What is the ruling when the specified period for 'Khiyar' (option to void a contract) elapses without either party exercising the option?

Primary text

When the period designated for the option elapses and neither party voids the contract, the option becomes void, and the contract becomes binding (*lazim*). This is the position held by Abu Hanifa and Al-Shafi'i. The evidence supporting this is that the option period is an accessory stipulation attached to the contract, and thus it terminates upon the expiry of its stipulated time, similar to a fixed term (*ajal*). Furthermore, maintaining the contract's non-binding state beyond the stipulated period leads to the option persisting outside the agreed-upon terms, which is impermissible as the stipulation is the cause for the option. Additionally, any temporary ruling, such as the option, lapses when its time expires, like all other time-bound matters. Since the sale inherently implies finality (*luzum*), the stipulation only temporarily suspends this finality; once the stipulated condition ceases to apply, the inherent ruling of finality must take effect.