Who has the choice between two applicable Zakat obligations when the number of camels reaches 200?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
When the number of camels reaches 200, two obligations converge: four Hatta (female camels aged three years) or five Bint Labun (female camels aged one or two years). The owner has the choice between fulfilling either obligation, even if one is of superior value. This is established by the Prophet's decree recorded as being with the family of Umar ibn Al-Khattab: "If it is two hundred, then four Hatta, or five Bint Labun; whichever of the two is found, take it." This choice belongs to the owner of the wealth, as it is a voluntary payment (Zakat) where choice is established, similar to the choice in blood money compensation. If one of the two obligations is present in the herd while the other is not, the owner may fulfill the existing obligation or purchase the missing type, as Zakat is not mandatory on the specific asset itself.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i holds that the choice belongs to the collector (Sa'i). He argues that if the owner fulfills the obligation, they must choose the superior of the two obligations, citing the prohibition against offering inferior wealth in charity. A view attributed to Al-Qadi suggests the owner is obliged to offer the existing (lesser) obligation if they cannot afford to acquire the better one, based on the principle that Zakat is not due on the specific asset.