M6:3541 — در بیوع آن کن تو از خوف غرار / که رسول آموخت سه روز اختیار

Translation: In transactions, act out of fear of deception (ghurār), for the Messenger taught the three-day option. Meaning: This verse advises prudence in commercial dealings, urging the use of the three-day option as taught by the Prophet to guard against fraud and uncertainty.

I consider this verse to be among the points where Mawlana embeds practical Islamic jurisprudence and ethical teachings within the fabric of the Masnavi. Here, we observe how he integrates pragmatic, legal guidance into an otherwise mystical narrative, thereby lending it profound authority. This particular verse appears in the continuation of the story of a deceased noble who, in a dream, offers guidance to an intermediary entrusted with distributing his wealth to settle others' debts. The dream-visiting noble advises this middleman to exercise utmost caution when selling precious gems, urging him to avoid being cheated.

The term buyuʿ (بیوع) is the plural of bayʿ, meaning sales or transactions. Ghurār (غرر) in Islamic jurisprudence refers to deception, hazard, uncertainty, or lack of clarity in a contract, factors that can lead to its invalidity. Mawlana's counsel here is explicit: in your transactions, beware of falling victim to ghurār and being defrauded. This warning is critically important, as a bayʿ ghararī (transaction tainted by ghurār) is considered null and void in Islamic law and is strongly prohibited.

Mawlana then offers the solution: Ke Rasool āmuḵht seh ruz ikhtiyār (که رسول آموخت سه روز اختیار), meaning 'for the Messenger taught the three-day option.' This is a direct reference to the khiyārāt (خیارات), the various options or rights granted to contracting parties to annul or confirm a transaction. Among these options is khiyār al-ḥayawān (the option related to animals), which grants the buyer of an animal a three-day period to reconsider the purchase and return it if dissatisfied. Alternatively, parties can stipulate a khiyār al-shart (conditional option) allowing them a specified period, often three days, to rescind the contract. This right of ikhtiyār (option) is designed precisely to prevent ghurār and financial loss. As you can see, the counsel is both practical and precise.

Thus, the advice in this verse is not merely an ethical injunction but a legal guide, urging individuals to utilize the 'option' taught by the Prophet of God in their dealings. This ensures protection from deception and facilitates sound, sharia-compliant transactions. It underscores that Mawlana, even at the zenith of his mystical insights, never overlooked the practicalities of life and the operational tenets of religion, considering them integral to the human spiritual journey.

Key takeaways

• Strictly avoid deception (ghurār) and uncertain transactions in all dealings.
• Islamic jurisprudence grants the 'option' (ikhtiyār) to rescind contracts, designed to prevent loss and fraud.
• The three-day grace period for reconsidering a transaction is a prophetic tradition to avert ghurār.
• Even within mysticism, practical ethics and legal precepts are vital; the mystical path is inseparable from daily life.