In another narration recorded by Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by a heap (1) of food. He put his hand into it and his fingers felt moisture, so he asked, “What is this, O owner of the food?” The man replied, “It was rained on (2), O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Why did you not place the damp portion on top so that people could see it? Whoever cheats us is not one of us.”

1588 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) also reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Do not artificially raise prices for one another.” Agreed upon.

1589 – Ibn ʿUmar (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) forbade najsh (3). Agreed upon.

1590 – He further related: A man who was repeatedly deceived in sales was mentioned to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). The Messenger of Allah said, “When you engage in a transaction with him, say: ‘No cheating (lā khilābah).’ ” Agreed upon.

Al-khilābah—spelled with a khāʾ followed by a bāʾ—means deception.

1591 – Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever corrupts a man’s wife or his slave is not one of us.” Recorded by Abū Dāwūd.

The verb khabbaba—khāʾ followed by a doubled bāʾ—means to corrupt or deceive.

277 – Chapter: The Prohibition of Treachery

Allah the Exalted says: “O you who believe, fulfill (all) contracts.” (Q 5:1)

And He says: “And fulfill the covenant; indeed, the covenant will be questioned about.” (Q 17:34)