Is the sale of musk whose condition (sifah) is unknown permissible?
Chapter on Selling the Musarrah (Animal with milk retained in udder)
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
The sale of an object whose quality is unknown, such as musk inside its vessel (fa'rah), is not permissible due to the element of ignorance (jahaalah). If the seller opens the vessel and allows the buyer to observe its contents, the sale becomes valid. The prohibition stems from the ignorance surrounding the condition of the item being sold.
Supporting text
Some Shafi'i scholars permit the sale even when the musk is unopened because its containment within the vessel preserves its moisture and fragrance, likening it to food that remains inside its inedible casing.