What is the ruling on purchasing phones in Yemen that originate from America and are blocked by telecommunications companies there for non-payment of bills, then subsequently unblocked in Yemen, and is it permissible to purchase phones imported from America without knowing their origin?
Combining the sale of a mobile phone and the rental of a line in a single contract for one price is permissible according to the most preponderant opinion. Fulfillment of the condition and payment of the agreed-upon amount are obligatory. The mobile phones belong to the buyers, but if they are mortgaged for their price, it is not permissible to sell them until the price is paid or the mortgage is released. The sale of mortgaged property without the permission of the mortgagee is a matter of dispute: some consider it void, while others consider it valid but contingent upon the mortgagee's approval. It appears here that the company has not given permission, so the sale of the phones is not valid. Buying mobile phones that are in people's possession, when there is no known impediment to their transaction, is permissible. However, if it is highly probable that they are mortgaged and are being sold without the mortgagee's permission, then it is not permissible to deal with their owners. If the contract combines a gift and a lease (a free phone in exchange for subscribing to a billing service), the contract is not valid.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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