been higher for me, so that were I to sell them at the state-fixed price I might well incur a loss, and the purchaser is content with the deal. What is the ruling on that?

Answer: If the item really is worth the price you have stated, you have explained this to the buyer without deceiving him, and you do not fear any harm or penalty from the state, then there is no objection to charging that price.

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Buying a Car on Instalments

Question: Is it forbidden or permissible to purchase a car by instalments?

Answer: There is no objection to buying a car for a deferred price, whether the sale is concluded for one payment due at a fixed date or for several payments to be made periodically in instalments. God willing, there is no sin in that; it is a means of ease granted to the Muslims.

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Question: A man came to me in need of money. He asked me to accompany him somewhere so that I could purchase a car for him; he would then sell it and take the proceeds, while repaying me in monthly instalments. I do not own a car showroom, but whenever someone approaches me needing funds to marry or to renovate a house, I accompany him to any showroom and buy a car for, say, 40,000. He then sells it for 38,000, and I record it against him at a price of 55,000 or 60,000, on the understanding that he will repay that amount, as mentioned, in monthly instalments. What is the ruling on this kind of transaction?