specified the details he mentioned on the basis that this is the customary practice with regard to such items.

His statement, “Rescission by mutual agreement is annulment of the contract”: rescission by mutual agreement means that, when one of the two parties to a sale asks the other to annul the contract without any particular cause, the other agrees to do so; that is, he does not hold him to the contract but annuls it.

Its legal ruling in terms of obligation is that it is recommended, while its legal effect is that it annuls the contract. It is well known in the principles of jurisprudence that rulings are of two types: prescriptive and declaratory. Thus, in terms of obligation, it is recommended; however, it is recommended for the one who grants the rescission, while it is permissible for the one requesting it. In other words, there is nothing wrong with asking the other party to rescind the sale for you, whether you are the seller or the buyer. As for the one who grants the rescission, it is recommended for him because it entails showing kindness to another, and Allah the Exalted says:

“And do good; indeed, Allah loves those who do good.” [al-Baqarah 2:195]

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever rescinds a Muslim’s sale, Allah will pardon his lapse on the Day of Resurrection.” (1)

It also brings joy to the one whose sale is rescinded and relieves his distress, especially when the item is costly and substantial. It therefore falls under the saying of the Messenger ﷺ: “Whoever relieves a believer of a hardship from the hardships of this world, Allah will relieve him of a hardship from the hardships of the Day of Resurrection.” (2)

The Prophet ﷺ also said: “May Allah have mercy upon a man who is lenient when he sells,”