Bribing the judiciary to pass right or wrong judgements is haraam.

Bribing the judiciary to pass right or wrong judgements is haraam. Playing in gambling tools, such as chess, dominos, backgammon, and betting on them is haraam; even playing chess and backgammon [and the like] without betting is haraam. False bidding, i.e. with the aim of enticing others to buy merchandise at a rigged price, is haraam [even if it was free from malice]. Dealing with stolen property or buying what has been procured with gambling money is haraam, etc. * These are forbidden.

Are there any activities that are makrouh? - Yes, there are some economic activities that the Lawgiver deem detestable. Shying away from such activities is not binding for the mukallaf; it is, therefore, makrouh not haraam. * Could you give me an example? - Selling real estate (one’s own house) is makrouh, unless you want to buy another property with the proceeds of the sold one.

Exchanging (selling) gold for gold or silver for silver, without a profit is makrouh; doing so for a profit, is haraam. Borrowing money from a fledgling wealthy person is makrouh. It is makrouh too to take slaughtering animals for a profession, so is cupping (hijamah), and vending shrouds. Makrouh still are some dealings and methods pertaining to commercial activity. * For example? - Concealing the imperfections of goods, provided that it does not lead to deceit. If it does it is haraam.

Swearing (by God) in haggling over a price, even if it is with good intention and truthfulness. As for false swearing, it is haraam. Makrouh, too, is making exorbitant profit. Asking for a discount, after the sale has been concluded. It is makrouh to sell goods in a dimly lit place, where defective goods may go undetected. Touting for business by the vendor, and fault finding by the buyer. * These are some of the activities that are makrouh. Are there any that are mustahab?

●Yes, there certain dealings that are mustahab. And here are some examples: Lending the believer money without interest. Buying real estate. Offering money to someone with the aim of setting them up in business with an agreed profit sharing formula. There are some dealings and methods that are highly praised, such as charging all customers the same price for goods, and saving preferential prices for the poor.

Thus, the vendor should not discriminate against the customer who drives a hard bargain. It is mustabab, too, for the vendor to accept revocation of the sale of goods (or services), should the buyer change his mind.

✦ ✦ ✦