Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta has addressed a query regarding the sale of goods and products approaching their expiry dates with promotional discounts. The query asked whether it is permissible to sell such goods without disclosing the reason for the discount to customers. In its response, Dar Al-Ifta stated that selling goods nearing their expiry dates with discounts is permissible under Islamic law, provided that the goods are safe for consumption and free from harm.
According to Dar Al-Ifta, the key conditions for the sale of such goods are that they must be in good condition, suitable for consumption, and free from harm. Additionally, the expiry date must be clearly labeled on the goods, and the seller must not alter or conceal this information. If any of these conditions are not met, the sale is considered unlawful, and the buyer has the right to return the goods.
The ruling is based on the Islamic principle of mutual consent in financial transactions. The Quran states that transactions are permissible if they are based on mutual consent and do not involve exploitation or deception. Dar Al-Ifta cited a hadith that states, "A sale is valid only if it is based on mutual consent."
In the past, Islamic scholars have discussed the issue of selling goods that have been stored for a long time and the implications of this on the sale. The Maliki school of thought, for example, requires sellers to disclose the age of the goods and how long they have been stored. This is to prevent deception and ensure that buyers are aware of the goods' condition.
Dar Al-Ifta noted that in modern times, the concept of expiry dates has become a standard practice in commerce. The expiry date serves as a transparent indicator of the goods' safety and quality, eliminating the need for sellers to disclose the age of the goods. As long as the goods are safe for consumption and the expiry date is clearly labeled, selling them at discounted prices is permissible.
Reducing the price of goods nearing their expiry dates is a common practice in commercial markets. Dar Al-Ifta stated that this practice is acceptable and can be seen as a form of promotion. The discounted price reflects the reduced value of the goods as they approach their expiry date.
In conclusion, Dar Al-Ifta's ruling provides clarity on the sale of goods nearing their expiry dates at discounted prices. The sale is permissible if the goods are safe for consumption, the expiry date is clearly labeled, and the seller does not engage in deception or concealment.
Key points
- The sale of goods nearing their expiry dates with discounts is permissible under Islamic law if the goods are safe for consumption and the expiry date is clearly labeled.
