The Book of Musaqah - Sahih Muslim 1584 d

This prohibition concerns the exchange of gold for gold and silver for silver, which must not be traded weight for weight or of the same quality without differentiation, as it constitutes riba (usury).

Scholarly Commentary

The prohibition stems from the principle that when exchanging identical commodities (ribawi items), the transaction must involve either a difference in weight or quality to prevent usury. If exchanged equally, it may lead to hidden interest.

Gold and silver are considered thamaniyyah (monetary commodities), and their direct exchange requires immediate possession (taqabud) and equivalence in value if of different types, or a difference if of the same type.

This ruling ensures fairness in trade and prevents exploitation, aligning with the Islamic economic principle of eliminating riba in all transactions.