both of these foundations in full; if both of them—or even one of them—are absent from an act of worship, that act is rejected.

Among the proofs for this maxim are Allah’s words, “They were commanded only to worship Allah, devoting the religion sincerely to Him” (Qur’an 98:5); His words, “Whatever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatever he forbids you, abstain from it” (Qur’an 59:7); the Prophet’s statement, “Actions are judged only by intentions”; and his saying, “Whoever performs a deed that is not in accordance with our affair, it is rejected,” along with many other texts. Hence the deeds of those who show off and the practices of innovators are null and void.

Just as this rule applies to every form of worship, it also governs financial dealings. Any contract or stipulation that does not conform to the Sacred Law is forbidden and invalid.

Benefit
Shaykh Muṣṭafā al-Zarqā said:

“The contracts recognized at the dawn of Islam—sale, lease, gift, pledge, partnership, settlement, division, lending, deposit, and other familiar contracts—do not exhaust the field. People are free to create other kinds of agreements that do not fall under any of the foregoing categories. They may, when need arises, agree on new types of contracts provided the general pillars that constitute the public order in Islam are observed and the contract does not contravene the principles of the Shariah, which the Prophet ﷺ expressed when he said, ‘Every stipulation that is not found in the Book of Allah Almighty is null.’ And Allah knows best.”

On the morning of Wednesday, 26 Rabīʿ al-Awwal 1410 AH, this third introduction was completed. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muḥammad, his family, and all his Companions.