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Is it permissible to engage in a trade where the merchant displays goods from another website (website "A") on his own website (website "B") at an increased price, then purchases them with his own money and provides the buyer's address so that they are shipped directly from website "A" to the buyer, knowing that the buyer has the right of return, shipping is free, the buyer is informed of the shipping duration, the sale is based on accurate pictures and descriptions, and in case of non-delivery, the full amount is refunded, while also considering whether the original merchant on website "A" permits the resale of his goods?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The answer can be summarized in four points:

Firstly: It is permissible to conclude a contract for a described commodity that is delivered at a specified future date (a forward sale contract - 'aqd salam), provided that the price is paid immediately.

Secondly: It is permissible to offer goods by way of a promise to sell, and then to conclude the contract after you have acquired possession of them and they are under your responsibility.

Thirdly: It is permissible to act as a mediator between buyers and owners of goods for a known commission.

Fourthly: It is permissible for you to be an agent for the owner of a commodity, selling it at a higher price and taking the increase.

This type of trade is permissible if it adheres to the aforementioned Sharia guidelines. Your purchase of the goods for yourself before selling them to others does not fall under acting on behalf of the merchant. Rather, an agreement must be made with the owner of the goods for you to sell on their behalf. Otherwise, what transpires between you and the customer before the purchase is merely a promise to sell, except in the case of a forward sale contract ('aqd salam) for a commodity described in a liability.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

Read the full answer on Ftawy