Islamic Reminders for Online Buyers

As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, people need to remember the ethical principles of Islam when making purchases. One of the fundamental principles is the importance of fulfilling one’s obligations and avoiding harm to others. This is particularly relevant when it comes to the use of the cash-on-delivery (COD) option for online orders.

Here are five Islamic ethical reminders for people who order online using the COD option:

1. Be truthful: Before placing an order using COD, ensure that you are sincere about your intention to accept the order and pay for it. It is dishonest to place an order and refuse to accept it when the rider delivers it. The Prophet (sa) said: “It is obligatory for you to tell the truth, for truth leads to virtue and virtue leads to paradise.” (Muslim)
2. Honour your commitments: Once you have placed an order using COD, you are committing yourself to accept your order and pay for the products when they are delivered. Honouring this commitment is vital, as is not making excuses for refusing the order. Allah says: “O you who have believed, fulfil [all] contracts.” (Al-Maidah 5:1)
3.  Avoid causing harm to others: Refusing to accept the order when the goods are delivered can cause damage to the business that you have ordered from. Not only do they lose the money you owe them, but they also have to bear the cost of packing and dispatching your order and returning the goods to their office or warehouse. The Prophet (sa) said: “If anyone harms (others), Allah will harm him.” (Abu Dawood)
4. Be fair and just: It is unfair and unjust to take advantage of a business by ordering goods using COD and then refusing to accept it for random, non-serious excuses. Such a practice not only causes harm to the business but also undermines the trust between buyers and sellers, which is essential for a healthy economy. The Prophet (sa) said: “Those who are just and fair will be with Allah, Most High, on thrones of light, at the right hand of the Most Merciful.” (An-Nasai)
5.  Be honest: At times, there are genuine reasons why a customer cannot accept orders. In that case, it is immature to power off the phone or block the business altogether. Have the decency to get in touch with them and offer to pay at least the delivery charges, so they don’t incur a loss.

By following these principles, we can ensure that our online shopping habits align with Islamic values and avoid causing harm to businesses.