Ruling on a Lawyer Recording a Higher Amount on a Receipt

Authored by: Fatwas of the Saudi Fatwa Committee

It is imperative for a Muslim to maintain honesty in financial dealings. The following guidelines apply:
  1. Honesty in Transactions:
    • It is not permissible for a person entrusted with purchasing something to charge their client more than the actual purchase price.
    • Similarly, a seller must not record a higher price on the receipt to deceive the client.
  2. Prohibition of Fraud and Deception:
    • If the agent (lawyer or representative) records a higher amount on the receipt and keeps the difference, it is considered:
      • Fraud
      • Unlawful consumption of wealth
  3. Islamic Ruling on Such Practices:
    • Such actions are categorized as cooperating in sin and transgression.
    • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) stated that consuming another’s wealth unjustly is impermissible.
    • Allah explicitly forbids aiding in sinful actions and commands truthfulness in dealings.
Islamic Principle:
A Muslim's wealth is not lawful without their consent, and dishonesty in financial dealings is a violation of this principle.

[Reference: Al-Lajnah Ad-Daimah, Fatwa No. 15376]
 
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