A man was often cheated in buying. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to him, "When you buy something, say (to the seller), No cheating." The man used to say so thenceforward .
Khusoomaat - Sahih al-Bukhari 2414
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari addresses the matter of commercial transactions and protection against deception in trade.
Context and Meaning
The hadith concerns a companion who frequently suffered from being deceived in his purchases. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) instructed him to explicitly state "No cheating" during transactions.
This instruction serves as both a reminder to the seller of their religious obligation to be honest and as a protective measure for the buyer.
Scholarly Commentary
Islamic scholars explain that this teaching emphasizes the importance of clarity and explicit terms in business contracts. By uttering these words, the buyer establishes clear conditions for the transaction.
The phrase serves as a warning against any form of deception, whether through hiding defects, false measurements, or misrepresentation of goods.
Scholars note that while this specific formulation was prescribed for this individual, the broader principle applies to all Muslims: to establish clear terms and avoid ambiguity in commercial dealings.
Legal Implications
This hadith forms part of the foundation of Islamic commercial law, highlighting the prohibition of gharar (uncertainty) and ghish (deception) in transactions.
The effectiveness of this practice is demonstrated by the companion's subsequent experience - after implementing this advice, he was no longer cheated in his purchases.
Spiritual Dimensions
Beyond the legal aspect, this teaching reminds Muslims that business transactions are acts of worship when conducted with honesty and transparency.
The Prophet's personalized guidance demonstrates his compassionate leadership and practical approach to solving everyday problems faced by his companions.