The first is that they be behind lattice barriers—that is, enclosed by them.

The second is that there be a guard in the marketplace. If there is a guard in the marketplace but the goods are not behind lattice barriers, then this does not constitute secure custody. Likewise, if they are behind lattice barriers but there is no guard in the marketplace, this does not constitute secure custody.

However, as he—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “It differs according to the type of property, the locality, and whether the ruler is just or oppressive, strong or weak.” If the ruler is strong, lattice barriers alone, or a guard alone, may suffice. Thus, here in our country, this is considered secure custody. In some lands, glass doors may perhaps be considered secure custody for gold and silver coins.

Someone told me that he travelled to a certain country and found that the goldsmiths’ shops had only glass doors. However, they were all gathered in one area, and that single area had a gate that was securely locked.

“The secure custody of firewood and timber is pens; the secure custody of livestock is enclosures; and their secure custody while grazing is a shepherd who generally keeps them in view.”

His statement, “The secure custody of firewood and timber is pens”: in our country, praise be to Allah, firewood does not require secure custody; its secure custody is simply to place it in the place of sale.

His statement, “The secure custody of livestock is enclosures”: siyar is the plural of sīrah, which is like a pen. A pen consists of palm fronds with their stalks, set upright in the ground, interlocked with one another, and tied with ropes.

His statement, “And their secure custody while grazing is a shepherd who generally keeps them in view”: thus, the secure custody of livestock while grazing is the shepherd; they are not placed in enclosures, because they are grazing.