Does possessing a Nisab of non-monetary assets that do not provide immediate sufficiency prevent the receipt of Zakat?
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
A person possessing a Nisab of Zakat-bearing assets (like livestock or crops) from which sufficiency is not derived is permitted to take from Zakat. This is supported by a narration to Imam Ahmad where a person with forty sheep whose estate was insufficient was permitted to receive charity, aligning with the statement of 'Umar to give even if some livestock are lost. Poverty is defined as need, and if one is needy, they are poor and eligible, regardless of possessing a Nisab, because need is the criterion, as evidenced by Allah calling mankind generally poor and needy (Quran 35:15).
Supporting text
The People of Opinion argue that if a Nisab of Zakat-bearing assets is owned, the recipient is prohibited from taking charity because Zakat becomes obligatory upon them, citing the Prophet's instruction to Mu'adh. However, the primary view holds that since the person lacks what suffices them and cannot earn enough, receiving Zakat is permissible, just as if they owned no Zakat-bearing assets.