Author: Dr. Muhammad Ziya-ur-Rahman Azmi رحمه الله
◈ Error in Billing and Miscalculated Transactions ◈
❖ Question:
A salesman sometimes makes miscalculations in transactions — unintentionally giving the customer less or more than the due amount. Should he compensate for the shortage or keep the excess?
❖ Answer:
If the salesman realizes that he has given the buyer more than what was due, and he knows the buyer, then it is obligatory to return the excess amount to him.
If the buyer has passed away, the amount should be returned to his heirs.
However, if the buyer is unknown and there is no hope of returning it, then the salesman must give that amount in charity on behalf of the buyer, intending it on his behalf.
If it becomes clear to the salesman that the buyer paid less than required, then he should try to locate the buyer and demand the remaining amount.
If the buyer refuses to pay, then the matter should be taken to a court for resolution.
Ibn ʿUthaymīn – Nūr ʿala al-Darb 9/234
◈ Error in Billing and Miscalculated Transactions ◈
❖ Question:
A salesman sometimes makes miscalculations in transactions — unintentionally giving the customer less or more than the due amount. Should he compensate for the shortage or keep the excess?
❖ Answer:
If the salesman realizes that he has given the buyer more than what was due, and he knows the buyer, then it is obligatory to return the excess amount to him.
If the buyer has passed away, the amount should be returned to his heirs.
However, if the buyer is unknown and there is no hope of returning it, then the salesman must give that amount in charity on behalf of the buyer, intending it on his behalf.
If it becomes clear to the salesman that the buyer paid less than required, then he should try to locate the buyer and demand the remaining amount.
If the buyer refuses to pay, then the matter should be taken to a court for resolution.
Ibn ʿUthaymīn – Nūr ʿala al-Darb 9/234