What are the boundaries of dealing with competitors and customers in trade, especially concerning surveillance, deceptive marketing, and sharing source information?

For God to bless a merchant in his livelihood and trade, he must possess qualities such as: not letting trade distract him from the remembrance of God, prayer, and zakat; seeking what is lawful and avoiding doubts; upholding righteousness, truthfulness, and piety towards God; giving charity; being tolerant and lenient; granting respite to the one in hardship; and refraining from forbidden transactions like deception and usury. He should also exhibit noble character, such as excusing the regretful, assisting the needy, loving good for people, having sincere reliance on God, and avoiding greed and avarice.

It is forbidden to spy on merchants with the intention of harming competitors, for "there shall be no harm or reciprocating harm," and you must love for your brother what you love for yourself. Competition must be honorable, based on honesty and love, and avoid injustice and devouring people's wealth unlawfully.

Dealing with customers must be based on honesty and avoiding deceit and fraud. Therefore, hiring people to mingle with customers and advise them to buy goods from the same seller, while buyers think they are independent, is impermissible because it falls under the forbidden practice of "najash" (price manipulation), which is a form of deceiving buyers.

It is not obligatory to inform customers about the sources of product raw materials. If asked, you should either tell them the truth or apologize for not answering, and it is not permissible to state anything other than the truth.