Narrated from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both): A man bought dates from another man, but that year the dates did not bear fruit. So both of them went to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) for a decision. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: How do you consider his dirhams lawful for yourself? Return his dirhams to him. Never make a sale of dates in advance (salam) until its fitness becomes apparent. The narrator says: I asked Masruq, what does the appearance of fitness mean? He said: When the fruit turns red or yellow.