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Livestock & Agriculture Jul 13, 2026

Ushr (10%) vs Half-Ushr (5%): Rain vs Irrigation

Question

When is 10% due and when 5% on crops, and what if the land is watered by both rain and irrigation?

Ruling (Fatwa)

Short answer: Based on authentic hadith, crops irrigated by rain or natural sources require 10% (Ushr), while those irrigated by manual effort (e.g., wells) require 5% (half Ushr). For land irrigated by both, the ruling depends on the predominant method; scholars differ, but the preponderant view is that the rate follows the majority of irrigation. Details: The Prophet (ﷺ) clearly distinguished the two rates based on the effort of irrigation. The nisab for all crops is 5 awsuq (approx. 653 kg). These rulings apply only to staple food crops that can be stored. Evidence: 1. Sahih al-Bukhari 1483: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "On a land irrigated by rainwater or natural water channels, Ushr (10%) is compulsory; on land irrigated by a well, half of Ushr (5%) is compulsory." 2. Sahih Muslim 981: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "A tenth is payable on what is watered by rivers or rain, and a twentieth on what is watered by camels (i.e., manual irrigation)." For mixed irrigation, scholars such as the Permanent Committee, Ibn Baz, and al-Uthaymin hold that if rain provides the majority of water, 10% is due; if manual irrigation is majority, 5% is due; if equal, some recommend 7.5% or the higher rate (10%) as a precaution. Since there is no explicit text on a mixed scenario, one may follow a reliable scholarly opinion. Disclaimer: This fatwa is based on the provided evidence. For complex cases (e.g., modern irrigation systems or unclear proportions), please consult a qualified scholar for an informed ruling.

References

Hadith Sahih al-Bukhari 1483; Sahih Muslim 981
Fiqh Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Ifta; Ibn Baz; al-Uthaymin