Chapter on Sales

Maysir, the seller of fabrics, narrated: I said to Abu Abdullah عليه السلام: We purchase merchandise on credit, and a man comes and asks, "For how much was it valued for you?" I reply, "It was valued at such and such," and then I sell it to him at a profit. Imam عليه السلام said: "If you sell it on a profit basis (Murabaha), then he is entitled to the same credit period as you." I became distressed and said: "We are ruined!" Imam عليه السلام asked: "Why?" I said: "Because the goods I sell on a Murabaha basis are purchased from me, and if I deduct from the principal amount to state its valuation, it would cause difficulty." When Imam عليه السلام saw what troubled me, Imam عليه السلام said: "Shall I not open for you a door that will bring you ease?" I said: "Indeed, please do!" Imam عليه السلام said: "Say, 'It cost me such and such, and I sell it to you for such and such,' and do not mention the word 'profit' (Ribh)."