Chapter: Selling Food and Drink in Exchange for Their Like

Allah the Exalted says: “Allah has permitted trade and has forbidden usury” (al-Baqarah 2:275).

The Messenger of Allah — peace and blessings be upon him — said: “Wheat for wheat is usury unless it is hand-to-hand; barley for barley is usury unless it is hand-to-hand; and dates for dates are usury unless they are hand-to-hand.”

In the ḥadīth of ʿUbādah, the Prophet — peace be upon him — said: “Wheat for wheat, barley for barley, dates for dates, and salt for salt must be equal for equal and hand-to-hand. Whoever gives more or asks for more has committed usury. If the kinds differ, then sell as you wish provided the exchange is hand-to-hand; deferred payment is not allowed.”

The scholars understood