Sunnats of Business (8)
Sunnats and Aadaab of Business and Dealings – Part Four
Written by user27. In a lease contract or a business transaction, none of the transacting parties should violate the agreed terms of the contract or transaction. If both parties agreed upon a certain price and a certain quality or quantity of the sale item, or in a lease contract, both agreed upon leasing the premises for a specific period at an agreed rate, then both parties should abide by the agreement.
Hazrat Hakeem bin Hizaam (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The two transacting parties have an option (to back out of the sale) as long as they do not conclude the sale (with mutual acceptance). If they (the purchaser and seller) are truthful to each other and disclose the faults (of the merchandise), they will be granted barakah (blessing) from Allah Ta‘ala in their business transaction. However, if they lie to each other and conceal the faults (of the merchandise), then perhaps they could earn some profit through the transaction, however they will lose the blessing of the transaction.” [1]
Sunnats and Aadaab of Business and Dealings – Part Three
Written by user25. One should not delay in settling his debts. It is reported in the Hadith that the debtor’s procrastination in settling his debts, despite him having the means to do so, is a form of oppression.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The delaying of a wealthy person in settling his debts is a form of oppression.” [1]
Sunnats and Aadaab of Business and Dealings – Part Two
Written by user23. If an item has a defect, the seller should disclose it to the purchaser. It is not permissible for him to conceal the defect.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that on one occasion, Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) passed by a heap of grain. He then inserted his hand in the heap (to inspect the quality of the grain at the bottom) and found that the grain was moist. He asked the owner of the grain, “What is this?” The owner replied, “O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the grain became moist due to the rain.” Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “Then why did you not place it (the moist grain) on top of the heap so that the people can see the defective grain (that you are selling to them)?” Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then said, “The one who deceives (people) is not from me.” [1]
Sunnats and Aadaab of Business and Dealings – Part One
Written by user21. A business transaction should be concluded with mutual consent. No party should be forced to carry out the transaction.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ آمَنُوْا لَا تَأْكُلُوْا أَمْوَالَكُمْ بَيْنَكُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُوْنَ تِجَارَةً عَنْ تَرَاضٍ مِّنكُمْ
O you who believe, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly. However, (only consume one another’s wealth) through (lawful) transactions concluded with mutual consent among yourselves. [1]
In numerous Ahaadith, Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has cautioned the Ummah regarding the evil and destructive consequences of earning and consuming haraam wealth. Some of these Ahaadith are mentioned below:
1. The One who Consumes Haraam will Burn in Jahannum
Hazrat Ka’b bin Ujrah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The flesh (body) which is nourished with haraam will not enter Jannah, and the fire of Jahannum is more deserving of every flesh (body) that is nourished with haraam.” [1]
1. Being Saved from the Difficulties of the Day of Qiyaamah
Hazrat Abu Qataadah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who wishes for Allah Ta‘ala to save him from difficulties on the Day of Qiyaamah should grant respite to his debtor who is unable to pay or he should waive his debt.” [1]
1. Earning Halaal is an Obligation of Deen
Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “To seek a halaal livelihood is an obligation which is necessary after fulfilling all the faraaidh of Deen (salaah, fasting, zakaat, etc.).” [1]
Allah Ta‘ala has created man for the sole purpose of worshipping Him and fulfilling His commands. However, in order for man to fulfil this obligation, he will need to eat, drink and sustain his life in the world. Hence, Allah Ta‘ala has allowed man to earn a halaal livelihood, as this will assist him in fulfilling his primary purpose in the world.