317—[THE FOURTH CONDITION]:

Another condition of sale is that it involve no usury (ribā)1.

Ubādah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, dates for dates, and salt for salt must be exchanged like for like and in equal amounts. If these categories differ, sell as you wish, provided the exchange is made hand to hand. Whoever gives an excess or asks for one has engaged in usury.” Reported by Muslim2.

318—Thus, a commodity measured by volume may not be sold for another of the same kind unless these two conditions are met. The same applies to a commodity measured by weight when exchanged for another of its kind.

319—If a commodity measured by volume is sold for another such commodity of a different kind, or a commodity measured by weight for another weighed commodity of a different kind, the exchange is permissible3, provided both parties take possession before separating.

320—If a commodity measured by volume is sold for one measured by weight, or vice versa, the exchange is permissible even if possession occurs after the parties separate.