Understanding Bint Makhaẓ: The Age-specific Requirement in Zakāt

Bint Makhaẓ (بنت مخاض‎) breaks down to mean “the daughter of a pregnant,” signifying a specific age and gender of a camel that is a part of the Islamic practice of zakāt (almsgiving).

Definition

Bint Makhaẓ refers to a female camel that has passed one year and is at a stage where its mother is pregnant again. This is the specified age for a camel to be given in zakāt when the particular count of camels owned ranges from twenty-five up to thirty-five.

Etymology and Background

Etymology: The term originates from Arabic:

• Bint (بنت) means “daughter” or “female offspring.”
• Makhaẓ (مخاض‎) is derived from makhāz (مخاض), representing “pregnancy.”

Usage: Historically, in nomadic Arabian societies, camels held significant value both as a mode of transport and a source of wealth. Recognizing this, the system of zakāt incorporates livestock, and specific conditions like those in Bint Makhaẓ are detailed to ensure the fairness and consistency of almsgiving obligations.

Cultural Differences and Similarities

Similarities

• Fulfilling Social Duties: Across various Islamic cultures, the principle of zakāt demonstrates a unified approach towards charity and social equity.
• Livestock as Wealth: In many Muslim-majority countries, livestock still represents significant wealth comparable to crop-based tithing in agrarian societies.

Differences

• Regional Interpretation: Some regions might place different emphasis, handling specifics like Bint Makhaẓ with slight variations depending on local traditions and interpretations by religious authorities.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Nisāb (نصاب): The minimum amount for zakāt obligations.
• Zakāt al-Māl (زكاة المال): Almsgiving of wealth.

Antonyms

• Hoarding (اكتناز): Accumulating wealth without giving zakāt.
• Musād (موساد): Extreme poverty where zakāt is not obligatory.

Related Terms with Definitions

• Nisāb (نصاب): The minimum threshold of wealth one must have before zakāt is applicable.
• Zakāt (زكاة): A form of almsgiving; one of the Five Pillars of Islam, aimed at redistributing wealth in society.
• Ṣadaqah (صدقة): Voluntary charity, distinct from the obligatory zakāt but also emphasized in Islamic teachings.
• Ṣāʿ (صاع): A unit of measurement often referenced in zakāt calculations for produce.

Exciting Facts

• Historical Practice: The practice of giving specific livestock as zakāt dates back to the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) time, emphasizing fairness and social cohesion.
• Statistically Specific: Detailed calculations and conditions like Bint Makhaẓ ensure that zakāt is neither compromising nor excessive, reflecting precise guidance and cultural wisdom.

Quotations from Notable Writers

“Zakāt purifies wealth by redistributing the resources to those in need, literally using the assets that might symbolize prosperity, such as livestock.” — Ibn Khaldun, Muqaddimah

References

• Al-Qur’an: The holy text of Islam, outlining the principles of zakāt.
• Hadith collections: Various Prophetic traditions elaborate on the specifics of zakāt, including the types and amounts to be given.

Suggested Literature and Other Sources for Further Study

• “The Wealth of Nations in History: The Role of Economics in Shaping Civilizations” by Rahma Al-Nasir.
• “Islamic Almsgiving: The Socioeconomic Approach of Zakāt” by Tariq Ramadan.

Inspirational Thought-provoking Farewell

May your journey in learning the depths of Islamic practices enrich your understanding and inspire in you a compassion that mirrors the selfless giving outlined in the tenets of zakāt.