Is it permissible to work in a trade that requires receiving the amount in advance before delivering the goods due to unavailability of resources, with a commitment to refund the amount to the customer in case the item is not provided?

It is permissible for importers to receive payment for goods requested before purchasing and importing them, and then delivering them to the client. This is known as "Bay' al-Salam" (forward sale) if the following conditions are met: 1. The price must be paid in full and in advance at the time of the contract. 2. The specifications of the sold item must be precisely and thoroughly described to prevent dispute. 3. The delivery date of the goods must be specified.

The evidence for this is the hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both): "Whoever pays in advance for something, let him pay for a known measure, and a known weight, for a known term."

If these conditions are met, the contract becomes binding on both parties, and neither may retract unless the other consents. If the goods are damaged before delivery, the seller is responsible for guaranteeing them and delivering a like quantity by the agreed-upon date.