe one sheep. This ensures fairness and prevents over- or under-collection.

The Consequences of Neglecting Zakat on Livestock

Key Takeaways

• Camels and sheep will confront their owners on Judgment Day if zakat is not paid.
• Owners will be trampled by their animals for neglecting zakat obligations.
• Animals have rights, such as being milked with water in front of them.
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) will not be able to assist those who neglected zakat.
• Hoarded wealth will chase its owner like a serpent, forcing acknowledgment of its wrongdoing.

In conclusion, Zakat on livestock is a vital act of worship with clear guidelines for camels, cattle, and sheep. Adhering to these rulings ensures compliance with Islamic teachings and supports those in need. Whether you own grazing camels or a small flock of sheep, Zakat serves as a connection to Allah and a means of uplifting others.

If you're uncertain about calculating your Zakat, seek guidance from a knowledgeable scholar or reliable resources. Fulfilling this obligation purifies wealth, expresses gratitude to Allah, and contributes to the community’s welfare.

Let us uphold this divine obligation and contribute to building a just and compassionate society.

Your Zakat = Orphan’s Hope and Future

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