sakeenah.net - Imam Slams Traders for Unreasonable Price Hikes

Imam Slams Traders for Unreasonable Price Hikes

Imam Slams Traders for Unreasonable Price Hikes
ref: Arab News

Sheikh Salah Al-Bedair, imam of the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah, yesterday
criticized merchants for exorbitant increase in prices of essential
commodities and services in the country.

Delivering his Friday sermon, the imam said the *Shariah does not provide
unrestricted freedom to traders to charge exorbitant prices causing harm to
the public and increasing their financial burden.*

He said Islamic scholars have called for preventing such traders from
charging unreasonable prices. "They made this call inspired by the teachings
of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)."

The imam's call came after prices of some essential commodities reached its
all-time peak causing concern among the public. The Shoura Council had
called Commerce and Industry Minister Dr. Hashem Yamani to discuss the
issue.

Al-Bedair also spoke about the negative effect of rising prices on
individuals and society, adding that it would put social, economic and
psychological pressures. Moreover, the poor will find it difficult to buy
essential commodities.

"It will also lead to corruption as people will start resorting to illegal
ways to make money to meet their needs," he explained. *The Prophet has
warned that those who try to increase prices causing difficulties to the
public would be punished severely on the Day of Judgment*, he added.

*The imam urged Muslim traders to show sympathy toward others, saying that
God will bless those who show mercy toward their fellow beings with more
wealth and better health.*

Minister Yamani told the Shoura that hike in prices of consumer goods was
part of a global trend and not because of any fault on the part of his
ministry. He said the ministry would not interfere with market forces. He
said consumers in the Kingdom have a variety of options to choose from. "One
can always go for goods that suit his budget," he added.

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