corresponding to the weight of the gemstones, and second, an added sum described as a fabrication fee on the grounds that he is a gold dealer rather than a goldsmith. What, then, is the ruling on this practice? May Allah grant you success.
Answer: This transaction is forbidden because it involves ribā (usury). As the questioner noted, the usury appears in two respects:
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The surplus of gold: the portion meant to offset the gemstones and other additives is treated as gold. This is akin to the necklace (qalāda) mentioned in the hadith of Fadālah ibn ʿUbayd, who bought a necklace containing gold and beads for twelve dinars, then separated it and discovered that the gold itself was worth more. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “It must not be sold until it is separated.” (1)
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The additional fabrication fee: the correct view is that charging more for workmanship is impermissible. Although the workmanship is a human act, it remains an added attribute in a commodity subject to ribā, comparable to an increase in a quality created by Allah. The Prophet, peace be upon him, forbade buying