What is the ruling on selling a missing animal whose life is doubted?
Chapter on Riba (Usury) and Exchange (Sarf)
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
The sale of a missing animal, concerning whose life there is doubt, is valid. This is based on the principle that the default assumption is the animal's continued existence, upon which the validity of the contract rests, as mere doubt does not negate certainty.
Supporting text
If it becomes clear that the animal was already perished at the time of the contract, the contract is established as void.