---
title: "What is Qabd (possession)? | IslamicOpenFinance™"
description: "Taking possession of an asset, actually or constructively, which many contracts require before the asset can be sold on."
url: https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/qabd/
lang: en-GB
source: "IslamicOpenFinance"
---

[Glossary](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/) / [Sale-based contracts](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/#sales)

Sale-based contracts

# Qabd (possession)

Taking possession of an asset, actually or constructively, which many contracts require before the asset can be sold on.

Qabd is taking possession of an asset so that the new holder controls it and can deal in it. AAOIFI's standard on possession says the mode of possession depends on custom and on the nature of the thing, so it differs for land, goods sold by measure and currency. Possession matters because several rules depend on it: risk usually passes with it, and a buyer should take possession before selling goods on. In digital products, the event that evidences possession, such as a warehouse receipt, title transfer or account credit, should be recorded explicitly.

## Sources

- [AAOIFI Shari'ah Standards, English edition (full text, PDF): Shari'ah Standard No. 18, Possession (Qabd)](https://aaoifi.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Shariaa-Standards-ENG.pdf)

This entry explains a term; it is not a Shariah ruling. Approving a product is for each institution's own Shariah board and regulator.

## Related terms

[**Qabd hukmi (constructive possession)** Possession recognised in law without physical delivery, for example through documents, registration or an account entry.](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/qabd-hukmi/) [**Murabaha** A sale at cost plus an agreed, disclosed profit; the seller must own the asset first. Payment is often deferred in instalments.](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/murabaha/) [**Urf (custom)** Established custom or business practice, which Shariah recognises when it does not contradict the texts or principles.](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/urf/) [**Bay al-sarf (currency exchange)** An exchange of money for money, of the same or a different currency, which must be settled on the spot.](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/bay-al-sarf/) [**Majlis al-aqd (contract session)** The session in which a contract is concluded; some exchanges, such as currency trades and salam payments, must complete within it.](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/majlis-al-aqd/)

**Sale-based contracts**

1. [Murabaha](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/murabaha/)
2. [Musawamah](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/musawamah/)
3. [Bay al-muajjal (deferred-payment sale)](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/bay-muajjal/)
4. [Salam](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/salam/)
5. [Istisna](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/istisna/)
6. [Tawarruq](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/tawarruq/)
7. [Bay al-sarf (currency exchange)](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/bay-al-sarf/)
8. [Murabaha to the purchase orderer](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/murabaha-purchase-orderer/)

[All 221 terms](https://islamicopenfinance.com/glossary/)