Is the lending of items other than measurable or weighable commodities permissible?

Chapter on Loan (Qard)

Al-Mughni

Book of Sales

Book 12 · Issue 2 · Bab 7

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Lending commodities not measured by volume or weight is permissible provided they can be established as a debt obligation (*salam*). The Prophet, peace be upon him, borrowed a young she-camel (*ba'kr*), which is neither measured by volume nor weight. Additionally, anything that can be established as a debt obligation (*salam*) is ownable through sale and defined by description, thus its lending is permitted, analogous to measured and weighed goods.

Supporting text

Abu Hanifa argues that the lending of items other than those measured by volume or weight is not permissible because they lack a true equivalent (*mithl*), likening them to precious stones (*jawahir*).