Punishment for Hoarding in Islam

Authored by Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (رحمه الله)

Islamic Perspective on Hoarding:​

Hoarding (ذخیرہ اندوزی) is considered a grave sin in Islam as it disrupts market fairness and causes harm to the public by artificially inflating prices for essential goods.

Divine Punishment for Hoarding:​

1. Removal from Allah’s Mercy:
   
   • The one who hoards invites the curse of Allah, meaning they are deprived of Allah’s mercy.
   • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
     
     "Only a sinner hoards goods."
     (Sunan Abi Dawood, Hadith No. 3447)
2. Severe Accountability in the Hereafter:
   
   • Those who persist in hoarding and refuse to repent will face severe punishment in the afterlife.

Authority’s Role in Combating Hoarding:​

1. Mandatory Sale of Hoarded Goods:
   
   • If a hoarder refuses to sell essential commodities (e.g., food, grains, daily necessities) while people are in need, the Islamic ruler (حاکم) can compel them to sell the goods at prevailing market rates.
2. Disciplinary Measures:
   
   • If the hoarder refuses to comply:
     • The ruler has the authority to enforce a severe punishment to serve as a deterrent.
     • The hoarded goods can be sold directly under the ruler’s supervision to meet public needs.

Conclusion:​

Hoarding is a punishable offense in Islam, both in this world and the hereafter. Authorities are empowered to take strict measures against hoarders to ensure fairness and protect the welfare of society.

—Referenced from Ibn Jibreen: Vol. 29, Pg. 7.