Is the lending of bread permissible?
Chapter on Loan (Qard)
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
The lending of bread is permissible. This view is supported by Abu Qilabah and Malik. The legal basis for permissibility is that bread, being a measured commodity, is permissible to lend, similar to all other measured goods. If one lends it by weight and returns the equivalent by weight, it is valid. If it is lent by count and returned by count, there are two narrations regarding its validity. The preferred view maintains that if the lender intends for the return to be equivalent in measure, explicit weighing is not required, although weighing remains preferred. This allowance is supported by the narration of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) regarding neighbors borrowing bread and returning varying amounts, to which the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, "There is no harm in that, for it is among the mutual assistances of the people, and excess is not intended." Furthermore, a narration from Mu'adh ibn Jabal states that such transactions are among noble character traits, urging kindness in repayment.
Supporting text
One narration within the Hanafi school prohibits lending by count when returning by count, based on the principle that bread is a measured item, similar to other measured goods. Another view allows it if there is an intent to return the equivalent by measure, even without explicit weighing.