The Ruling on Deception in Buying and Selling

Question:
This brother asks: What is the ruling on deception in buying and selling?

Answer:
Deception in buying and selling is forbidden. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: It is obligatory to be truthful in buying and selling, and in everything else; it is obligatory to be truthful. A Muslim tells the truth and seeks truthfulness always and forever, and he does not deceive. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by a food seller who had a heap of food. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) put his hand into the food, and his hand found moisture, meaning dampness. He said, "What is this, O owner of the food?" He said, "The sky has touched it, O Messenger of Allah," meaning it was rained on. He said, "Why did you not put it on the top so that people could see it? Whoever deceives us is not one of us." Deception, trickery, and bad treatment are not permissible. A Muslim gives advice in his dealings and in his association with Muslims. Deception is not permissible, not even with disbelievers. It is not permissible to deceive a disbeliever, so how about a Muslim? Yes.