Q 3: Is it permissible to sell salt on credit (for a loan)?

A: It is not permissible to sell salt for salt except if they are equal in amount and are sold on the spot. As for selling salt for another usurious commodity such as wheat, barley, or dates, it is permissible for the amounts to be unequal but the exchange must take place before the two parties separate. It is related on the authority of `Ubadah ibn Al-Samit (Part No. 13; Page No. 282) (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Gold is to be paid for by gold, silver by silver, wheat by wheat, barley by barley, dates by dates, and salt by salt, like for like and equal for equal, payment being made hand to hand. If these classes differ, then sell as you wish as long as payment is made hand to hand." (Related by Muslim) Selling salt in return for money is permissible whether the exchange is instant or deferred. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.