We used to be given mixed dates (from the booty) and used to sell (barter) two Sas of those dates) for one Sa (of good dates). The Prophet (ﷺ) said (to us), "No (bartering of) two Sas for one Sa nor two Dirhams for one Dirham is permissible", (as that is a kind of usury). (See Hadith No. 405).
Hadith Text and Context
"We used to be given mixed dates (from the booty) and used to sell (barter) two Sas of those dates) for one Sa (of good dates). The Prophet (ﷺ) said (to us), 'No (bartering of) two Sas for one Sa nor two Dirhams for one Dirham is permissible', (as that is a kind of usury)."
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 2080 in the Book of Sales and Trade addresses a fundamental principle in Islamic commercial law regarding riba (usury) in barter transactions.
Scholarly Commentary
The prohibition established by the Prophet (ﷺ) concerns the exchange of identical commodities (mithliyyat) where quality differs. When exchanging dates for dates or silver for silver, they must be equal in measure and handed over immediately. The exchange of two poor-quality dates for one high-quality date constitutes riba al-fadl (excess usury) because it involves an unequal exchange of the same commodity.
Classical scholars explain that this prohibition applies to the six ribawi items mentioned in other authentic narrations: gold, silver, wheat, barley, dates, and salt. When these items are exchanged for the same type, they must be equal in quantity and quality, with immediate possession (taqabud).
Legal Implications
This hadith establishes that any excess in the exchange of identical ribawi commodities constitutes unlawful usury, regardless of the quality difference. The wisdom behind this prohibition is to prevent exploitation and ensure fairness in transactions.
The proper method for such transactions would be to sell the inferior dates for currency first, then use that currency to purchase the superior dates, thereby avoiding direct barter of unequal quantities of the same commodity type.
Contemporary Application
This principle extends to modern equivalents of the six ribawi items. For example, exchanging different qualities of the same precious metal or staple food items must be done with careful attention to equality and immediate transfer to avoid falling into prohibited usury.
The underlying wisdom emphasizes justice in exchange and prevents the subtle forms of exploitation that can occur when trading identical commodities of different quality.