"The Messenger of Allah said: 'The two parties to a transaction have the choice so long as they have not separated. If they are honest and open, their transaction will be blessed, but if they tell lies and conceal anything, the blessing of their transaction will be lost."
Hadith Text & Reference
"The Messenger of Allah said: 'The two parties to a transaction have the choice so long as they have not separated. If they are honest and open, their transaction will be blessed, but if they tell lies and conceal anything, the blessing of their transaction will be lost."
Source: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4457 | The Book of Financial Transactions
Legal Ruling on Option Period
This hadith establishes the legal principle of Khiyar al-Majlis (Option of Session), meaning both buyer and seller retain the right to rescind the transaction as long as they remain together at the place of sale. Separation here refers to physical departure or conclusion of negotiations.
Scholars interpret "separation" differently: The Hanafis consider it physical separation, while the Shafi'is and Hanbalis view it as the conclusion of verbal agreement. This option protects parties from hasty decisions and ensures mutual consent.
The Condition of Honesty in Trade
The second portion establishes that divine blessing (barakah) in commercial dealings depends entirely on honesty and full disclosure. Concealing defects (ghish) or misrepresenting goods constitutes fraud, which nullifies Allah's blessing even if the transaction remains legally valid.
Ibn al-Qayyim comments: "The loss of blessing manifests through disputes, diminished profits, or the wealth failing to benefit its owner despite apparent success." True success in trade comes through transparency that pleases Allah.
Spiritual Dimensions of Commerce
This teaching elevates commerce from mere material exchange to an act of worship. Honesty becomes an expression of faith (iman), while deception reflects hypocrisy. The merchant who deals truthfully stands with the prophets, martyrs, and truthful ones on Judgment Day.
Al-Ghazali notes: "The blessed transaction yields contentment, peace, and benefit beyond monetary gain. The unblessed trade breeds regret, conflict, and worldly attachment without spiritual benefit."
Practical Application
Muslim merchants must: 1) Disclose all known defects 2) Avoid exaggeration in descriptions 3) Clarify terms clearly 4) Allow option period for reconsideration 5) Intend honest dealings as worship.
The market should function as a place of mutual benefit, not exploitation. When Islamic commercial ethics are observed, the entire society benefits from increased trust and reduced litigation.