What are the prescribed methods for exchanging the fruit in an 'Araya sale?
Chapter on Riba (Usury) and Exchange (Sarf)
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
The sale of 'Araya is only permissible by estimating its yield as dried dates (*tamr*), and the amount of dried dates exchanged must be precisely known by measure (*kayl*); selling it by mere conjecture (*juzaf*) without measurement is impermissible. This is a universally agreed point among those who permit the sale of 'Araya, supported by the Hadith of Zayd ibn Thabit, which states the Prophet (PBUH) permitted the sale of 'Araya by its estimate in measure. Since the original rule requires measurement from both parties, and measurement is impossible for one side (the fresh fruit), it must be upheld for the other side (the dried dates) to maintain the principle and reduce excessive uncertainty (*gharar*).
Supporting text
There is a difference of opinion regarding whether the estimate (*kharṣ*) should be made while the fruit is fresh or when it is dry dates. Some scholars suggest estimating the fresh fruit and paying the equivalent amount in dried dates, as is the case in other sales where equivalence (*mumathala*) is based on the time of the transaction. Others hold that estimating the fruit when fresh, then paying its equivalent in dried dates, is sounder, as this aligns with the basis of estimating tenth produce and then converting the estimate to dry dates. Another view among Al-Shafi'i's school permits buying it with the estimate in fresh dates, citing a narration from Ibn Umar, although this narration is considered doubtful compared to the clearer ones emphasizing payment in dried dates.