Fatwa No : 34267
Zakat on crops

Zakat on crops

What does the scholars of Islam say about the following issue?
My father has a few acres of land on which different crops are harvested. I study in Madrasa. I told to my father that Ushr (Zakat on crops) is to be paid from the harvest of the land, and now he wants to know more about it. I was not able to further explain anything to him, this is why I am seeking your assistance. Please inform us as to when will Ushr or Nisf-e-Ushr be payable.

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

If the land is naturally irrigated by rainwater or river water, then Ushr (i.e. 10% of the harvest) will be payable as Zakat on the crops of that land. However, if the land is irrigated by wells, tube-wheels, or manual effort, which were of cost to the owner of the land, then Nisf-e-Ushr (i.e. 5% of the harvest) will be payable on the crops of the land. If the land is irrigated by both of the aforementioned means, then one's dominant thought will be considered (meaning: if the owner of the land thinks that the land is watered mostly by natural water, then Ushr will be payable, and if mostly by manual effort, then Nisf-e-Ushr will be payable). If water is purchased to irrigate the land, then Nisf-e-Ushr will be payable.
And Allah knows best.