Muwatta Imam Malik (Riwayat Yahya)

Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) sold his camel, whose name was Usayfir, in exchange for twenty camels on a deferred payment.

Nafi reports that Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) bought a she-camel in exchange for four camels, and it was agreed that these four camels would be delivered to the seller at Rabdhah.

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, asked Ibn Shihab whether it is permissible to sell two animals in exchange for one animal, on deferred payment. He said: There is no harm in it.

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, said: In our view, this ruling is agreed upon: There is nothing objectionable in exchanging one camel for another camel, and likewise in taking another camel in exchange for a camel and some money, even if the camel is given in cash and the money is deferred, or the money is given in cash and the camel is deferred. But it is not better if both are deferred.

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, said that if someone gives two or three loaded camels and buys one riding camel in exchange, there is no objection. If animals of the same kind, such as camels or oxen, differ from each other in such an obvious way that there is a clear distinction between them, then it is permissible to buy two animals for one animal, whether in cash or on credit. If they are similar to each other, whether the species is the same or different, then exchanging one animal for two animals on a promise is not permissible.

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, said that its example is like those camels which are alike, having no difference among them in essence and in bearing loads. So, among such camels, to give two camels and take one camel in return on a promise is not permissible. However, there is no objection if a camel is bought and, before taking possession, it is sold to another person, provided its price is taken in cash.

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, said that it is permissible to do salam (advance payment sale) in animals when the term is specified, and the characteristics and appearance of the animal are described, and the price is paid. Then the seller must deliver an animal of the same kind, and the buyer must accept it. The people of our city have always practiced this and have always held this view.