goods already removed from the ground by inspecting a portion of them, provided their parts are alike.

If what was hidden then proves inferior to what was visible in a way not ordinarily encountered, this amounts either to an unfair bargain or to deception. Indeed, those with expertise say that they can assess such produce more accurately than they can assess many goods already removed from the ground. Whether an item offered for sale is sufficiently known is not a question reserved specifically for jurists; rather, one refers to those with expertise in that particular item. What is learned from jurists is their distinctive field of knowledge: legal rulings and their supporting evidence.

Allah Most High says:

“Who believe in the unseen.”

Belief in something requires evidence indicating its existence. Thus, things absent from direct observation may be known through evidence pointing to them. If those with expertise say that they can assess such produce, they are the ones to consult, rather than those who lack their expertise, even if the latter are more knowledgeable about religion. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, told them concerning the pollination of date palms:

“You know your worldly affairs better. As for matters of your religion, refer them to me.”

The legal ruling is then based on what those with expertise know, just as it is based on valuation, al-qiyāma, estimates of crop yields, and similar assessments.