JAẔʿAH (جذعة‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Role in Zakat

JAẔʿAH (جذعة‎)

Definition

JAẔʿAH (جذعة‎) refers to a female camel in her fifth year. It is specifically denoted as the proper age for a camel given in Zakat (الزكاة), which is an obligatory form of alms in Islam. Camels of this age are categorized for Zakat purposes when the number of camels ranges from sixty-one to seventy-five.

Etymology

The term “JAẔʿAH” (جذعة‎) is derived from the Arabic root “ج-ذ-ع”. In Arabic, “جذعة‎” signifies a female camel that has reached its fifth year. The term underscores the detailed categorization in Islamic jurisprudence, especially in matters related to Zakat.

Turkish Translation

In Turkish, the term would be translated as “JAẔʿAH” (جذعة‎), as it is a specific terminology used in Islamic jurisprudence and may not have a direct Turkish equivalent in common language.

Role in Zakat

Within Islamic law, Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and involves the giving of a fixed portion of one’s wealth to the needy. The age and type of livestock, including camels, have specific implications for Zakat:

• For Camels: When the number of camels is between sixty-one and seventy-five, the appropriate camel for Zakat is a JAẔʿAH (i.e., a camel in her fifth year).

This precise categorization ensures fairness and standardization in fulfilling the Zakat obligation.

Further Reading

For those interested in exploring this topic further, the following books are recommended:

1. “Fiqh al-Zakat” by Yusuf al-Qaradawi - This book provides a detailed exposition of the rules regarding Zakat, including livestock.
2. “Understanding Islamic Finance” by Muhammad Ayub - Although primarily focused on finance, this book offers insight into Zakat as an economic and social institution in Islam.
3. “Encyclopedia of Islamic Jurisprudence concerning Muslim Women” by Abdulrahman Al-Sheha - This encyclopedia includes comprehensive entries on various Islamic legal concepts, including those related to Zakat.

Takeaways

• Precise Categorization: JAẔʿAH (جذعة‎) exemplifies Islamic law’s detailed guidance on the age and type of livestock to be given in Zakat.
• Significance in Zakat: Ensuring proper age categorization like JAẔʿAH enables the equitable distribution of wealth and fulfillment of Islamic obligations.

Conclusion

Understanding the term JAẔʿAH (جذعة‎) within the context of Zakat offers insights into the meticulous nature of Islamic jurisprudence. This detailed categorization not only standardizes the process but also underscores the ethical and moral dimensions guiding financial obligations in Islam.