Between Contentment and Greed: Islam Sets Boundaries in Transactions

Islam regulates etiquette and ethics in buying and selling, including prohibiting individuals from purchasing or selling goods currently under negotiation by another party. This prohibition is based on several hadiths cited by Islamic jurisprudence scholars.

From Abu Hurairah (RA), the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

عَنْ أَبِى هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ -صلى الله عليه وسلم- قَالَ لاَ يَسُمِ الْمُسْلِمُ عَلَى سَوْمِ أَخِيهِ

“A Muslim must not bid on another Muslim’s bid.” (Sahih Muslim)

Additionally, in a hadith narrated by Ibn Umar (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) stated:

لاَ يَبِعِ الرَّجُلُ عَلَى بَيْعِ أَخِيهِ وَلاَ يَخْطُبْ عَلَى خِطْبَةِ أَخِيهِ إِلاَّ أَنْ يَأْذَنَ لَهُ

“A man must not sell over his brother’s sale, nor propose marriage over his brother’s proposal, unless given permission.” (Sahih Muslim)

Islamic scholars explain that this prohibition aims to preserve ethics, avoid conflicts, and create mutual satisfaction in economic transactions. Taking over another party’s ongoing negotiation is considered damaging to social relations and unjust.

For example, a person negotiating a house purchase should be given a clear timeframe to finalise the deal. Others aware of ongoing negotiations are advised not to intervene until it is confirmed whether the transaction proceeds or is cancelled.

In modern trade practices, sellers are encouraged to set clear deadlines for potential buyers. If no confirmation is received by the deadline, the seller may then offer the item to others.