Zakah on grains

Q: We would like to inform you that the date palm trees known by the name Sukkari (a type of palm trees distinguished by its sweet dates) are planted in large numbers in the lands owned by the inhabitants of Al-Qasim district. The price of this type of dates is going up, with one kilo reaching more than ten riyals whereas other types of dates are sold at one and a half riyals. Is Zakah due on these dates on account of it being of a different type and having a premium quality or is it possible to pay Zakah from other types?

A: It is intrinsically preferable to pay the due share of Zakah from the produce of Sokkari trees. It is not permissible to pay Zakah from other dates of inferior quality. However, it is permissible to pay Zakah from (Part No. 9; Page No. 237) another type of dates of good average quality. For example, if one kilo of Sokkari is sold at ten riyals, one kilo of dates of inferior quality is sold at three riyals and another type of average quality is sold at six or seven riyals, it is permissible to pay Zakah from this last type.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.