Is the exchange of dates for dates permissible by measure?
Chapter on Riba (Usury) and Exchange (Sarf)
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
The exchange of dates for dates by measure for measure is permissible without dispute, regardless of whether they are equal in quality or differ, or whether they compress equally in the measure. This is supported by the Prophet's saying: "Dates for dates, a Sa' for a Sa'. Whoever gives more or receives more, it constitutes usury (Riba)." If dates contain pits in both quantities, the exchange is permissible equally, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) knew that dates naturally contain pits. If the pits are removed from both quantities, it is also permissible.
Supporting text
The Shafi'i school holds, in one view, that it is impermissible if the pits are removed because they are not equal in a state of completeness and because the substance may settle unevenly in the measure.