What types of animals are prohibited from being taken as Zakah, such as nursing mothers, pregnant animals, or greedy eaters?
Chapter on Zakat on Sheep
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
The nursing mother camel (Rubba) that is close to giving birth, or the camel whose delivery is imminent (Makhid) with a living fetus whose time for birth has not yet arrived (Khilfah), are not to be taken for the right of the owner. Umar (RA) instructed his collector not to take the nursing mother, the one near calving, the voracious eater (Akkulah), or the common male sheep (Fahl). However, if the owner voluntarily offers these specific animals, their acceptance is permissible, and the collector receives the reward for the preference shown.
Supporting text
The prohibition against taking poor quality animals (Raddiy) is for the sake of the poor, and the prohibition against taking the best of wealth (Kara'im) is for the sake of the owners. Thus, the right lies with the average quality of wealth.