Nasai

(1) This narration has no connection with the above chapter; rather, it is related to the upcoming chapter. In Sunan al-Nasa’i, this has occurred in several places—why? Allah Ta’ala knows best. It is possible that the Imam (rahimahullah) is indicating towards the next chapter, or perhaps this happened due to the intervention of a scribe.

(2) The issue is: Is it permissible to give a greater quantity of inferior dates in exchange for a lesser quantity of superior dates? It is not permissible, because when both sides are of the same kind, any increase or decrease becomes a cause of usury (riba). Therefore, both should be bought and sold separately for a monetary price. It cannot be said, “What difference does it make? Only the medium of money has come in between; still, one receives one kilogram in exchange for two kilograms of dates (for example).” Because in the issue under discussion, indeed, there is no apparent difference, but in many other issues, exchanging items of the same kind with disparity in quantity in a sale leads to many harms. A principle is a principle. When an easy solution to the issue exists, what is the benefit of breaking the principle?

(3) Sihani and ‘udhq were among the best types of dates.