Nasai

(1) The purpose of the chapter established by Imam al-Nasa’i rahimahullah is to clarify the issue that a heap of dates or similar items, whose quantity—meaning its weight or measure—is unknown, cannot be sold in exchange for a heap of known quantity. This is because, in such a transaction, the right of one party would be violated, and this is prohibited in Shari‘ah. Furthermore, it is understood that the sale and purchase of two items of the same kind cannot be conducted with disparity; rather, equality and immediate exchange (hand to hand) are necessary conditions in such transactions.

(2) From the meaning of this blessed hadith, it is also indicated that if the two heaps are of different kinds, then if a heap of unknown measure or weight is exchanged for a heap of known and specified measure or weight, this sale is valid. This is supported by the indication of the text (isharat al-nass).

(3) In that era, the Arabs used to measure dates by volume rather than by weight, whereas nowadays people use weight. This is why the original Arabic word “kayl” is used, which means measuring by volume.