Q: My neighbour wanted to buy a cooking pot for R100. I told her not to buy it as I will get one for her for just R70. She agreed because she was saving R30 on the same pot. However, my intention was that I will buy the pot for just R55 and tell her that it cost R70. In this way, I will make R15 without telling her. Is this permissible?
A: This is haraam as well as cheating.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Q: Why is the above situation regarded as haraam and cheating? It seems to be exactly the same as a shopkeeper who buys items, marks a profit and sells them without telling the customers his cost price.
A: If she instructed you to just buy it for her then you are her agent only to purchase it for her. You cannot purchase it and thereafter sell it to her.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
(ولو وكله بشراء شيء بعينه فليس له أن يشتريه لنفسه) لأنه يؤدي إلى تغرير الآمر حيث اعتمد عليه ولأن فيه عزل نفسه ولا يملكه على ما قيل إلا بمحضر من الموكل (الهداية 3/183-184)
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