When does the obligation of Zakah on crops become firmly established?
Chapter on Zakat on Crops and Fruits
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
The obligation of Zakah becomes firmly established upon the crops once they are gathered and placed in the granary (*jarin*), or when the grain is placed in the threshing floor (*baydar*), according to scholars who do not stipulate the ability to render payment (*tamakkun min al-ada'*) as a condition for the obligation to be firm. If the crop is destroyed after this point, the Zakah obligation is not lifted, and the owner remains liable for its repayment, similar to the case where the minimum threshold (*nisab*) of livestock or currency is destroyed after the passing of the Hawl (full lunar year).
Supporting text
According to the alternative narration, which considers the ability to render payment as a prerequisite, the obligation of Zakah does not become firmly established until the fruit dries, the grain is separated (threshed), and the owner is able to render his due right but fails to do so. If the crop is destroyed before this point, there is nothing due upon him.