What is the established historical measure of the Sa' in Medina?

Chapter on Ghusl from Janabah (Major Impurity)

Al-Mughni

Book of Purification

Book 2 · Issue 5 · Bab 9

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The established measure of the Sa' is five ratls and one-third. This was confirmed when Abu Yusuf visited Medina and local scholars demonstrated their inherited practice. Seventy elderly men appeared, each carrying a Sa' under his garment, affirming that their Sa' was inherited from their fathers and grandfathers, tracing back to the Prophet (peace be upon him). This proof is considered mutawatir (mass transmitted) and yields certainty. Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, 'The measure (Mikyāl) is the measure of the people of Medina.'

Supporting text

The opposing view relying on the narration of Anas concerning the Prophet's usage of water was discredited because the narrator, Musa ibn Nasr, was deemed weak in hadith by Al-Daraqutni.