What is the condition regarding the duration of grazing ('Sūm') for sheep to necessitate Zakat?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
According to the doctrine of our Imam (and Abu Hanifa), Zakat is due on sheep if they graze for the majority of the year. This is based on the general texts indicating the obligation of Zakat on established minimum thresholds (Nusub) of livestock, and the term 'Sūm' (grazing) does not cease due to minor feeding, thus not excluding them from the ruling. Minor feeding is considered unavoidable and should not negate the ruling entirely, especially since intentional feeding for a short period could otherwise be used to evade Zakat entirely.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i holds that if the animal is not grazing for the entire year, no Zakat is due because grazing is a prerequisite for the entire year, similar to ownership and completion of the minimum threshold (Nisab). He argues that when a factor causing exemption (feeding) and a factor causing obligation (grazing) coincide, the exemption prevails, as when part of the Nisab is fed and part is grazing.