Fatwa ID: 08814

Written by Alimah Aisha Qureshi

Question:

My holiday periods can change at any time so I need a flexible ticket, but of course you will have to pay slightly more than a standard ticket, is it permissible to buy such a ticket? I normally use Pegasus so you can check the website for more details. Please provide a detailed answer with references as I am a student.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

In Islam, buying and selling (mu’āmalāt) must be based on fairness, clarity, and mutual consent. The Hanafi school emphasizes that a transaction must be free of uncertainty, deception, and interest.

A flexible airline ticket (like the ones offered by Pegasus Airlines) allows the buyer to change the date/time of the flight without high penalty, cancel the flight and get a partial refund, rebook if plans change.

It is permissible if the condition of the ticket is clearly stated and understood. This removes ambiguity, which is forbidden. There must be no hidden fees or unfair charges. The extra money paid is for an added service, you are allowed to pay extra for an additional benefit, if that benefit is clearly part of the contract.

It is permissible to buy a flexible airline ticket even if it costs more because, you are paying for a clear benefit (change/cancel options), there is no gambling or deception, the extra fee is part of a valid contract and acceptable under Islamic commercial rules. Always read the terms and conditions before purchasing to make sure there are no hidden clauses or fees that would make the contract unjust.

References:

وَيَكُونُ قَوْلُهُ بِغَيْرِ عَيْنِهِ مُقَابِلًا لِمَا سَمَّى عَيْنَهُ بَعْدَ بَيَانِ الْجِنْسِ       

Radd al Muhtar Vol 5 Pg 516 Maktaba Shamila

Only Allah knows best.

Written by Alimah Aisha Qureshi

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham