The Prohibition of Selling Unripe Fruit

This narration from Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) establishes a fundamental principle in Islamic commercial law regarding the sale of agricultural produce.

Scholarly Commentary

The prohibition stems from the requirement of certainty (yaqīn) and elimination of ambiguity (gharar) in transactions. Unripe fruit represents an uncertain commodity whose final condition and quantity remain unknown at the time of sale.

Classical scholars explain that "good condition being obvious" (ẓuhūr ṣalāḥihā) means the fruit has reached a stage where its edibility and commercial viability are apparent, typically indicated by color change, softening, or sweetening.

This ruling protects both buyer and seller from potential disputes arising from damaged or underdeveloped produce, ensuring mutual consent based on clear knowledge of the commodity's value.

Legal Implications

The prohibition applies to all fruits and agricultural products where the final outcome remains uncertain at the time of contract.

Scholars differ on the exact indicators of ripeness for various fruits, but agree that the principle serves to eliminate gharar (excessive uncertainty) from commercial dealings.

This hadith forms the basis for numerous derivative rulings in Islamic finance, including forward sales (salaf) and contemporary agricultural financing models.