What attributes are required when specifying camels (Ibil) in a contract?

Chapter on Guaranteed Salaf (Advance Payment) for a Specified Term

Al-Mughni

Book of Sales

Book 12 · Issue 3 · Bab 6

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Camels must be specified by four attributes: their lineage (e.g., product of a specific tribe), their age class (e.g., bint makhad or bint labun), their color (e.g., white, red, or warqa), and gender (male or female). Attributes beyond these four do not require mention, but if mentioned, they confirm and bind the stipulator.

Supporting text

If the lineage of the camels varies in value, such as between Mahriyyah and Arhabiyyah, there is ambiguity regarding whether this distinction must be specified.