What is the ruling on taking young camels (Faslan) or young cattle (Ujul) for Zakah instead of the prescribed older age brackets?
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
The ruling concerning young camels (Faslan) and young cattle (Ujul) is analogous to that of young sheep (Sukhal) based on the reasoning applied to sheep concerning the non-acceptance of the very young. However, modification by value is permissible instead of increasing age, similar to allowing a male animal when the due amount is female. The ruling regarding very old animals (Haramah) is the same as the ruling for defective animals.
Supporting text
An alternative view suggests that taking young camels and calves is not permissible, which is the position of Al-Shafi'i. This is to prevent disparity in the prescribed shares, as it leads to discrepancies such as taking a one-year-old female camel (Ibnatul-Makhad) for Nisabs of 25, 36, 46, and 61, and taking two 2-year-old female camels (Ibnatal Laboon) for Nisabs of 76, 91, and 120. This results in a transition from one Ibnatul Laboon to two between 61 and 76, despite the small difference in value (Waqas). Since the Prophetic text specifically mentioned young sheep (Sukhal), a strict analogy to young camels and calves is prohibited due to the differences between them.