Is it permissible to sell the subject of a Salam contract before taking possession of it?

Chapter on Guaranteed Salaf (Advance Payment) for a Specified Term

Al-Mughni

Book of Sales

Book 12 · Issue 7 · Bab 6

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is unanimously agreed that selling the subject of a Salam contract before taking possession is forbidden. The Prophet (peace be upon him) prohibited the sale of food before taking possession of it, and profiting from what one has not guaranteed. This is because it is a sold item that has not entered the seller's guarantee, thus its sale is impermissible, like food before possession.