FatwaFederal TerritoriesTransactions & Finance
IRSYAD HUKUM SIRI KE 263: HUKUM MENIPU UNTUK TUJUAN MARKETING
Is it permissible to lie or deceive for marketing purposes in business or when promoting a product?
Short answer
Marketing activity is generally permissible because trade is made lawful and a means takes the ruling of its purpose.
A reference, not a fatwa. First sentence of the summary below — read the original fatwa and consult your state authority before acting.
- Authority
- Federal Territories Mufti Office
- Date
- Status
- Opinion (irsyad)
- Series
- Irsyad al-Hukum (Umum)
- Topic
- Transactions & Finance
No evidence of gazettement in the source — this is not a gazetted fatwa.
Summary
Marketing activity is generally permissible because trade is made lawful and a means takes the ruling of its purpose. However, deception in marketing, such as fabricated stories on social media, paid fake reviews and najsh (bidding high with no intention to buy), is not allowed. Najsh is prohibited by the Prophet, and if it is proven to be arranged with the seller, both commit a prohibited act and the buyer may claim the option of rescission (khiyar). Islam stresses honesty in trade and gives stern warnings against cheating.
Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.
Perbuatan ini adalah haram berpandukan hadith yang diriwayatkan oleh Abdullah bin Umar R.Anhuma katanya:
Read the full fatwa on the Federal Territories website (new tab)
How to cite
Cite the original fatwa and its authority. Rujuk Fatwa is only where you found it.
Federal Territories Mufti Office. “IRSYAD HUKUM SIRI KE 263: HUKUM MENIPU UNTUK TUJUAN MARKETING”, 30 October 2018. https://muftiwp.gov.my/ms/artikel/irsyad-hukum/umum/2718-irsyad-al-fatwa-siri-ke-263-hukum-menipu-untuk-tujuan-marketing. Found via Rujuk Fatwa: https://rujukfatwa.com/en/fatwa/ruling-on-deception-for-marketing-purposes/