Is it valid to stipulate a contractual option after the sale has already become binding?

Chapter on the Option of the Two Parties in Sale

Al-Mughni

Book of Sales

Book 12 · Issue 4 · Bab 2

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If the parties add a stipulation for an option after the contract has become legally binding, it is not effective. This is the position of Al-Shafi'i. The reason is that a binding contract cannot be rendered contingent merely by the agreement of the parties, just as a marriage contract cannot be made contingent in this manner. This differs from the ruling within the session of contracting because, within the session, the contract is still contingent (Ja’iz) and thus capable of modification.

Supporting text

Abu Hanifa and his school hold that it is effective because the parties retain the right to dissolve the contract, thus they can stipulate an option just as they could during the session of contracting.