Is a forward sale (salam) valid concerning animal heads and limbs?
Chapter on Guaranteed Salaf (Advance Payment) for a Specified Term
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
The validity of a forward sale for animal heads and limbs is subject to the existing scholarly disagreement regarding them. According to one position, supported by Al-Shafi'i, Malik, Al-Awza'i, and Abu Thawr, the forward sale is permissible because they consist of meat with bone, and since their purchase is valid, a forward sale involving them is likewise valid, similar to other types of meat.
Supporting text
The opposing view, held by Abu Hanifa, maintains that the forward sale is not valid because the majority of the item consists of bone and gristle ('mashafir'), and the meat content is small and not measured by weight, distinguishing it from standard meat.