What constitutes a natural calamity (Ja'iha) causing loss to harvested fruits?
Chapter on Selling Assets and Fruits
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
A natural calamity is defined as any affliction that is not caused by human action, such as wind, hail, locusts, or drought. This is supported by evidence showing the Prophet, peace be upon him, ruled concerning the calamity, which includes cold weather, locusts, flooding (sayl), and wind, which is the narrator's explanation of the Prophet's statement, necessitating reliance upon it.
Supporting text
If the destruction is due to human action, the buyer has the option to either void the contract and demand the price back from the seller, or uphold the contract and demand compensation (value) from the perpetrator, because seeking compensation from the perpetrator is possible, unlike loss due to a natural calamity.