Ruling on Transactions with Unknown Measurements

Authored by: Saudi Fatwa Committee

Question:​

Two individuals entered into a transaction involving an unknown measurement. One party said, "Buy from me the weight equivalent to this pebble," or "Buy this amount, equivalent to filling a common household container, for such-and-such price." However, neither party knows the exact weight of the pebble or the volume of the household container. What is the ruling on such a transaction?

Answer:​

Such a transaction is valid and does not fall under the category of jahala (ignorance or ambiguity) that invalidates a contract. The reasons are:

1. Both parties have observed the pebble and the container in question.
2. While the precise weight or measurement may be unknown, the observation of the item removes the ambiguity.

Thus, the transaction is not considered majhul (unknown) or gharar (uncertain), as the parties have a clear understanding of what they are agreeing upon based on observation.

And Allah knows best.

Reference: Abdullah ibn Aqil - Fatawa: 272