In the context of regulating financial transactions and protecting consumer rights, Al-Azhar Fatwa Center emphasized that transparency is the fundamental pillar of sales contracts, warning against hiding defects that may harm the buyer.

Ruling on Selling Defective Goods: Al-Azhar Clarifies Buyer Rights and Seller Duties

Al-Azhar Fatwa Center affirmed that transactions in Islam are based on mutual consent, which requires the absence of ignorance and hidden defects in the product. The center clarified that it is religiously impermissible to sell a car with a defect that reduces its value or utility without disclosing it, considering the concealment of defects as "cheating and fraud."

Buyer's Rights Upon Discovering a Defect

Al-Azhar explained that Sharia guarantees specific options for the buyer to ensure justice, based on the jurisprudential rule "There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm":

• Returning for Defect: The buyer has the right to return the car and recover the price without needing the seller's consent or a court ruling.

• Price Adjustment: The buyer may keep the car while deducting the value of the defect from the agreed price.

• Entitlement: This right is fixed for the buyer whether the seller knew about the defect at the time of sale or was unaware of it.

Warning Against Unlawful Consumption of Wealth

The Fatwa concluded that hiding defects constitutes consuming the wealth of others unjustly, which is prohibited. It noted that a truthful merchant is one who clearly states the condition of their goods, ensuring the blessing of the sale and the stability of transactions within society.

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