Buying and Selling: Ruling on Salaf Sale Without Fixed Delivery Date

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Buying and Selling: Ruling on Salaf Sale Without Fixed Delivery Date

English:

Question #1586:

I bought some books in Tehran International Book Fair as a salaf transaction so that I would pay half of the total price at once and the second half when I receive the books. The time of delivery was not fixed. Is this sale valid?

Answer #1586:

There is no harm in this deal if the prepaid amount was regarded as a deposit and the sale takes place at the time of delivery of the books and the payment of the remaining amount. However, if this sale, at the time of paying part of the money, is regarded as credit without specifying a time for settling the remaining amount, or a salaf sale, yet without paying the total amount of the books there and then, it is deemed invalid. Of course, the salaf sale is valid in proportion to the payment but the buyer has the right to revoke it even regarding to the paid portion.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Buying and Selling