Can a single genus encompass two distinct genera?

Chapter on Riba (Usury) and Exchange (Sarf)

Al-Mughni

Book of Sales

Book 12 · Issue 4 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

A single genus can contain two distinct categories, which become separate genera upon separation. For example, dates (as a genus) contain the pit (nawa) and the flesh, which are two distinct genera. Similarly, milk (laban) contains clotted cream (makhid) and butterfat (zabad), which are also two distinct genera. As long as these components maintain their natural physical connection (ittisal al-khilqa), they are treated as part of the single initial genus.

Supporting text

Once one component is separated from the other, they assume the legal rulings pertaining to two distinct, independent genera.