Glossary

Bay' ma laysa 'indak

بيع ما ليس عندك

Definition

The prohibition on selling what you do not possess — a foundational rule for any sale contract.

Based on the Prophet's ﷺ instruction to Hakim ibn Hizam not to sell what he did not own. The rule blocks short selling, forward sales of unspecified goods, and most derivatives.

Salam contracts and istisna (commissioned manufacture) are documented classical exceptions, both with strict conditions.

Cited in these rulings