then he may not withdraw the loan for use so long as the period remains. For example, if he says, “I have lent this to you for one month,” he may not withdraw it halfway through the month, because of the Prophet’s saying: “The signs of a hypocrite are three: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it.” (1) If he withdraws during the stipulated period, he has broken his promise. Allah, Most High, says: “Fulfil every commitment, for every commitment will be questioned.” [al-Isra’ 17:34] In this case, he has pledged to him that the item would remain in his possession for one month. He also says: “Fulfil all contracts.” [al-Ma’idah 5:1] And the Prophet ﷺ said: “Muslims are bound by their conditions.” (2)

His statement, “until it collapses,” is connected to his statement, “No payment is due.” If it collapses, is he entitled to demand payment for the preceding period? No. But if the wall collapses and its owner rebuilds it, he may prevent his neighbour from making use of it unless he pays rent. Likewise, if the neighbour removes his beams and then wishes to put them back a second time, the owner may demand payment.

What the author says here is restricted to cases in which the neighbour is not entitled to be allowed to place beams upon the wall. If allowing the neighbour to place