The Book of Gifts - Sahih Muslim 1620 b

"Don't buy that even if he gives you for one dirham." This prohibition from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) concerns transactions involving items that are fundamentally unlawful or acquired through illegitimate means. The apparent cheapness of the price does not legitimize what is inherently forbidden.

Scholarly Commentary

The scholars explain that this hadith establishes the principle that unlawful goods remain unlawful regardless of price. A dirham represents a minimal price, emphasizing that even an apparently advantageous transaction is void if the subject matter is prohibited.

This ruling applies to stolen property, usurped land, forbidden animals, intoxicants, or any item whose ownership is contested or acquisition is Islamically invalid. The prohibition protects both individual conscience and communal justice.

Ibn al-Qayyim notes this teaching trains Muslims to prioritize divine law over worldly gain, cultivating piety (taqwa) in commercial dealings where temptation might override principle.

Legal Implications

Such transactions are considered void (batil) regardless of mutual consent. Any wealth obtained through such trade remains unlawful (haram) for consumption or use.

The ruling demonstrates Islam's comprehensive economic ethics - prohibiting not just obvious injustices but also subtle compromises that undermine moral integrity.