What is the ruling of the Sharia regarding the professional who estimates their true fees, which the client deems excessive compared to market prices, in light of the presence of professional colleagues who reduce their fees and take the difference by inflating expenses? And is the action of the second professional considered deception? And what should the first professional do in light of this problem?

If the professional states their fee and expenses to the client, both must abide by what they have agreed upon. It is not permissible for the client to delay payment, nor for the professional to lie in estimating expenses, in accordance with the Almighty's saying: "O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts" and "Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due" and "Do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] trade by mutual consent." And according to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "Whoever cheats is not one of us" and "The two parties to a transaction have the option [to annul it] as long as they have not parted. If they are truthful and clarify, they will be blessed in their transaction. If they lie and conceal, the blessing of their transaction will be erased."

The way out is for the professional and the client to agree on a total cost for the work without detailing expenses and fees. However, if the client requests a detailed breakdown, the professional has no option but to be truthful and fulfill the trust.