Q: A friend of mine sells rice in his supermarket that comes pre-packed from the supplier in bags marked “10kg”. The problem is that the bags only contain 9,5kg of rice. Is it permissible for him to sell this rice? He said that it’s not his fault because the supplier made the mistake.
A: Islam is a religion that advocates honesty and fair play in every sphere of a person’s life and strictly condemns cheating and deception. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has mentioned, “Whoever deceives us is not from among us.” (Sahih Muslim #101). It is impermissible to sell this rice as it will be cheating and robbing the customers. Your friend should return the rice to his supplier and inform him of his mistake so that he will exercise caution in the future.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
عن أبي هريرة أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال من حمل علينا السلاح فليس منا ومن غشنا فليس منا (صحيح مسلم رقم 101)
عن عبد الله بن عمر رضي الله عنهما أن رجلا ذكر للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه يخدع في البيوع فقال إذا بايعت فقل لا خلابة (صحيح البخاري رقم 2117)
Answered by:
Mufti Zakaria Makada
Checked & Approved:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)