If one person comes to another and borrows dirhams from him in Unayzah, and the lender says, “I wish to travel to Riyadh to purchase merchandise, and I stipulate that you repay me in Riyadh,” there will—Allah willing—be a difference of opinion on this issue. The correct view is that it is permissible, because the lender has received no increase over what he lent. For example, he lent him one hundred thousand and was repaid one hundred thousand; only the place differed. Hence, some scholars say regarding this matter that it is conditional upon transporting it involving no expense. The correct view, however, is that this is not a condition, as will—Allah willing—be explained in detail in the author’s words.

His statement, “even if he initiates it,” means: even if he initiates something that brings a benefit.

His statement, “without stipulation,” means that the borrower gives him something from which he benefits without any stipulation.

His statement, “or gives him something better,” means without stipulation.

His statement, “or gives him a gift after repayment, it is permissible,” likewise means without stipulation. These are three scenarios.

An example is that a man lends someone one hundred thousand, and the latter repays him. Then the borrower gives his car to the lender for him to use for ten days, in return for his kindness. There is nothing wrong with this, because it falls under the heading of reciprocating a favor. The matter was not stipulated, such that we would say that this is a condition that brings a benefit.

Likewise, if he gives him something of better quality, there is nothing wrong with it. The evidence for this is that the Prophet returned a four-year-old camel in place of a young camel and said, “The best of you