What is the proper disbursement (Masraf) for the one-fifth share of Rikaaz?
Chapter on Zakat on Gold and Silver
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
There are differing reports from Imam Ahmad regarding the disbursement of the one-fifth share of Rikaaz. One narration, held by Al-Khiraqi and reported from Ahmad by Hanbal, states that the one-fifth is given to the recipients of Sadaqah (charity), and if one distributes it to the poor (Masakin), it suffices. This view is also held by Al-Shafi'i, supported by the narration concerning Ali ibn Abi Talib commanding the finder of treasure to distribute it to the poor. The evidence cited is the report of Ibn Humamah where Ali divided the found treasure into five shares, took one share, gave the finder four shares, and then instructed the finder to distribute his four shares among the poor and needy in his neighborhood. Furthermore, it is argued that since Rikaaz is derived from the earth, it is analogous to minerals and crops.
Supporting text
A second, more authentic and consistent narration reported from Ahmad by Muhammad ibn al-Hakam states that the disbursement of the one-fifth share of Rikaaz follows the disbursement method of Fay' (spoils taken without battle). This view is held by Abu Hanifah and Al-Muzani. The evidence provided is the narration where Umar ibn al-Khattab took one-fifth of a discovered treasure (one thousand dinars), distributed that one-fifth among those Muslims present, and returned the remaining four-fifths to the finder. If this share were Zakah, it would have been designated only for its specific recipients and not returned to the finder. Additionally, since it is obligatory upon the Dhimmi (non-Muslim resident), and Zakah is not obligatory upon him, it must differ from Zakah. Moreover, it is a wealth from which one-fifth has been taken and the control of the disbeliever has been lifted, making it analogous to the one-fifth share of Ghanimah (war booty).