What is the ruling on purchasing fruit before the ripening process becomes apparent (bado al-salah)?
Chapter on Zakat on Crops and Fruits
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
If fruit is purchased before the time its quality is deemed apparent (bado al-salah) and the seller did not stipulate immediate harvest, the sale is void (batil). The fruit remains the property of the seller, and Zakat (obligatory charity) on it is incumbent upon the seller.
Supporting text
If the contract stipulated immediate harvest (al-qat'), there is a narration that the sale is still void, with the ruling being the same as if no condition was made. Alternatively, there is a narration stating the sale is valid, and both parties share in any subsequent increase in yield.