The Book of Transactions

Sahih Muslim 1531 e

Hadith Text

"There is no transaction between two persons entering a transaction until they separate, but only when there is an option to annul it."

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes the principle of khiyar al-majlis (option of session) in Islamic commercial law. The transaction remains incomplete and either party may withdraw until they physically separate from the place of negotiation.

The wisdom behind this ruling is to protect parties from hasty decisions and ensure mutual consent without coercion. Separation signifies final consent to the terms.

Classical scholars interpret "separation" as physical departure from the negotiation venue, not merely verbal agreement. This provision prevents disputes and ensures transparency in commercial dealings.

This ruling applies to all voluntary transactions unless specified otherwise by subsequent mutual agreement or specific contractual conditions.