Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) employed someone as a governor at Khaibar. When the man came to Medina, he brought with him dates called Janib. The Prophet (ﷺ) asked him, "Are all the dates of Khaibar of this kind?" The man replied, "(No), we exchange two Sa's of bad dates for one Sa of this kind of dates (i.e. Janib), or exchange three Sa's for two." On that, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Don't do so, as it is a kind of usury (Riba) but sell the dates of inferior quality for money, and then buy Janib with the money". The Prophet said the same thing about dates sold by weight. (See Hadith No. 506).
Representation, Authorization, Business by Proxy
Sahih al-Bukhari 2302, 2303
Hadith Context & Prohibition of Riba al-Fadl
This narration concerns a governor appointed by the Prophet (ﷺ) at Khaibar who brought superior dates (Janib) to Medina. The Prophet's inquiry reveals his concern for economic justice and preventing exploitation.
The exchange of two sa' of inferior dates for one sa' of superior dates, or three for two, constitutes Riba al-Fadl - usury occurring in barter transactions of the same commodity type with unequal measures and delayed exchange.
Scholarly Analysis of the Prohibition
Islamic jurists explain that dates are among the six ribawi items specified in the Sunnah (gold, silver, wheat, barley, dates, salt). When exchanging the same type of commodity, equality in measure and immediate exchange are required.
The Prophet's instruction to first sell the inferior dates for currency then purchase superior dates with that currency transforms the transaction from a potentially usurious barter into two legitimate sales, eliminating the element of exploitation.
Legal Wisdom & Economic Principles
This ruling protects against ambiguity (gharar) and ensures fair valuation through market mechanisms. Currency serves as an objective measure of value, unlike direct barter which may conceal unfair exchange rates.
The prohibition applies equally to dates sold by weight, extending the principle to all measurable commodities of the same kind, ensuring comprehensive protection against usurious practices in everyday transactions.