اٹک میں مزارعت کی مروجہ صورتیں :فقہ اسلامی کی روشنی میں

The Prevailing Forms of Sharecropping (Muzāra‘at) in Attock: In the Light of Islamic Jurisprudence

Abstract

This research article analyses the common forms of sharecropping (Muzara‘ah) in District Attock, Pakistan, through the lens of Islamic Jurisprudence. In Attock, many landowners live in cities or abroad, so they provide their land to farmers for a share of the harvest or for rent. The study uses a qualitative research method to evaluate whether these local practices comply with Shariah principles. It explores the views of the four major Islamic jurists and examines agricultural practices from the time of the Prophet (PBUH) and the Caliphs. The findings reveal that several prevalent practices in Attock are problematic or invalid according to Islamic law. These include forcing farmers to perform extra non-farming services, linking sharecropping to loans (which can involve interest/Riba), and invalid ways of sharing livestock offspring. The study also highlights the issue of "Qafiz al-Tahhan," where harvesters are paid with a portion of the harvest they gathered, which is prohibited. The article recommends that all agricultural agreements be made in writing with clearly defined terms for duration, expenses, and zakat (Ushr). Finally, it proposes Shariah-compliant alternatives to ensure a fair and lawful agricultural system for both landowners and farmers.