within one or two days, even though he thought he would be able to do so. Yet he may not be able to, for if it remains conditional in this way—“if you bring me such-and-such”—he may not bring it until a long period has passed, one which neither of them expected. But if a term is stipulated, then the correct view is that the sale is valid, because its conditions have been fulfilled and the impediments have been removed.

His statement, “or if Zayd approves”: the correct view here as well is that it is permissible, but a time limit must likewise be set, lest the buyer delay in the matter and thereby cause harm to the seller.

According to the view that it is valid, when does ownership transfer: at the time of the contract, or upon the fulfilment of the condition? Two possibilities may be considered:

The first is that it transfers at the time of the contract, because when he says, “if Zayd approves,” he means that this contract is valid.

The second possibility is that, if Zayd approves, the contract is then completed.

The apparent view is the first: ownership is established by the initial contract, because this is a complete contract. Its binding effect, however, is contingent upon a condition; once that condition is fulfilled, the validity of the contract becomes evident.

His statement, “or he says to the pledgee, ‘If I bring you what is due to you’”: that is, at the time payment falls due.

His statement, “otherwise, the pledged item is yours”: such a sale is not valid. But do we have a sale here? Yes: it is found in his words, “the pledged item is yours.” This constitutes a sale, because no particular wording is required for an offer; rather, whatever indicates an offer completes the sale.