THE CHAPTER ON ZAKAT · 14 – ESTIMATING THE AMOUNT OF FRUIT ON A TREE
Abdurrahman bin Mes'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated:
Sehl bin Abi Hasma came to our gathering and said:
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "When you estimate the yield on a tree, take two-thirds and leave one-third. If you do not leave anything or take more than two-thirds, then leave at least one-quarter."
Abu Dawud says: “The official who estimates takes one-third for wages.” [459]
EXPLANATION:
The person estimating the yield of grapes on a tree does not include one-third of the grapes in his estimate, accounting for potential losses. He estimates the remainder. Ash-Shafi'i said: "Its meaning is that the owner retains one-third of the tithe to distribute among the poor." (‘Awn al-Ma’bud, vol. 2, p. 24)