He was also asked:

A man contracted with another to purchase sugar cane and taro while it was still underground, before it had matured. When it matured, it was flooded. The seller had demanded payment without any written agreement or delivery. What is required in this case?

Answer

He replied:

The seller bears the loss of whatever was destroyed, whether the sale was valid or invalid. It is established in Sahīh Muslim that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“If you sell fruit to your brother and a calamity befalls it, none of its price is lawful for you. On what grounds would any of you take his brother’s wealth?”