Is it permissible to take a very young animal (Sakhlah) for Zakah when the Nisab consists entirely of such young animals?
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
The young offspring (Sakhlah) should not be taken for Zakah, based on the statement of Umar (RA) and subsequent principles discussed. No disagreement on this is known, unless the entire Nisab consists only of young animals. In this specific circumstance, taking the young animal is permissible according to the sound position, which applies if large animals are replaced by young ones during the year, or if the mothers die after the young constitute a Nisab and the year completes on the young.
Supporting text
Abu Bakr and Malik state that only a mature animal fit for sacrifice (i.e., a Jadh'ah or Thaniyyah) should be taken, citing the Prophet's (PBUH) statement regarding the due share being a Jadh'ah or Thaniyyah. They argue that increasing age does not increase the due amount, nor should decreasing age decrease it. Evidence against this is found in Abu Bakr's (RA) statement regarding the refusal to give up a young female goat (Unuq) due to the Prophet's (PBUH) acceptance of it, indicating that young stock was acceptable. Furthermore, since the Zakah is due on the property itself irrespective of its value, the exact type of property should be taken, like other forms of wealth.