Is Zakat obligatory on crops and fruits below five Wasaq (a measure)?
Chapter on Zakat on Crops and Fruits
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
Zakat is not obligatory on any crops or fruits until they reach five Wasaq. This is the position held by the majority of scholars, including Ibn Umar, Jabir, Abu Umamah bin Sahl, Umar bin Abdul Aziz, Jabir bin Zayd, Al-Hasan, 'Ata', Mak'hul, Al-Hakam, An-Nakha'i, Malik and the people of Madinah, Ath-Thawri, Al-Awza'i, Ibn Abi Layla, Ash-Shafi'i, Abu Yusuf, Muhammad, and all other scholars. The primary evidence is the Prophetic saying, "There is no Sadaqah on less than five Wasaq," which is agreed upon (Muttafaqun 'alayh). This specific ruling takes precedence over general statements, similar to how other specific rulings dealing with minimum amounts supersede general obligations.
Supporting text
A minority opinion, held by Mujahid, Abu Hanifah, and their followers, dictates that Zakat is obligatory on both small and large amounts of crops and fruits. Their evidence is the generality of the statement, "In what the heavens water, there is one-tenth (Al-'Ushr)," and the absence of a Houl (one-year period) requirement, which they argue implies no minimum threshold (Nisab) is required either.