Fatwa ID: 03797
Answered by: Maulana Irfan Ali
Question
Basically, when I got my phone contract the company said I would get some headphones worth £129. They haven't been in stock for a while and that's why they've suggested I buy them myself and then send proof of purchase and they will apply for a credit on my account.
The only issue is, I wasn't planning on keeping the headphones. I was going to sell them off. I told this to the company and they said they'd just apply for £50 credit in that case.
I suggested that instead I would buy the headphones, send proof of purchase, and then return. They said that as long as they get the receipt they would apply the credit of £129 and then returning was up to me.
My question is, Islamically is this okay? Meaning buying with the intention of returning, just so I get the credit from them. Does it go against any buyoo' principles?
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
There are two parts to this question:
- The purchasing of headphones from a different company and sending a receipt in order to receive the credit. This would be allowed as to the company agreeing on this matter for not being able to provide yourself with the product during the initial transaction. These types of transactions are a common practice that does not break any Islamic law due to a wording contract taking place between the two parties.[1]
- The second part is of buying a product with the intention of returning, this is not allowed in Islam. The fact of having 14 days return procedure does allow for the item to be returned but if the company was to become aware of such intention they would refuse the return. This would be classed as cheating which is prohibited in Islam. The prophet peace be upon him said the one who cheats is not from amongst us.[2]
Only Allah knows best
Written by Maulana Irfan Ali
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
