Q: At our store we stock a large variety of products including shoe makers products. Recently we have been getting a customer coming regularly to buy shoe glue only. The staff have brought it to our attention that he is buying it to sniff. After this I have observed the following:
- He does not buy any other shoe makers products.
- He buys more glue on a single trip then any other shoemaker I remember serving.
- He never has any shoes or shoe makers items in his hand when he comes to the store whereas this is usually noticed on most shoemakers.
So it is clear that he is sniffing the glue and not using it for shoes. Is it permissible to continue serving him knowing that he is using the glue for sniffing?
NB: Our store does NOT run on a self help system so he has to ask for the glue to be given to him which makes it very easy for us to stop supplying him if necessary.
A: If you are sure that he is purchasing the glue to sniff it, then do not sell it to him.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ وَلَا تَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْإِثْمِ وَالْعُدْوَانِ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ ﴿المائدة: ٢﴾
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)