Zakat on Livestock: Camels, Cattle, Goats & Sheep

Allah has commanded Muslims to pay Zakat on all forms of wealth to spread love and purify souls. 

But for livestock owners, understanding the rules surrounding camels, cattle, goats and sheep seems confusing. Many are left unsure, risking delays in fulfilling this vital act of worship.

Even if you don’t own livestock, learning about these rules can help you better understand the importance of Zakat in our lives.

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

What is the Nisab of Zakat on Livestock?

The Nisab for Zakat on livestock refers to the minimum number of animals a person must own before Zakat becomes obligatory. 

The Nisab differs depending on the type of livestock:

• Camels: Zakat on camels becomes obligatory when the herd reaches a nisab of five. 
• Cattle: Zakat Nisab's cattle are thirty cattle, which include buffalo, bison, and yaks.
• Sheep and goats: The nisab of Zakat on goats or sheep is forty.

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.

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.

Nisab of Zakat on Sheep and Goats

Sheep and goats have the lowest nisab, with Zakat becoming obligatory at 40.

At this point, one sheep is due on 40 sheep and one goat is due on 40 goats. 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.

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:

• 5 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 camels, cattle, goats, and sheep 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.”
3. Horses, Mules and Donkeys
   Animals such as horses, mules, and donkeys are generally exempt from zakat 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 zakat 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.

Zakat Rules for Livestock

Here are the rules for zakat on livestock with references to Islamic teachings.

1. Offering an Average Quality Animal

Zakat 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.”

3. Young Animals and Zakat

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.

Consequences of Neglecting Zakat on Livestock

The above hadith shed light on:

• 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, understanding the Zakat on livestock is essential for every eligible Muslim. The Nisab for Zakat on cattle, camels, sheep, and goats sets the minimum threshold, ensuring only those with substantial wealth are obligated to pay. The conditions outline who qualifies, ensuring fairness and clarity in fulfilling this duty. 

Adhering to the guidelines ensures accuracy in calculation and distribution, upholding the principles of justice and compassion. Neglecting this vital obligation, however, leads to severe consequences, not just in the Hereafter but also in disrupting societal harmony.

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