Is it permissible to have two prices for the same product i.e.

Answer

Answering this question, Hadhrat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (Rahmatullah alayh) said:

"Having two prices – a cash price and a credit price, while permissible, is Makrooh and callous (hard-heartedness and in conflict with Islamic morality – Murawwat). The higher credit price is apparently a stratagem for devouring interest (riba). While the transaction will be permissible (from the Fiqhi perspective), the seller should at least be told that it is Tashabbuh bir Riba, Makrooh and Khilaaf-e-Murawwat."

(End of Hadhrat Thanvi's

Fatwa)

That is: The Mufti should inform the mustafti – questioner – of these facts. He should guide the mustafti and bring him closer to Allah Ta'ala, not drive a wedge between the Muslim and Allah Ta'ala with misguidance by issuing zigzag fatwas as has become the norm of today's maajin muftis.

A genuine mufti has insight and foresight. He does not simply extract dry juridical texts to display academic prowess. He takes into account prevailing circumstances and he guides Muslims to gain proximity to Allah Ta'ala.

In spirit, the higher credit price resembles riba. It is similar to the credit deals of the capitalists who seek to squeeze blood from a stone. They are driven to insanity by the touch of shaitaan. A Muslim's focus is on the Pleasure of Allah Ta'ala and the Reward in the Aakhirat. He therefore seeks ways of gaining Divine Pleasure, and one of the best ways is to keep the Makhlooq of Allah Ta'ala happy and not exploit them. The reward of credit and waiting patiently for repayment is substantially more than even Sadqah.