Must the recipient of the subject matter of a non-perishable Salam contract (like metal) take possession before the stipulated delivery date?
Chapter on Guaranteed Salaf (Advance Payment) for a Specified Term
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
If the subject matter of the Salam is non-perishable, such as iron, lead, or materials whose old and new forms do not differ, the recipient is not obligated to take possession before the appointed time (mahall). If the item is presented exactly according to the agreed-upon description at its agreed location, the recipient must accept it. This is because the obligation is fulfilled in its specified place, similar to a specific item in a sale. This obligation to accept applies regardless of whether accepting it at that time causes harm or not.
Supporting text
If the item is presented before its due date and its early possession causes harm—such as if it is perishable (like fruits or foodstuffs) or if its old form is inferior to its new form (like grains), or if it requires maintenance costs (like cotton), or if the time is dangerous and theft is feared—then the recipient is not obligated to accept it because accepting it prematurely causes harm and its entitlement date has not arrived. However, if possession causes no harm, such as with non-perishable metals (iron, lead, copper), or if old and new forms are equivalent (like oils or honey), and there is no fear of theft or maintenance costs, the recipient must accept it because their objective is met, with the added benefit of expedited enjoyment.