The system of Zakat for camels, although it might seem inapplicable to people living in Tamil Nadu today, is an essential area of knowledge for understanding the history and finer details of Islamic jurisprudence. The foundational principle regarding Zakat on livestock is that animals raised on farms—where food and water are provided at the owner’s personal expense—are not subject to Zakat. Zakat is only obligatory on grazing livestock, known as *Sa’imah*, which graze on free pastureland without any maintenance cost and return to their shelter only at night.
In this regard, the Zakat calculation for camel is clearly conveyed to us according to the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), through an official letter written after his passing by Caliph Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) to his governors.
فِي أَرْبَعٍ وَعِشْرِينَ مِنَ الإِبِلِ فَمَا دُونَهَا مِنَ الْغَنَمِ مِنْ كُلِّ خَمْسٍ شَاةٌ
(Sahih al-Bukhari: 1454)
According to these historic and legal rulings recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, if a person owns only four camels, no Zakat is due on them. The obligation of Zakat begins only when the number reaches five camels.
For counts ranging from 5 to 24 camels, goats are given as Zakat instead of camels. That is: 1 goat for 5 camels, 2 goats for 10 camels, 3 goats for 15 camels, and 4 goats for 20 camels. Intermediate numbers between multiples of five, such as 6, 7, 8, or 9, carry no extra Zakat; they remain included under the previous bracket.
When the camel count reaches 25, the method changes from giving goats to camels directly.
إِذَا بَلَغَتْ خَمْسًا وَعِشْرِينَ إِلَى خَمْسٍ وَثَلَاثِينَ فَفِيهَا بِنْتُ مَخَاضٍ
For 25 to 35 camels, a one-year-old female camel (*Bint Makhad*) must be given as Zakat.
فَإِذَا بَلَغَتْ سِتًّا وَثَلَاثِينَ إِلَى خَمْسٍ وَأَرْبَعِينَ فَفِيهَا بِنْتُ لَبُونٍ
For 36 to 45 camels, as their overall value increases, a two-year-old female camel (*Bint Labun*) must be provided.
فإِذَا بَلَغَتْ سِتًّا وَثَلَاثِينَ إِلَى سِتِّينَ فَفِيهَا حِقَّةٌ طَرُوقَةُ الْجَمَلِ
For 46 to 60 camels, a three-year-old female camel (*Hiqqah*) that has reached maturity and is ready for breeding must be given.
فَإِذَا بَلَغَتْ وَاحِدَةً وَسِتِّينَ إِلَى خَمْسٍ وَسَبْعِينَ فَفِيهَا جَذَعَةٌ
For 61 to 75 camels, a mature four-year-old female camel (*Jadha’ah*) must be given. Even though it is still a single animal, its value is higher due to its age.
فَإِذَا بَلَغَتْ يَعْنِي سِتًّا وَسَبْعِينَ إِلَى تِسْعِينَ فَفِيهَا بِنْتَا لَبُونٍ
For 76 to 90 camels, two two-year-old female camels must be given. For 91 to 120 camels, two three-year-old female camels must be paid as Zakat.
فَإِذَا زَادَتْ عَلَى عِشْرِينَ وَمِائَةٍ فَفِي كُلِّ أَرْبَعِينَ بِنْتُ لَبُونٍ
When the number exceeds 120 camels, a new rule takes effect to simplify the calculation. Beyond 120, camels are calculated in multiples of 40 and 50. For every additional 40 camels, one two-year-old female camel is due, and for every additional 50 camels, one three-year-old female camel is due. Any remaining numbers that do not fit into multiples of 40 or 50 are exempt from Zakat. This precise system was established to prevent collectors from burdening owners and to keep religious rulings simple and clear, marking a noble chapter in Islamic history.