Working in network sale of gold : selling gold on the internet through gold quest

Fatawa Question

This refers to a Fatwa given by Mufti Dr. Monzer Kahf on 23rd April 2002 under the topic of ‘business’ for a question in connection with a network marketing and the question and its Fatwa appears to be vague and ambiguous, I would like to have a clear answer : at the outset, the person who asked the question did not disclose the value of the products and its real market value. What I understand is the products ‘gold quest international’s numismatic gold coins are high priced than its actual market value. Since the company offers a charismatic returns the solicitors normally do not care about the value of the product in anticipation of the potential benefit in the future. Since the actual product on sale is not the products but the charisma of the anticipatory returns for each individual who join the chain, I feel that there involves a violation of fundamental norms of Shari’ah for business. Secondly, it is quite clear that those who are buying the product would not at all be for their use but for engaging into the business with anticipation that he would get someone to woo to join him thus registering his returns. It is a common knowledge that many people who joint in this chain would loose their money due to the simple fact that all solicitors would not be able to book 10 people to ensure their returns. If the product with them is worth for the money they spent, there would be no loss for them. The commission received by the upper link-man would definitely involve the part of the loss that sustained by the lower links. Is it permissible in Shari’ah ? Thirdly, it is a business that exploits friendship. A person who is not familiar in the business would not have the confidence and credibility to approach a stranger to join him, instead, he would depend his friendship to implant the seed of his business. Since the product is not an essential consumer item, the exploitation of friendship would be considered as unacceptable to Shari’ah. I would appreciate receiving a further clarification on this subject. Notes 1. I think the network marketing people misuses you Fatwa. 2. I believe Allah will question us if we buy unnecessary products. 3. And Allah also question us for convincing others to buy this unnecessary product. 4. According to the Islamic Shari’ah, a businessman should have risk of profit as well as losses.

Fatwa

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Publication Date

2002-12-11

Main Subjects

Economy and Commerce
Financial and Accounting Sciences
Islamic Studies

Topics

• Islamic jurisprudence
• Sales
• Electronic commerce
• Gold
• Network marketing

No. of Pages

3

Data Type

Fatawa

Language

English

Record ID

BIM-725000

• APA
• MLA
• AMA