Ibn 'Umar (Allah be pleased with them) reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) forbade the sale of palm-trees (i. e. their trults) until the dates began to ripen, and ears of corn until they were white and were safe from blight. He forbade the seller and the buyer.
The Book of Transactions - Sahih Muslim 1535
A commentary on the prohibition of selling unripe agricultural produce from the perspective of classical Islamic scholarship.
Prohibition of Gharaar (Uncertainty)
This hadith establishes the fundamental principle prohibiting transactions involving excessive uncertainty (gharaar). The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) forbade selling dates while still on palm trees before ripening begins, and grains before they whiten and become safe from blight.
The wisdom behind this prohibition lies in the uncertainty regarding whether the produce will reach maturity. Blight, pests, or natural disasters may destroy the crop before harvest, leading to dispute and loss.
Comprehensive Prohibition
The prohibition applies to both buyer and seller, indicating the comprehensive nature of this ruling. Neither party is permitted to engage in such transactions, protecting both from potential harm and ensuring fairness in commercial dealings.
Scholars explain that this prohibition extends to all agricultural products where the outcome remains uncertain at the time of contract. The specific examples mentioned serve as guiding principles for analogous cases.
Legal Wisdom and Objectives
This ruling serves multiple objectives of Islamic law: preventing disputes, ensuring fair exchange, eliminating deception, and promoting transparency in transactions. It aligns with the broader Islamic principle that transactions should be based on clear, known quantities and qualities.
Classical scholars emphasize that such prohibitions protect the market from speculative practices that harm society and undermine economic stability, ensuring that trade remains a means of benefit rather than harm.