Ruling on Mixing Old Items with New Items for Sale

This article is based on the "Fatawa of the Saudi Fatwa Committee" and draws from the writings of Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him).

Question:​

What is the ruling on mixing old items with new items and selling them together?

Answer:​

The ruling depends on the nature of the items being sold:

1. Items That Deteriorate Over Time:​

• For items that change in quality or condition over time (e.g., perishables or items that lose value or appeal due to aging), it is not permissible to mix them with new items.
• These items must be sold separately with a clear distinction between old and new.
• This approach aligns with the principles of honesty and fairness in transactions, ensuring that buyers are fully informed about the nature of what they are purchasing.

2. Items That Do Not Deteriorate Over Time:​

• For items that do not change in quality or value over time (e.g., durable goods like iron or similar materials), it is permissible to mix them with new items and sell them together.
• If these items remain unchanged in structure, quality, or market value, there is no harm in combining them, as there is no deception or harm to the buyer.

Key Guidelines for Sellers:​

1. Honesty and Transparency:
   
   • Sellers should be truthful and transparent in their transactions.
   • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
     "If they (the buyer and seller) are truthful and disclose the defects, their transaction will be blessed. But if they lie and conceal defects, the blessing of their transaction will be erased."
     [Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim]
2. Avoiding Deception:
   
   • Deceptive practices, such as hiding the condition of old items by mixing them with new ones, are prohibited.
   • The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) warned:
     "Whoever cheats is not one of us."
     [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 102/164]
3. The Golden Rule in Transactions:
   
   • The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized:
     "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself."
     [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 13; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 45/71]
   • Similarly, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:
     "Whoever wishes to be removed from the Hellfire and admitted into Paradise should treat others as he would like to be treated."
     [Sunan An-Nasa’i, Hadith No. 4191; Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 3956]

Consequences of Dishonesty in Business:​

• Wealth earned through deceit lacks blessing (barakah), even if it appears abundant.
• Dishonest earnings can lead to financial loss, personal calamities, or illnesses that consume such wealth.
• A believer should avoid actions toward others that they would dislike for themselves.

Conclusion:​

1. Impermissible:
   • Mixing old and deteriorated items with new ones and selling them together without clarification.
2. Permissible:
   • Mixing old and new items that retain their quality and value over time, provided there is no deception.

By adhering to the principles of honesty, transparency, and fairness in transactions, sellers can ensure blessings and success in their dealings.

Allah knows best.