The apparent meaning of the author’s words is that there is no difference whether he provides a secured pledge, a solvent guarantor, or nothing at all. The reason is that the author made no exception.
“If the price is deferred, the one able to meet it may take it on those terms; otherwise, he must provide a solvent guarantor.”
His statement, “If the price is deferred,” contains an adjective qualifying an omitted noun; that is, “the deferred price.”
His statement, “may take it”: the subject refers to the claimant of pre-emption, namely the co-owner.
His statement, “the one able to meet it”: a person able to meet the obligation is one capable of fulfilling it through his wealth, his reliability, and his person.
Being capable through his wealth means that he possesses the amount of the price. Being capable through his reliability means that he is not one who procrastinates in payment. Being capable through his person means that he can be brought before the court when litigation becomes necessary.
For example, suppose that the claimant of pre-emption is poor and that the price is deferred: the co-owner sold this share for one thousand riyals, payable after one year, and the other co-owner wishes to take the share that was sold. We say: if he is able to meet the obligation, he may take it for its deferred price. Thus, if it falls due after one year, the solvent claimant takes it with a term of one year. But if the claimant of pre-emption is poor and says, “The price has not yet fallen due, and Allah will provide for me during this period, and I will pay,” we say: Yes, Allah is capable of all things, but produce a guarantor who will guarantee it. Hence he said:
“Otherwise, he must provide a solvent guarantor.”
When the term falls due, if the claimant of pre-emption does not pay, we will take it from the guarantor. If the guarantor is insolvent, the right of pre-emption lapses. And if the claimant of pre-emption is wealthy and has money, but is known for procrastinating in payment, then one who procrastinates is exactly like an insolvent person, even though the holder of the right may pursue payment from the one who procrastinates