Part one: What virtues and good qualities a seller and merchant must have

In our series of episodes on “Ethical Concepts and Reference Values,” through which we try to introduce the most important behavioral values to those in the sphere of responsibility, and the necessity of reviving the ethical dimension in their jobs and work... including sellers, the seller is in a position of responsibility that requires him to take into account the ethical values and controls.

Motives are attracted by interests in selling, and rarely does anyone stand strong in the face of the temptations that Satan adorns. Profit is a desire for every seller, and the fear of loss is something that drives some to abandon moral principles and values. Some of them even resort to marketing their sales in any way that suits them, even if the buyer is harmed materially or morally. According to their logic, I must be a winner even if the other party loses!

Unfortunately, the selfish behavior of some sellers and merchants has spread, which has made the market an unsafe environment for buying and selling, and the shopper has become concerned about what he wants to buy in terms of prices, brands, and the safety of the product from tampering and fraud.

We present the behavioral and moral values that the seller and merchant must have, urged by religion, and confirmed by common sense and humanity, reminding us of the most important duties, and highlighting the necessity of observing them:

1- Honesty and trustworthiness: two qualities that constitute the true humanity of the merchant and the seller, and adhering to them shows the sincerity of belief in Allah Almighty and in the Last Day, just as the reputation of the merchant is like musk in the commercial environment, and he is considered a place of trust of customers. It was reported from the most honorable Prophet - may Allah bless him and his family -: “The honest merchant will be under the shadow of the throne on the Day of Resurrection.” It was also narrated that “The honest, Muslim merchant will be with the martyrs on the Day of Resurrection.”

2-Contentment with a small profit: No one is characterized by contentment except that he feels rich and comfortable, to the point that it has been said that contentment is an inexhaustible treasure, and that abstaining from excessive profit is evidence of the sublimity of the soul and its elevation above the love of material things. A little provision with blessing is better than a lot without it.

3- Dismissal of the buyer: The meaning of dismissal in jurisprudence is (it is the termination of the contract by one of the dealers after requesting it from the other). Whoever regrets buying something or selling it to him can ask the second party to the contract to dismiss and cancel the contract, just as dismissal in the transaction means forgiveness and transgression. ..

That is why the seller and the merchant should be flexible, tolerant, and gentle in his approach to the buyer. The buyer may regret his deal and try to return the item, so do not hesitate to dismiss him. It was reported in the news about the Prophet: “Whoever dismisses with regret, Allah will remove him from the fire of Hell.”

   It would be very beneficial if he was tolerant in replacing it with a different item or another brand, as it is one of the most wonderful acts of kindness and good deeds, so that the buyer is satisfied and feels that his money has not been wasted.

4- Correct your understanding of true profit: True profit is adherence to the provisions of Islamic Sharia. Whoever does not learn the jurisprudential provisions pertaining to buying and selling will fall into the problems of forbidden usury and invalid transactions according to Sharia, and in that case there is no value for profit, no matter how large it is; Because of its afterlife impact and worldly affliction, a person pays its taxes in the immediate period of his life before the later, and the best profit is making people happy with goods of high quality and appropriate prices, which will bring you a reasonable profit, suit most customers and obtain the blessing of Allah Almighty.

5- Be visionary: Commitment to moral values and adhering to the etiquette of righteous people during the selling process arouses a beautiful feeling in the soul. The social value of work is greater than earning money, as the circle of relationships expands, and earning the affection of friends and brothers is a priceless profit. Taking into consideration the circumstances of friends when buying and selling is considered a form of nobility and chivalry.