What is the determination for liquids such as milk and oils?

Chapter on Riba (Usury) and Exchange (Sarf)

Al-Mughni

Book of Sales

Book 12 · Issue 4 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Milk and other liquids, such as fats like olive oil and sesame oil (*shīraj*), honey, vinegar, molasses (*dibs*), and the like, are apparently determined by measure. It is valid to enter into a forward contract (*salam*) for milk by measure. Furthermore, water is quantified by the *sa'* and the *mudd*, as evidenced by the Prophet, peace be upon him, using the *mudd* for ablution and the *sa'* for full ritual bathing, establishing these as measures for water and subsequently other liquids.

Supporting text

It is narrated that the Prophet, peace be upon him, forbade selling what is in the udders of livestock except by measure. A narration from Ahmad permits forward contracts concerning milk either by measure or by weight.