Hadith Text

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 Reference

Sunan an-Nasa'i 4464 - The Book of Financial Transactions

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith establishes two fundamental principles of Islamic commercial law. First, the option period (khiyar al-majlis) remains valid for both buyer and seller until they physically separate from the place of transaction. This grants them the right to rescind the contract if they discover any defect or reconsider their decision.

Second, the hadith emphasizes the spiritual dimension of commerce. Honesty and transparency (bayan) invite divine blessing (barakah) into one's wealth and business, while deception and concealment (kitman) cause this blessing to vanish. The barakah manifests as contentment, proper utilization of wealth, and spiritual rewards beyond mere material gain.

Scholars explain that "separation" refers to physical departure from the meeting place, not merely concluding verbal agreement. The wisdom behind this ruling is to prevent hasty decisions and provide opportunity for reflection. The condition of honesty applies to full disclosure of defects, accurate description of goods, and transparent pricing - all essential for valid and blessed transactions in Islam.