explaining the circumstances. Rather, if he wishes to state that amount, he must explain that the buyer returned it to him on terms that left him half the profit. Whether this was a sale or a cancellation by mutual agreement, people do not regard it as equivalent to someone making a private, unconditional purchase—especially if the buyer compelled him to take it back. The scholars agree that someone who purchases merchandise under compulsion may not state its purchase price without explaining the circumstances, for this is a form of deception.

The scholars have differed concerning someone who sells an item at a profit, then finds it offered for sale in the market and purchases it: must he deduct the earlier profit from the second purchase price, or explain the circumstances, or is neither required of him? There are two views. The first is the view of Abū Hanīfa, Ahmad, and others. If this applies in such a case, what, then, if he offers less than the sale price for it? And what if he is also compelled to do so?

Sales based on disclosure of the purchase price rest upon truthfulness and clarity, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The buyer and seller retain the option to cancel the sale until they part. If they are truthful and make matters clear, their transaction will be blessed; but if they lie and conceal information, the blessing of their transaction will be erased.”

Thus, concealing any circumstance which, if known to the buyer, would prevent him from purchasing at that price is deception. And Allah knows best.