Conduct in the Market
Among the rules of behavior in the market are those included in the Prophets (pbuh), words when he said which meaning of is translated as: "Refrain from sitting in the streets."
The Companions said: "O Messenger of Allah, we have no alternative, there is no other place where we can sit and discuss matters." Allahs Messenger (pbuh), said which meaning of is translated as: "If it is so, then in that case, discharge your responsibilities due to the street."
The Companions asked as to what was due to the street. He said: "Keeping your eyes down, clearing the streets of obstacles, responding to Salam greetings, enjoining virtuous deeds and forbidding evil." (Bukhari & Muslim).
He peace and pleassings of Allah be upon him, also said which meaning of is translated as: "Beware of two cursed practices."
His Companions asked :What are the two cursed practices ?
He (pbuh), answered which meaning of is translated as: "A person answering the call of nature in a public thoroughfare (middle of the road) or in shady place (where people rest)." (Muslim).
A passer-by should refrain from carrying harmful weapons or devices, as enjoined by the Gracious Prophet (pbuh), said which meaning of is translated as: "When any one of you happens to move in our mosque or market with an arrow (in his hand) he must grasp its pointed head in his palm, so that none amongst the people should receive any injury from it." (Bukhari & Muslim).
Etiquette of Buying and Selling
Selling is originally lawful in Islam because it is based on exchange of benefits between the salesman and the purchaser. However, in case any harm occurs to either party, the dealing becomes unlawful based on the following verse which meaning of is translated as: "O you who believe! Squander not your wealth among yourselves in vanity." (The Quraan, Chapter An-Nisaa, 4:29).
Once the Prophet (pbuh) happened to pass by a heap of eatables (corn). He thrust his hand in that heap and his fingers were moistened. He (pbuh) , said to the owner of the heap which meaning of is translated as: "What is this?"
He replied : "Messenger of Allah, these have been drenched by rainfall."
He (pbuh) remarked: "Why did you not place this (the drenched part of the heap) on top so that people could see it?" He who deceives is not of me (i.e. not my follower)." (Muslim).
Truthfulness and clear description (of defects, if any) is required in accordance with the Holy Prophet (pbuh) , saying which meaning of is translated as: "Both parties in a business transaction have the right to annul it as long as they have not separated. Thus, if they speak the truth and make everything clear they will be blessed in their transaction; but if they tell a lie and conceal anything, the blessing on their transaction will be blotted out." (Bukhari and Muslim).
Benevolence and fair dealing is also recommended in business, since this is a means of strengthening seller-buyer relations as pointed out by Allahs messenger (pbuh) , which meaning of is translated as: "May Allah have mercy on a person who is easy and courteous when he sells, buys or asks for the payment of his dues." (Bukhari). That is because Islam wants this ease of dealing and tolerance in matters of selling and buying to save people from panting for material interests that undermine brotherly and human relations.
Avoid swearing oaths when selling, in compliance with the Prophets (pbuh), instruction which meaning of is translated as: "Avoid too much swearing while selling (your goods) for, in the beginning it promotes business and then it brings all loss." (Muslim).
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