with the pledger’s permission, the sounder view is that the sale is valid only if it is concluded while the pledger is actually present; otherwise, it is not. If the two parties stipulate that a trustworthy third party is to sell it, that is permissible, and—according to the sound view—that third party need not consult the pledger. Once the item is sold, the price remains with the seller and is at the pledger’s risk until the pledgee takes possession of it. Should the price perish in the trustee’s hand and the pledged article is later reclaimed by its true owner, the buyer may seek reimbursement either from the trustee or from the pledger, and ultimate liability rests with the pledger.
The trustee may sell only for the article’s fair cash value, payable immediately in the currency of the locale. If, before the option period expires, someone offers a higher price, the trustee must undo the first sale and sell to the higher bidder. All upkeep expenses connected with the pledge are borne by the pledger, and—on the sounder opinion—he may be compelled to pay them for the pledgee’s benefit. The pledger is not prevented from doing what benefits the pledged property, such as bleeding or cupping an animal. The property remains a trust in the pledgee’s hand, and the debt is not reduced should it be destroyed. In matters of liability, an invalid contract is treated the same as a valid one.
If the contract stipulates that the pledged item will automatically be sold to the pledgee when the term falls due, it is void; until that time the item remains a trust. The pledgee’s claim that the item has perished is accepted on his oath, but—according to the majority—his claim that he has returned it is not accepted without evidence.
If the pledgee has sexual relations with a female slave under pledge without any colorable doubt, he is deemed a fornicator; his claim, “I did not know it was forbidden,” is rejected, unless he is a recent convert or was reared in a remote desert far from scholars. If he has intercourse with her with the pledger’s permission before pleading ignorance, then, on the sounder view, no ḥadd is imposed. Should he force her, the bridal payment (mahr) is due; any child is born free and legitimately affiliated, and the pledgee must pay its value to the pledger.
If the pledged article is destroyed and replacement compensation is taken, that compensation now stands in its place. Litigation over the substitute is directed first against the pledger; if he will not litigate, the pledgee may—according to the sounder opinion—be sued. If retaliation (qiṣāṣ) becomes due, the pledger carries it out and the pledge is lost. But if monetary compensation becomes due because he pardons the offender or because the injury was accidental, his pardon is ineffective and the pledgee’s release of the offender is likewise invalid.
The pledge does not extend to any separate increase, such as fruit or offspring. Thus, if a pregnant female is pledged and the term matures while she is still pregnant, she alone is sold; if she gives birth before the sale, the offspring is sold with her, according to the more apparent view. If she was not pregnant at the time of pledging but becomes pregnant before the sale, the offspring is, on the stronger opinion, not subject to the pledge.
Section
If the pledged property itself commits an injury, the injured party’s right takes precedence; should he exact retaliation or have the item sold in compensation, the pledge is void. And if it commits an injury against its own owner—