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Incorrect method of purchasing livestock

Answered as per Hanafi Fiqh by Muftionline.co.za

Q: A local supplier of sheep uses 1 of 2 methods in purchasing his sheep from a distant farmer 1. The weight and description is given to him by the farmer telephonically or 2. He views Digital Images of the actual sheep as sent to him by the farmer. Will the transaction of sale (bay) be correct in both  situations considering he has not seen the actual animal.

Bismillaah

A: When purchasing livestock one should view the animal before purchasing it. Transacting in this manner where the animals are described or the weight is explained or pictures are sent is not the recognised way in Shari’ah when dealing with this type of commodity (livestock). Hence this is an invalid sale according to Shari’ah. Nevertheless, after one views the animal and one is satisfied with it, one may conclude the sale.

Note: One should refrain from all types of pictures whether digital pictures or any other type of pictures.

And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)

This answer was collected from MuftiOnline.co.za, where the questions have been answered by Mufti Zakaria Makada (Hafizahullah), who is currently a senior lecturer in the science of Hadith and Fiqh at Madrasah Ta’leemuddeen, Isipingo Beach, South Africa.