Page 80 - The Mercy of Believers

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THE MERCY OF BELIEVERS

Being Honest in Trade

Believers' feelings of compassion make them honest,
delicate and kind towards others. For this reason, let
alone "committing fraud in trade", believers even disal-
low the slightest mistake or carelessness that may cause
harm or trouble to believers or that may put them in dif-
ficulty. They are very meticulous about protecting peo-
ple's rights and maintaining justice. They never commit
the sin of using up anyone's hard earned possessions un-
justly, nor do they allow anyone else to engage in such a
misdeed, which they consider the result of a cruel atti-
tude. That is because Allah's command on this is explicit:

Give full measure when you measure and weigh
with a level balance. That is better and gives the best
result. (Surat al-Isra: 35)
As is seen in the above verse, Allah enjoins believers
to be honest in trade, and not to cheat in measurement,
weight or calculation, because that is ultimately the best
way to conduct oneself.
Ibn Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may
Allah bless him and grant him peace, also mentioned the
importance of honest trade in a saying to the owners of
measurements and weights: "You have been certainly en-
trusted with two affairs about which the former nations before
you were destroyed". (Tirmidhi)
However, there are some who, despite being aware of
these warnings, persist in fraudulent dealings. When they
feel sure that nobody is watching them, they do not hesi-
tate to unjustly take others' money, goods and posses-
sions or to cheat in measurement, weight or calculation.