Is the pawning (Rahn) of grape juice (Asir) valid?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Pledges (Collateral)
Primary text
The pawning of grape juice is valid because its sale is permissible. The potential for it to change its monetary status does not invalidate its pledge, similar to the case of a sick person or an assailant. If the juice turns into something that cannot be a valid object of pledge, such as vinegar (khal), the pledge remains in its existing state. If it turns into wine (khamr), the obligation of the contract is lifted, and the wine must be poured out. If it is poured out, the contract is voided, and the pledgee has no option for recourse because the destruction occurred in their possession. If it reverts to vinegar, the obligation returns based on the prior contract, just as if the pledgee's possession was lost and then regained.
Supporting text
If the juice turns into wine before the pledgee takes possession, the pledge is void and does not revert upon becoming vinegar again, because the contract was weak due to the lack of possession. However, the Qadi stated that if the juice turns to wine after possession, the pledge is void, but when it reverts to vinegar, it returns to the ownership of the original owner, subject to the prior pledge contract, because ownership returns due to the original title, and thus the ruling of the pledge returns.