What is the ruling if the value of the fruit and preservative *saqr* decreases after the husband processes them?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Dowry (Mahr)
Primary text
If the decrease in value is definite and complete, the husband must return the items along with compensation for the diminished value (*arsh naqsihi*) because he exceeded his authority by performing the preservation process. If the decrease is not definite but rather potentially increasing, there are two views: either the wife accepts the current value as if the items were consumed, or she has the option to wait until the final value stabilizes and then take the items plus compensation, similar to a situation involving wrongfully seized property.
Supporting text
If the value does not decrease, but the items would decrease in value if removed from the containers, the husband may remove the fruit and take ownership of the containers, provided the containers are his property. If the value decreases, the ruling follows the aforementioned details.