What is the ruling on selling an item with a full description, the value of which is paid in advance, and which is later purchased and shipped directly to the buyer from another seller, or shipped to the seller and then to the buyer? And is this sale considered a “Salam” (forward) contract, given the option for the buyer to return the item if it deviates from the description?

The transaction mentioned falls under the category of salam (forward sale) and is permissible if the following conditions are met: the capital must be delivered at the time of the contract; the object of the salam (Muslam Fih) must be something that can be precisely described, with no ambiguity; its type, kind, quantity, and description must be known; it must be a described item held in obligation (Dhimma) and not a specific, designated item; it must be possible to deliver it upon the due date; and the due date and place of delivery must be specified.

It is permissible to appoint the seller of the commodity to ship it directly to the first buyer. As for the buyer's right to return the commodity if it does not conform to the description, this is permissible. If the seller delivers the object of the salam in a manner other than the stipulated description, the buyer is not obligated to accept it.