Ruling on Selling Crops or Fruits Before Ripening in Islam
✒ Fatwa by: Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn – Nūr ʿalā al-Darb, Vol. 3, p. 229
Islam strictly prohibits the sale of fruits or agricultural produce before they are fully developed or ripe. This prohibition is rooted in prophetic guidance to prevent disputes, deception, and unjust losses.
① For Grain Crops:
— The grains must be fully formed and mature before they are sold.
② For Fruits (e.g., Grapes, Dates, etc.):
— The fruits must be visibly ripened and ready for consumption.
➤ Selling produce before this stage is ḥarām (forbidden).
③ For Items Typically Harvested at That Stage (e.g., fodder, green grass):
— If the produce is normally harvested and used at that earlier stage (like fodder crops), then selling it at that stage is permissible, once it reaches the usable phase.
➤ Example:
— Fodder crops that are cut and used at a pre-mature stage may be sold once they’re ready to be harvested, even if not fully ripened like fruits.
The Prophet ﷺ prohibited selling fruits until their ripeness becomes clear, stating:
❝ Do not sell fruits until they begin to ripen. ❞
This ruling was issued to avoid disputes, uncertainty (gharar), and potential financial harm.
◈ When fruits are sold before ripening, they are susceptible to:
— Natural calamities
— Crop failure
— Unexpected changes in yield
This leads to:
Buyer-seller disputes
Litigation and hostility
Violation of mutual trust and Islamic ethics
Hence, any sale that creates the risk of conflict or harm among believers is prohibited, because it sows enmity and weakens the bonds of brotherhood and faith.
✒ Fatwa by: Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn – Nūr ʿalā al-Darb, Vol. 3, p. 229
❖ Prohibited Types of Sales:
✿ Sale of Agricultural Produce Before Ripening
Islam strictly prohibits the sale of fruits or agricultural produce before they are fully developed or ripe. This prohibition is rooted in prophetic guidance to prevent disputes, deception, and unjust losses.
✔ Conditions for Permissible Sale:
① For Grain Crops:
— The grains must be fully formed and mature before they are sold.
② For Fruits (e.g., Grapes, Dates, etc.):
— The fruits must be visibly ripened and ready for consumption.
➤ Selling produce before this stage is ḥarām (forbidden).
✔ Permissibility in Certain Cases:
③ For Items Typically Harvested at That Stage (e.g., fodder, green grass):
— If the produce is normally harvested and used at that earlier stage (like fodder crops), then selling it at that stage is permissible, once it reaches the usable phase.
➤ Example:
— Fodder crops that are cut and used at a pre-mature stage may be sold once they’re ready to be harvested, even if not fully ripened like fruits.
✦ Prophetic Prohibition:
The Prophet ﷺ prohibited selling fruits until their ripeness becomes clear, stating:
❝ Do not sell fruits until they begin to ripen. ❞
This ruling was issued to avoid disputes, uncertainty (gharar), and potential financial harm.
⚠ Underlying Wisdom and Rationale:
◈ When fruits are sold before ripening, they are susceptible to:
— Natural calamities
— Crop failure
— Unexpected changes in yield
This leads to:
Buyer-seller disputes Litigation and hostility Violation of mutual trust and Islamic ethicsHence, any sale that creates the risk of conflict or harm among believers is prohibited, because it sows enmity and weakens the bonds of brotherhood and faith.
Summary:
- Selling fruits or grains before maturity or ripening is forbidden.
Permitted only after they are usable and visible signs of ripeness or maturity appear.- Fodder crops and similar items may be sold when ready for cutting, even if not ripened like fruits.
- 🛡 The goal is to prevent disputes, ensure fairness, and maintain social harmony among believers.
