varies with the abundance or scarcity of the thing sought. When it is scarce, people desire it more than when it is plentiful. It also varies with the number of people seeking it: something sought by many rises in price, unlike something sought by few. It likewise varies with the extent and intensity of need. When need is widespread and pressing, the value rises to a degree it does not reach when need is limited and weak.

It also depends on the other party to the transaction. If he is financially able and religiously upright, people are willing to transact with him at a low price at which they would not sell to someone they suspect of being unable to pay, delaying payment, or denying the debt.

In our school, a fully solvent person is one who has the financial means to pay, is reliable in his word, and can be brought before a court in person. This is expressly stated by Ahmad. Although the jurists have taken this consideration into account when assessing the customary dowry, it must also be taken into account when assessing a fair price and fair remuneration.

It also depends on the consideration offered. A lower price may be accepted when payment is in a widely circulating currency than when it is in another currency that circulates less widely. Such is the case with dirhams and dinars in Damascus at the present time, where payment in dirhams is customary.

The purpose of contracts is for each party to receive what is due from the other. When the party offering payment or delivery is able to fulfil his obligation and keeps his commitment, contracting with him achieves the intended purpose. This is unlike the case of someone whose ability or reliability is deficient.

People vary in their ability to fulfil their obligations and their faithfulness to their commitments. This is the goodness mentioned in His words:

“Then make a contract for their emancipation with them, if you know there is good in them.”

They explained this as the ability to earn and faithfulness to one’s commitments.