writes it, prints it, circulates it, or puts it into practice. Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Trustee.

Question 1: What is the ruling on the widespread practice among many gold-shop owners who buy used (scrap) gold, take it to a gold dealer, and exchange it for newly manufactured gold—exactly weight for weight—while paying only the fabrication charge for the new pieces?

Answer: In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and all his Companions.

It is authentically reported that the Prophet—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—like for like, equal for equal, hand to hand…”