Selling Goods Without Taking Possession

Written by: Shaykh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Al-Hammad (May Allah preserve him)

"Whoever buys food, let him not sell it until he has fully received it in measure."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Sales: Hadith 2126]

Benefits:​

In today's commercial markets, it is common for a person to buy goods and leave them with the seller, then sell them again in the same state. This type of buying and selling is impermissible in Islam. The reason is that, according to Islamic law, it is not permissible to sell goods before taking possession of them. This is clearly mentioned in the above Hadith. In fact, another narration specifically states that the buyer should not sell the goods before taking possession.
[Sahih Muslim, Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer: Hadith 1525]

While the Hadith specifically addresses the buying and selling of grain or food, Sayyidina Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) extended this ruling to all items.
[Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Book of Sales: Hadith 1291]

Furthermore, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) gave clear guidance on this matter:

"Whenever you buy something, do not sell it before taking possession."
[Musnad Imam Ahmad: Hadith 402/2]

Imam Abu Dawood also reported that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) forbade selling the goods at the same place where they were purchased until the traders had taken the goods to their homes.
[Sunan Abu Dawood, Book of Rent: Hadith 3498]

Explanation from Imam Ibn Qayyim:​

Imam Ibn Qayyim (رحمه الله) explained that the prohibition of selling goods before taking possession is due to the fact that the buyer is unable to take possession in such a situation. The seller may not hand over the goods, especially when he sees that the buyer is profiting greatly from them. The seller may then attempt to terminate the transaction, either by refusing to deliver the goods or by trying to find a way to cancel the sale.
[I'lam al-Muwaqqi'in: Volume 3, Page 123]

Conclusion:​

Selling items without taking possession of them first is prohibited in Islam. This ruling ensures fairness and prevents potential disputes between the buyer and seller. It is important to complete the transaction properly by taking possession before resale.
 
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