What are the requirements for the sheep (Shāh) given as Zakat on sheep, particularly concerning age and gender?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
For Zakat due on sheep, only a Jadh' from the fat-tailed sheep (Ḍān) or a Thani from the goats (Ma'z) is acceptable, whether it is the required Zakat or compensation for an oath/breach (Shāh al-Jibrān). The animal does not need to be from the defaulter's flock or from the local area's flock type, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) used the absolute term 'Shāh'. Furthermore, the animal must be female, as the obligatory sheep in the threshold are females. If a male sheep is offered, it is not valid because the required sheep in the established thresholds are females.
Supporting text
There is a dissenting view that a male sheep might be acceptable because the Prophet (peace be upon him) used the absolute term 'Shāh,' thus including both male and female. Additionally, when a single sheep obligation attaches to an individual's debt rather than a specific animal in their possession (like a sacrifice), the male sheep is accepted.