Favouring a contractor who is one's friend after closing a tender

Q: 3 Companies were invited to construct a building. They were invited which would mean that they are all of equal stature. We were all in by the client prior to the tender closing and where the client advised us of his needs. We received the tender results but were advised a few days later that all three prices were too high for the client. I asked asked if we could assist and negotiate with the client to lower our price to come in line with the client. We were then advised that the client had negotiated with the company that had the highest price. It is common knowledge that the client and this contractor are friends and possibly family. Is this Nepotism and is this allowed in Islam.

A: If a person wishes to employ a company to fulfil some service for him, then he is free to choose whichever company he feels will fulfill the requirements of the job in the best manner. At times, the price could be higher, but the quality of the work offered is also of a higher standard. Hence, if the job is given to another company, then there is no need for one to feel grieved over the situation.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

 

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)