What is the ruling on working for a website that promotes products using a false countdown timer, given the possibility of always informing the customer of the product's true availability?
The Shari'ah has forbidden lying in buying and selling and encouraged truthfulness in both. In the : "The two parties to a transaction have the option (to annul it) as long as they have not separated. If they are truthful and clarify, they will be blessed in their transaction. And if they lie and conceal, the blessing of their transaction will be effaced." And "Deception is not permissible for a Muslim."
An advertisement that creates the illusion that a product will run out quickly to prompt the buyer to make a purchase is impermissible and a lie. However, it does not invalidate the sale if the sale fulfills its conditions and pillars.
It is necessary to promote the product on a website that does not lie to buyers. If the advertiser is compelled to advertise on such a website and can inform the buyers of the truth, then there is no sin upon him.
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.
- Read the full ruling
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