Wednesday 11/February/2026 – 08:27 PM
Dr. Mahmoud Shalabi, Fatwa Secretary at Dar Al-Iftaa, answered a question about the ruling on burning prices, where he explained that the issue depends on the intention and purpose of the sale, stressing that Islamic jurisprudence distinguishes between a legitimate sale and any behavior that leads to harm or financial exploitation that is close to usury.
Is burning prices in sales similar to usury?.. The Fatwa Secretary answers
The Fatwa Secretary explained, during an episode of the “People’s Fatwas” program, broadcast on the People’s Channel, today, Wednesday, that there are two main forms of burning prices: the first relates to a person’s desire to obtain cash money quickly by purchasing a commodity in installments and then selling it at a lower price to obtain a cash difference. This form is called “selling the sample,” and it is forbidden by the majority of jurists because it is considered an excuse for usury.
He added that the second form is the intention to harm the market, suppliers or factories by selling a commodity at a price lower than its normal price with the intention of hitting competitors or causing them a loss. This case is also forbidden by Sharia because it leads to harm to others, and Islamic law forbids harm in any form.
Dr. Shalabi pointed out that there are normal cases of reducing prices or offering temporary offers, which may occur due to market conditions or facilitation for the consumer. These do not fall within the circle of usury or harm to others, because they do not aim to exploit or harm anyone, but rather they are legitimate behavior and are available to everyone.
The Fatwa Secretary pointed out that the basis in the jurisprudential ruling for any commercial behavior is the human intention. If the purpose is legitimate profit or relief for people, it is permissible, but if the purpose is to obtain money illegally or harm others, then it is forbidden, pointing to the necessity of adhering to Sharia controls in all financial and commercial transactions.
