When two substances share the same specific name but originate from different sources, are they considered the same genus or distinct genera?

Chapter on Riba (Usury) and Exchange (Sarf)

Al-Mughni

Book of Sales

Book 12 · Issue 1 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

When two substances share the same specific name but originate from two different primary sources (asl), they constitute two distinct genera. This is exemplified by different types of flours (adqiqa), different types of bread (akhbaz), different vinegars (khulul), and different oils (adhaan), all being distinct genera based on their distinct origins. This principle holds true for olive oil, mastic oil, radish oil, fish oil, sesame oil, walnut oil, almond oil, and seed oil, all of which are separate genera. Similarly, honey from bees and date-cane syrup are two distinct genera, as are the dates of palm trees and Indian dates. The correct position, supported by the sound opinion in the Shafi'i madhhab, affirms that distinct origins establish distinct genera, comparable to wheat flour and barley flour. This is evidenced by the principle that differing origins mandate different classifications.

Supporting text

A view attributed to Ahmad and Malik suggests that date vinegar and grape vinegar constitute a single genus because the specific name encompasses both. This view is rejected because it contradicts the established principle regarding substances originating from different sources.