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Islamic Contract Law – Technical Definitions of Contract (ʿAqd)


1. Definition by Al-Jurjani
Definition
  • A contract is:
    • “The linkage of the parties to a transaction by an offer and acceptance in a lawful manner.”


Key Elements Identified
  • Offer (ijāb)
  • Acceptance (qabūl)
  • Lawful manner (Shariah compliance)


👉 Focus:
  • Formation of contract through:
    • Mutual agreement


2. Definition in Majallat al-Ahkam al-Adliyyah (Mejelle)
Article 103
  • Contract is:
    • “The parties binding themselves and undertaking to do a particular matter.”
    • Also:
      • Connection between offer and acceptance


Key Emphasis
  • Binding commitment
  • Mutual obligation
  • Agreement on a specific matter


3. Further Clarification (Article 104)
  • Contract is:
    • “The connection of an offer with an acceptance in a lawful manner which produces legal effects on the subject matter.”


Key Additions
  • Not just agreement
  • Must:
    • Produce legal consequences


4. Comparison of Both Definitions
Common Elements
  • Offer and acceptance
  • Lawful structure
  • Binding nature


Additional Insight from Mejelle
  • Emphasises:
    • Legal effect on subject matter
  • Focus on:
    • Practical consequences


5. Key Insight
  • Islamic contract definition revolves around:
    • Connection (linkage) between parties
👉 Not just intention:
  • But:
    • Legally effective agreement


6. Simplified Understanding
  • A contract in Islamic law is:
    • Agreement between two parties
    • Formed through:
      • Offer + acceptance
    • Must be:
      • Lawful
    • Must:
      • Create legal consequences


Final Summary
  • Al-Jurjānī
    • Focus:
      • Linkage through offer and acceptance
  • Mejelle
    • Expands:
      • Binding obligation
      • Legal effect


One-Line Understanding
  • Islamic contract (ʿaqd) =
    👉 “A lawful agreement formed by offer and acceptance that creates binding legal effects.”




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