The Obligation of Zakat and Sacrifice on One Belonging to the Caste of Mendicant Dervishes

Question

Bakr is a cultivator, but by community he belongs to the caste of mendicant dervishes; he also practises begging as an occupation, he is an owner of the nisab (sahib al-nisab), and at the same time he makes use of the offerings brought to a saint’s shrine. Bakr says: “Since our community is one of mendicant dervishes, paying zakat and performing the sacrifice are not fard for us.” Is this statement of Bakr correct?

Answer

Since Bakr is an owner of the nisab, zakat is binding on him as well; belonging by community to the mendicant dervishes does not exempt him from zakat. As for the offering at a shrine, which is made to the one buried in it, both making it is impermissible and eating it is impermissible. Bakr must by no means eat it. Because he is wealthy, the sacrifice is also binding on him.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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