Hoarding an item and selling it at a higher price later on

Q. Is it permissible to purchase an item and hoard it with a motive of selling it later on at a higher price to maximize on profit?

A. To purchase an item which is a basic need and hoard it with the intention of reselling it at a higher price is called Idhtikhaar. To do so is a sin. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alahi Wasallam said:

منِ احْتَكَرَ فَهُوَ خَاطِئٌ

He who hoards has sinned (Muslim)

The reason for this prohibition is because by hoarding ones wealth when there is a need for it, is simply causing harm to humanity which is against the temperament of Shariah. This prohibition is only when there is a need for such wealth in the market place. In the absence of such need, this prohibition will not apply. (Shaami)

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

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