from either the iron or the bricks. We say: This is foolishness, and we cannot allow you to act foolishly, for Allah says:
“Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth glorifies Allah—the Sovereign, the Most Holy, the Almighty, the All-Wise.” [al-Nisa: 5]
So we prevent him from doing so.
Thus, we prevent him in two situations:
First: when it would harm the land.
Second: when the purchaser would derive no benefit from them. Thus, we add a qualification to the author’s statement, “without causing harm”: provided that he is able to benefit from them. For if there is harm, a person cannot be subjected to harm for the sake of securing a benefit, because warding off harm takes precedence over procuring benefit.
If there is no harm, but the planting and building would be ruined, we still do not allow the purchaser to do so, because this falls under the wasting of wealth and foolishness. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, forbade the wasting of wealth (1), and Allah the Exalted says:
“Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth glorifies Allah—the Sovereign, the Most Holy, the Almighty, the All-Wise.” [al-Nisa: 5]
Remarkably, the Companions differ from the author’s position, saying: He may take them even if the land is harmed—despite the harm involved. But this view—that is, the position of the school—is weak. This shows us that the author of this book did not adhere to the school’s position in every issue. This is apparent to anyone who reflects upon it: if a person were to examine this book in terms of its explicit wording, implications, and indications, he would find many matters in it that differ from the well-known position of the school.
If the claimant of pre-emption dies before making the demand, his right is void; but if he dies after it, the right belongs to his heir. He must take it for the entire price, and if he is unable to pay part of it, his right of pre-emption is forfeited.
His statement: “If the claimant of pre-emption dies before making the demand, his right is void; but after it, it belongs to his heir.” If the claimant of pre-emption—namely, the original co-owner—dies before demanding pre-emption, then the right of pre-emption is void, and his heir has no right to demand it. But if it is after the demand, then