Al-fakkak

Definition of "Al-fakkak"

Lit: To separate, disjoin and redeem. Tech: During fourteenth century Nasrid Spain, used in commercial legal transactions to mean redemption of pledges and debts. In Andalus, this term was applied to an intermediary who was paid by the relatives of a person in the enemy territory to buy the liberty of the person by paying the required amount to the enemy. Gradually, al-fakkak grew in size and functions and started earning commission from both parties. Other functions performed by him were bargaining of ransoms, trading in silk, lending and dealing in debased currencies, etc. He seems to be the professional money-lender of the then Muslim Spain.