Zakat on Wheat: Nisab and Calculation of Wasq in Detail
Source: Fatāwā Rāshidiyyah, Page 403
❖ Question
How much wheat is subject to Zakat, and what is the measure of a Wasq? Please explain in full detail.
❖ Answer
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh, Ammā Baʿd!
As mentioned earlier, Zakat on wheat and other grains becomes obligatory only when the quantity reaches five Wasq. If it is less than this amount, Zakat is not obligatory.
According to the authentic narration in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim, Zakat is due only when the produce reaches five Wasq. The rate of Zakat, as explained earlier, will be either:
- ʿUshr (10%) if irrigated naturally (by rain or springs), or
- Niṣf al-ʿUshr (5%) if irrigated with human effort and expense.
❖ Calculation of Wasq
◈ 1 Wasq = 60 Ṣāʿ
◈ Therefore, 5 Wasq = 300 Ṣāʿ
❖ Weight of 1 Ṣāʿ (in terms of wheat)
- The weight of a Ṣāʿ differs slightly depending on the grain.
- For wheat, it has been measured to be approximately 2¾ Sēr (seers).
- Other grains are also close to this weight, with minor variations.
❖ Detailed Calculation
- 1 Wasq = 165 Sēr
- 5 Wasq = 825 Sēr
- Total weight = 20 Mann and 25 Sēr
❖ Result
- Whoever possesses 20 Mann and 25 Sēr of wheat is obligated to pay Zakat.
- If one possesses less (e.g., 15 or 16 Mann), Zakat is not obligatory.
- However, if someone voluntarily gives Zakat on a lesser amount, it is permissible and praiseworthy.
Thus, the Sharʿī Nisab of wheat is 20 Mann and 25 Sēr.
Hādhā mā ʿindī, wallāhu aʿlam bi-ṣ-ṣawāb.
