What is the ruling concerning the Zakah requirement for young offspring (Sukhal) born during the year to the mother animals which constitute the Zakah portion?

Chapter on Zakat on Sheep

Al-Mughni

Book of Zakat

Book 8 · Issue 2 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If an entire Nisab produces young offspring during the year, the majority of scholars hold that Zakah is due on the entire amount when the mother animals complete their requisite holding year (Hawl). This is based on the principle that Zakah is not due on wealth until a full year has passed. Evidence supports this through the report from Umar (RA) instructing his collector to account for the young goat but not take it until a year passes. This ruling is also held by 'Ali, and since no opposition is known from his contemporaries, it constitutes consensus. The young offspring are considered growth of the Nisab and must be included in the Hawl calculation, analogous to commercial goods. If the Nisab is only completed by the young offspring, the Hawl is counted from the moment the Nisab is completed, which is the sound position in the school, held by Al-Shafi'i, Ishaq, Abu Thawr, and the Ahl ar-Ra'y.

Supporting text

A differing narration from Ahmad suggests the Hawl for the entire lot should be counted from the time the mothers were acquired, mirroring Malik's position. This is because the holding period is based on the mothers, not the young, whether they complete the Nisab or not. Conversely, if the young are born after the Hawl is complete, they are added to the mothers for the subsequent year's Hawl.