so what is meant is that the lower genus must be stated—that is, the genus closest to the type. As for the higher genus, there is no need to mention it.

For example, if I enter into a salam contract with you for a grazing livestock animal, its types are three: camels, cattle, and sheep. Grazing livestock is a genus; camels are then a lower genus; and whether the camel is Bactrian—having two humps—or has one hump, or the like, is a type.

Sheep are a genus, while being either wool sheep or goats is a type. It may be said that further types may arise from these types; goats too may have varieties. What matters, however, is that you must mention the lower genus and the type that follows it, which is the most specific category.

The unquestionably correct view is that it is sufficient to mention the most specific category. For example, when we wish to enter into a salam contract for dates, according to the author’s view we must say: sukkarī dates—that is: “I enter into a salam contract with you, giving one hundred riyals for one hundred sāʿs of sukkarī dates.”

The correct view is that it suffices to say: “I enter into a salam contract with you, giving one hundred riyals for one hundred sāʿs of sukkarī,” because once you mention the type, the genus is necessarily included.

His statement: “and every attribute that evidently affects the price.” For example, if it comes in different colors, you should specify: white, red, or black. Likewise, if the weave of garments differs, the attribute that causes an evident difference in price must be stated. As for a slight difference, it is overlooked, because it is rare for a described item to be specified in such a way that there is absolutely no variation.