What are the options for the collector (Sa'i) regarding the distribution of fruit before harvest (Jidad)?

Chapter on Zakat on Crops and Fruits

Al-Mughni

Book of Zakat

Book 8 · Issue 2 · Bab 4

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The collector has three options concerning the fruit before harvest (Jidad): first, to appraise the fruit through estimation (kharṣ) and take the portion due to the poor as individual palm trees and their yield; second, to harvest the fruit, appraise it by weight, and distribute the fruit among the poor; or third, to sell the fruit to the owner or to a third party, either before or after harvest, and distribute the proceeds among the poor.

Supporting text

Abu Bakr stated that Zakat is due on this fruit when it becomes dry, and it is mentioned that Ahmad held this position.