Q. I want to know if network marketing systems like Herbalife or Amway are permissible in Islam.
A. One concern that I have regarding these marketing systems is that a person sometimes continue to receive a commission without doing any work to own it. That is, sometimes monies are paid to a person when he has not done anything to achieve it. For example, when ‘A’ introduces his products to ‘B’ and ‘B’ becomes a part of the marketing, then ‘A’ will get a cut from the work done by ‘B’. If ‘B’ introduces his products to ‘C’ and ‘C’ becomes a part of the marketing, then ‘A’ will get a cut from the work of ‘C’ when in reality, he has not done anything to deserve this. (This is based on my understanding of the marketing systems).
This is one concern I have regarding these Systems.
And Allah knows best.
Mufti Waseem Khan