The correct answer is Hazrat Umar (RA). Hazrat Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), the second Caliph of Islam, is historically recognized as the first leader to levy zakat on horses in Islamic history. This ruling marked a crucial administrative and economic... Read More
The correct answer is Hazrat Umar (RA). Hazrat Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), the second Caliph of Islam, is historically recognized as the first leader to levy zakat on horses in Islamic history. This ruling marked a crucial administrative and economic adaptation during a period when the structure of the early Muslim state was undergoing rapid expansion and diversification in wealth assets.
During the era of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the initial phase of the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA), zakat—the mandatory Islamic charity and tax—was primarily collected on specific types of wealth, including gold, silver, agricultural produce, and livestock such as camels, cattle, sheep, and goats. Horses, which were largely maintained for military campaigns and personal transport rather than commercial breeding or general livestock utility, were traditionally exempted from this obligation.
However, as the Rashidun Caliphate expanded its territories across the Near East, trade routes flourished, and the breeding of horses became a major commercial enterprise. Wealthy individuals began accumulating large herds of horses for sale, breeding, and profit. Recognizing this shift in the economic landscape, Hazrat Umar (RA) assessed that exempting horses from zakat while other forms of livestock were taxed created an imbalance in wealth distribution among the citizenry.
To ensure fairness and comprehensive implementation of economic justice, Hazrat Umar (RA) introduced the policy requiring owners of horses kept for trade or commercial breeding to pay zakat. Historical accounts from early Islamic jurisprudence note that this decision was met with discussion among some companions, but Hazrat Umar’s reasoned approach prevailed, establishing that high-value commercial assets should contribute to the welfare of the community.
This reform aligned with his broader governance strategy, which involved adapting administrative rules to meet the changing needs of a growing empire without violating foundational Shariah principles. By expanding the tax base to include valuable commercial animals, the state treasury (Bayt al-Mal) secured additional resources dedicated to supporting the poor, travelers, and public infrastructure.
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