Is consumption of growing crops (Zar') permissible before harvest?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hunting and Slaughter
Primary text
Regarding eating from growing crops (*Zar'*), there are two established narrations attributed to Ahmad. The primary position states that eating from crops is impermissible, distinguishing them from fruits (*thimar*). The reasoning is that God Almighty created fruits for immediate consumption when moist, and souls naturally desire them, whereas crops are different. Furthermore, there are reports indicating prohibition concerning eating crops.
Supporting text
The second narration permits eating from crops such as *farik* (young wheat) because the custom involves eating it while moist, thereby assimilating it to fruits. Similarly, this applies to broad beans (*baqila*), chickpeas, and similar items eaten while fresh. However, eating barley or crops that are not customarily eaten fresh is not permissible according to this view.