The Ruling on Taking Possession and Handing Over in Sales and Purchases

Question:
It happens that some merchants buy a large quantity, for example: about ten thousand cartons of soap, or ten thousand bags of rice, or the like. Sometimes these are imported, and sometimes they are not. Is it required in this case, before I sell them, that I transport them? And if I transport them, one asks: what is the benefit in that, as long as I am going to sell them? What is the benefit?

Answer:
If transporting them is difficult for him, it is not obligatory, for what is difficult is excused due to its magnitude and quantity, like a house or land. In that case, taking possession is the handing over. However, if transporting them is easy, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) commanded transporting them. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade selling goods at the place where they were bought until the merchants take them to their dwellings. So if taking possession is easy, let him take possession of them.