Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
Nasihah (Advice): The virtue of a trustworthy businessman
Sayyiduna Abdullah Ibn Umar radiyallahu anhu reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “The trustworthy, honest businessman will be with the messengers, the truthful and the martyrs (on the day of Qiyaamah).” [Sunan Tirmidhi]
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Question and Answer:
- Q. I own a supermarket and many a times, my customers give a few rands or cents extra unknowingly to my cashiers at the till. At the end of the Month, this adds up to a large amount. Can I keep this money?
(Question published as received)
- If it is found that the excess amount does not belong to the business and in fact, it belongs to the customers, then the customers will have to be located and the excess amount will have to be returned to them. If this is not possible, then the excess amount cannot be used or kept and will have to be dispensed of in charity.
It is not permissible to use the excess money without the permission and consent of the customers.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)
Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
Council of Muslim Theologians
223 Alpine Road, Overport
Durban, South Africa
Tel : +27 (0) 31 2077099
Email: fatwa@jamiat.org.za
Fax : +27(0) 31 2074163
Website : www.jamiat.org.za
