What is the ruling on a merchant selling his goods to a company representative, with a pledge to return the goods or offer a discount if the representative finds them at a lower price, and preferring to buy from him if the price is equal, in exchange for giving him a sum of money that is not included in his accounts with his company?

It is not permissible to give money or gifts to a representative, as this falls under bribery and forbidden gifts to employees, because he is an employee who receives a salary for his work, and purchasing goods is part of his work for his institution, and any profit or discount benefits his institution.

Ahmad and Al-Bayhaqi narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Gifts to employees are ghulūl (treachery/embezzlement)." Meaning, they are a betrayal. And every gift given to an employee because of his position is a forbidden betrayal.

Al-Bukhari and Muslim also narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said concerning the Zakat collector who took a gift: "What is wrong with the agent whom we send, and then he comes and says: 'This is for you and this is for me'? Why did he not stay in his father's and mother's house and see whether anything would be given to him or not?"

If the representative were to stay at home, nothing would be given to him. Rather, he is given something for purchasing on behalf of his institution, and this might lead him to betray the trust. It is obligatory to beware of all forms of bribery and forbidden gifts to employees.