What is the significance of Ushr in Islamic economic practice?

Explanation

Ushr is a form of Zakat levied specifically on agricultural produce. It is payable at the rate of 1/10th (10%) of the total yield when the land is irrigated by natural means such as rain or rivers. If the land is irrigated artificially through wells, canals, or other man-made methods, the rate is reduced to half, i.e., 1/20th (5%). This distinction reflects the Islamic principle of fairness, accounting for the additional effort and expense involved in artificial irrigation.

Good to know

The word Ushr literally means "one-tenth" in Arabic. The obligation of Ushr is derived from the Quran and Sunnah, and it constitutes one of the fundamental economic injunctions of Islam aimed at wealth redistribution and social welfare. Unlike Zakat on wealth which is assessed annually, Ushr is payable at the time of each harvest. The produce must reach the Nisab threshold of approximately 5 Wasq (around 653 kg) before Ushr becomes obligatory.

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