Is it permissible to sell minerals for something other than their own kind?
Chapter on Riba (Usury) and Exchange (Sarf)
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
Selling mineral earth for a kind other than itself is subject to scholarly debate. Ibn Al-Mundhir narrated from Ahmad the view that selling mineral earth is disliked (*makruh*). This opinion is also held by 'Ata, Al-Shafi'i, Al-Sha'bi, Al-Thawri, Al-Awza'i, and Ishaq, based on the uncertainty (*jahalah*) involved in the commodity.
Supporting text
It is permissible to sell mineral earth for a commodity other than its own kind, which is the opinion of Malik. This position is related from Al-Hasan, Al-Nakha'i, Rabi'ah, and Al-Layth.