What is the ruling on online auctions where the bidder cannot see or examine the item before paying the price and receiving it, with the possibility of returning it within 14 days with the seller's consent, and a refund of its price excluding shipping fees, along with the potential for the advertised quality to differ from reality?
It is permissible to sell goods to the highest bidder online. However, purchasing an item unseen, relying solely on a description that removes ambiguity, is not permissible in this scenario due to the clear presence of (excessive uncertainty). Furthermore, the buyer has no option to return the item except with the seller's consent, and it requires immediate payment of the price. Scholars have explicitly stated that this is not permissible in the sale of an unseen, distant, movable item, due to the potential for harm from the rapid deterioration or depreciation of the item. If the sale can be conducted in a permissible manner, there is no objection to the shipping cost being borne by the buyer.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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