The Case of Monopolization (Hoarding) Goods in Public Demand

“Abu ‘ Abd Allah (a.s.), has said, ‘Monopolization (Hoarding) of goods in public demand applies to wheat, barley, dates, raisins and cooking butter only.’”

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said, ‘Once during the times of the Messenger of Allah, O Allah, grant compensation to Muhammad and his family worthy of their services to Your cause, a severe shortage of food took place and…

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said, ‘Hoarding means buying such food supplies of a city beside which no other food supplies are available. If other food supplies are available in a city or someone else sells food, then it…

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), once asked me, ‘What is your business?’ I replied, ‘It is selling wheat. At times business is good and sometimes it is not good so I hold selling.’ He (the Imam) then asked, ‘What do people who…

“This is concerning my question before abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), about a man who hoarded food supplies and waited for higher prices. Is it permissible?’ He (the Imam) replied, ‘If there is plenty of food available to people…

“Abu ‘Abd Allah (a.s.), has said that the Messenger of Allah has said, ’One who supplies the market receives his sustenance and a hoarder is condemned.’”

“Abu ‘ Abd Allah (a.s.), has said, ’At a time when food is abundantly available, keeping food for forty days is considered hoarding, but at the time of shortages of food holding back food supplies for three days is…