Convert between 15 major currencies and instantly check whether your exchange method satisfies all four Sarf conditions from Sahih Muslim 1587 — spot cash, bank transfer, forward contracts, forex swaps, CFDs, and more.
Sahih Muslim 1587
Hadith basis
Paper = Gold ruling
OIC Fiqh Academy
Taqābudh (spot only)
Key condition
Type how much you want to exchange. The converted amount updates instantly using indicative June 2026 rates.
Pick your source and destination currencies from 15 options. Use the swap button to reverse the direction.
Select how you're doing the exchange — spot cash, bank transfer, forward contract, futures, swap, or CFD.
See an instant halal/not halal verdict with the specific scholarly reason and a checklist of all 4 Sarf conditions.
"Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, dates for dates, and salt for salt — like for like, same for same, hand to hand. But if these commodities differ, then sell as you wish, as long as it is hand to hand."
— Narrated by ʿUbādah ibn al-Sāmit (RA), Sahih Muslim 1587
"Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, barley for barley, dates for dates, and salt for salt — like for like, same for same, hand to hand. But if these commodities differ, then sell as you wish, as long as it is hand to hand."
— Narrated by ʿUbādah ibn al-Sāmit (RA) · Sahih Muslim 1587 · Also narrated in Bukhari
From this single Hadith, Islamic scholars have derived the complete framework of Sarf. Two rules emerge clearly: (1) same-type exchange must be exactly equal in quantity, and (2) all exchange must be hand-to-hand (immediate). The OIC Fiqh Academy extended these rules to modern paper currency in Resolution No. 9 (January 2002), since fiat money performs the same function as gold and silver as a universal medium of exchange.
Both currencies must be exchanged in the same session — hand-to-hand, without deferring either side. The Hadith's phrase 'yadan bi-yadin' (hand to hand) makes this mandatory. Contemporary scholars accept T+2 bank settlement as constructive possession (Taqābudh hukmi) — an administrative necessity, not deliberate deferral. Forward contracts, futures, and swaps all fail this condition.
If you exchange a currency for itself (USD for USD, GBP for GBP), the amounts must be exactly equal. Receiving $101 for $100 of the same currency is riba al-fadl — prohibited excess in exchange — regardless of quality, series, or denomination differences. The exchange rate between different currencies may be anything mutually agreed.
Even if the rates are agreed, charging interest for delaying settlement is absolutely prohibited. This is why forex overnight swap fees are haram — they are interest charged for rolling a position from one day to the next without settling. The prohibition covers any premium, fee, or charge that functions as compensation for delaying currency delivery.
A valid Sarf contract must be unconditional — neither party may attach a conditional right to cancel or modify the exchange after the contract is formed. Currency options and conditional forward contracts violate this principle. Once agreed, the exchange is binding on both parties immediately.
The Islamic legal term for currency exchange — the sale of one currency for another. Derived from a word meaning 'to turn' or 'redirect.' Governed by conditions in Sahih Muslim 1587.
Immediate mutual possession — the requirement that both currencies transfer hands in the same session without deferring either side. The phrase 'yadan bi-yadin' (hand to hand) in the Hadith establishes this condition.
Excess in exchange — the prohibited surplus when exchanging identical ribawi items. Any amount above 1:1 when exchanging the same currency constitutes riba al-fadl.
Interest for delay — charging a premium for deferring settlement. Forex overnight swaps and rollover fees are the modern form of this prohibition.
Constructive possession — the scholarly concept that electronic transfers and T+2 bank settlements count as legally immediate, even if physical cash hasn't moved, because ownership transfers at contract formation.
The six commodities subject to strict exchange rules: gold, silver, wheat, barley, dates, and salt. The OIC Fiqh Academy extended these rules to modern paper currency (Resolution No. 9, 2002).
Sarf (صرف) is the Islamic legal term for the exchange of one currency for another — or gold for silver and vice versa. It comes from the Arabic word meaning 'to turn away' or 'redirect.' Sarf is governed by strict conditions derived from the famous Hadith narrated by ʿUbādah ibn al-Sāmit (RA): 'Gold for gold, silver for silver... like for like, same for same, hand to hand.' The OIC Fiqh Academy has extended these rules to modern paper money (Resolution No. 9, 2002), since fiat currency fulfils the same function as gold and silver as a medium of exchange.
A Sarf transaction is halal only when all four conditions are met: (1) Immediate settlement (Taqābudh) — both currencies must be exchanged on the spot, in the same session, without deferring either side. (2) Equal amounts when exchanging the same currency — swapping $100 bills for $100 in smaller bills must be exactly 1:1; any surplus is riba al-fadl. (3) Different currencies may be exchanged at any mutually agreed rate — no equality requirement, since USD and SAR are different units. (4) No conditional options (khiyar al-shart) — neither party may attach conditional rights that allow backing out after the exchange.
Yes — according to the OIC Fiqh Academy and the majority of contemporary Islamic scholars, bank transfers and online currency exchanges that settle within the standard T+0 to T+2 timeframe are considered halal. The 1–2 day settlement window is treated as 'constructive possession' (Taqābudh hukmi) — an administrative necessity of the modern banking system, not a deliberate deferral. Legal ownership of both currencies transfers at the time of the contract, even if physical settlement takes one business day. Platforms like Wise, bank forex desks, and money transfer services generally qualify, as long as there is no overnight interest (swap).
It depends entirely on the mechanism: Spot forex trading (rate determined and exchanged immediately) can be halal if it meets Sarf conditions — no rollover fees, genuine exchange of currencies, no leverage involving interest. Forward contracts (rate locked today, settlement in 30–90 days) are not halal — deferred settlement violates Taqābudh. Forex futures and options contain deferred settlement and conditional rights, making them impermissible. CFDs (Contracts for Difference) are not halal — no actual currency changes hands, making it pure speculation (maysir) without any underlying Sarf transaction. 'Swap-free' Islamic forex accounts require individual scholarly review to verify the swap is truly eliminated and not repackaged as a commission.
Yes — this is the simplest and most clearly halal form of Sarf. You hand over physical currency and receive physical currency immediately. The spread or commission charged by the bureau is their legitimate profit margin for providing the service and is not considered riba. The different exchange rate versus mid-market is permissible because you are exchanging different currencies (e.g. USD for EUR), and different currencies may be exchanged at any agreed rate as long as the exchange is immediate.
Most contemporary scholars consider these services halal for straightforward international money transfers, as long as: (1) both currencies are settled promptly (T+0 to T+2), (2) no interest is charged on any delay, and (3) the service fee is a transparent, disclosed charge rather than hidden interest. The OIC Fiqh Academy's acceptance of constructive possession (Taqābudh hukmi) covers these services. However, if a service offers currency holding, deferred conversion, or any interest-bearing feature, that specific feature should be avoided.
Yes, but only at exactly 1:1 — not a penny more or less. Exchanging USD for USD, GBP for GBP, or SAR for SAR must involve identical amounts because they are the same ribawi unit. Any surplus — even $1 extra — constitutes riba al-fadl (prohibited excess in exchange). The purpose is acceptable (changing denomination, replacing damaged notes, getting a specific series), but the amount must be exactly equal. The exchange must still be immediate (same session).
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Read the guideExchange rates shown are indicative approximations for June 2026 — not live market rates. Always verify the current rate with your bank, transfer service, or exchange provider before transacting. Sarf compliance analysis is based on mainstream scholarly positions including OIC Fiqh Academy Resolution No. 9 (2002). Scholarly opinions on specific fintech and forex products continue to evolve. This tool does not constitute a fatwa or financial advice. Consult a qualified Islamic scholar for rulings on specific financial products.