Chapter on Advance Payment in Food, Animals, and Other Goods

Amr ibn Shimr narrated from Jabir, who reported: Abu Ja'far Imam Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Baqir عليه السلام was asked about lending meat in advance. Imam عليه السلام said: "Do not approach it, for sometimes he may give you fat meat, sometimes lean meat, and sometimes emaciated meat. Instead, buy it through direct observation, hand-to-hand." Imam عليه السلام was also asked about lending water carriers (skins). Imam عليه السلام said: "No, for sometimes he may give you an incomplete one and sometimes a complete one. Rather, buy them through direct observation, for this is safer for you and for him."