Have you ever bought something because you were tempted by the advertisement, but it turned out to be a dud? Or maybe you yourself are selling, then think: “If we don’t promote it a little bit more, it’ll be hard to sell…”
Especially now, buying and selling used goods in the marketplace is getting busier. Not a few claim that their goods are “99% smooth”, even though there are fine scratches that are not visible in the photo. Sometimes the product description is deliberately made ambiguous—so as not to lie completely, but also not to be completely honest. This happens very often. The seller feels safe, the buyer feels cheated, and in the end… well, they don’t want to make another transaction.
Now, this is where the big question starts to arise:
Is it okay to sell using a ‘slightly slippery’ marketing strategy? As long as it’s not a big lie, is it safe?”
Unfortunately, the answer is not that simple. In the world of product marketing, there are many “minor sins” that are often underestimated. In fact, in the view of sharia, it could be that these sins are what make sustenance not blessed, business running but the heart restless, and merchandise selling but life feels empty.
This article will invite you to have a casual but serious chat about the world of product marketing, especially from the halal-haram side. We will dissect together practices that are often considered normal, but turn out to be close to sin. Including the matter of advertising used goods whose descriptions are often “fixed”. And of course, all of our discussions are based on sharia arguments, not just personal opinions.
Come on, let’s get into the discussion.
Could it be that all this time there has been a hidden sin in the way we market products.
Unseen Sin: When Honesty is Defeated by Sales Targets
In the world of product marketing, especially in a digital world like today, we often encounter a dilemma: honesty or selling?
It sounds depressing, right? But that’s the reality.
For example, like this. You are selling a second-hand cellphone on the marketplace. The condition is still okay, but there is a minus in the charging port. But because you are afraid that potential buyers will back out, you only write: “normal use, very smooth condition”. The picture you uploaded was also taken from the best angle, and a little filter to make it shiny.
In fact, the Prophet ﷺ had warned about honesty in trading. He said:
“البيعان بالخيار ما لم يتفرقا، فإن صدقا وبينا بورك لهما في بيعهما، وإن كتما وكذبا محقت بركة بيعهما”
“The two people who make a transaction may choose (to continue or cancel the transaction) as long as they have not separated. If both of them are honest and explain the condition of the goods, then their transaction will be blessed. But if they hide and lie, then the blessings of the transaction will be erased.” (HR. Al-Bukhari no. 2079 and Muslim no. 1532)
Imagine, not only is it haram, but the blessings of your sale can be lost because of one sentence of description that you “modified”. And unfortunately, this is often taken lightly. They think that as long as the goods are still working and not a total lie, it is still valid.
In fact, in the eyes of Allah ﷻ, honesty is not about the size of the information you convey. But about intention and honesty of heart. Are you honest in conveying the quality of the product? Are you transparent about its shortcomings? If not, then be careful… maybe it falls into the category of gharar—a vague or deceptive transaction.
Even in the Qur’an, Allah ﷻ firmly reminds us:
“ويلٌ لِّلْمُطفِّفِينَ”
“Woe to those who cheat!” (QS. Al-Muthaffifin: 1)
This verse is indeed revealed about cheating in measurements and weights, but scholars interpret that all forms of fraud in transactions, including in product marketing, are also included in this threat. Including covering up the disgrace of second-hand goods, editing photos excessively, or composing copywriting that is too hyperbolic to trap buyers.
So actually, the sin in product marketing is not only about the price being raised, but also the narrative that is wrapped up sweetly but is deceptive.
Also read: Emotional Marketing: Using Feelings to Boost Your Brand
Gimmicks, Fake Discounts & Fake Testimonials: Popular But Sinful?
Who doesn’t like seeing promos like this:
“Normal price Rp799,000 — NOW ONLY Rp249,000!!”
“100% satisfied customer testimonials! Thousands of people have used it!”
“Only 3 left in stock! Hurry before it runs out!”
Now, these are the classic tricks in product marketing that seem trivial but can be a sin trap. Let’s discuss them one by one, because this is very important.
1. Fake Discount: Price Increases First, Then Lowered
This is very often used: the price is increased a week before the promo, then during the flash sale, the price is lowered to the original price, as if it is super cheap. In fact, it’s still the same.
This kind of model is included in tadlis, which is disguising the condition of the goods or transaction so that buyers misunderstand. This is strictly prohibited in Islam, because it is a form of covert fraud.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“من غشنا فليس منا”
“Whoever deceives us is not one of us.” (HR. Muslim no. 102)
Fake discounts are not just marketing strategies, but can also be included in intentional fraud. Especially if the main goal is only to trigger impulse buying through time and price pressure. The intention is no longer to sell products honestly, but to create the illusion of urgency for profit.
2. Fake Testimonials: Self-Made Reviews
There are also those who provide fake testimonials. Either from friends who are asked to act as customers, or even compiled using fake accounts. Sometimes the testimonials are not honest because they are paid or given incentives, not purely real experiences.
If it’s like this, then this is clearly a form of shahadah zur (false witness). And this is a major sin. In the hadith, the Prophet ﷺ once said:
“ألا وقول الزور، ألا وقول الزور، ألا وقول الزور…”
“Know, false testimony! Know, false testimony!” (HR. Al-Bukhari no. 2654 and Muslim no. 87)
The Prophet ﷺ repeated it three times. That’s a sign that this is not a trivial matter.
3. Fake Stock and FOMO: Even Though There Are Still Lots of Items
This is also very common: writing “only 1 left in stock”, even though there are still tons. The goal? To make people panic and buy immediately.
The problem is, when you intentionally create psychological pressure through false information, you are selling fear, not a product. This is manipulation in transactions. And manipulation like this can be part of gharar transactions that contain ambiguity and fraud, which are prohibited in Islam.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“نهى رسول الله ﷺ عن بيع الغرر”
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade buying and selling that contains gharar (ambiguity/fraud).” (Narrated by Muslim no. 1513)
So yes, even though this strategy succeeds in making the product sell well, selling well is not necessarily a blessing. It could be that your goods sell, but the blessing is revoked. It could be that turnover increases, but the heart is always restless. Because blessing is not about numbers, but about the pleasure of Allah ﷻ.
If you feel like you’ve done things like the above, don’t be down in a hurry. It’s actually good if you realize it now. Repentance and improving intentions in product marketing are part of a financial migration that is full of rewards.
Also read: 9 Key Principles of Islamic Marketing
Marketing Halal and Blessed Products: Is It Possible?
Many people think that selling something “blessed” is definitely difficult. You have to be honest, not overly promotional, not lying, and transparent.
“Well, how can we compete then?”
Don’t worry, this is where the secret lies.
Because when you intend to market your product as part of your worship, not just to make money, then Allah’s help can come from unexpected directions.
Allah ﷻ says:
“وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُۥ مَخْرَجًۭا * وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ”
“Whoever fears Allah, He will make a way out for him and provide for him from where he does not expect.” (QS. At-Thalaq: 2–3)
This means that maintaining honesty and avoiding deception in product marketing does not hinder sustenance—in fact, that is the key. Because sustenance that comes through honesty is much calmer and full of blessings.
So, how do you market halal products?
Here are some principles that you can hold on to:
- Transparency
Convey the condition of the product honestly. Don’t cover anything up, especially if you are selling second-hand goods. Don’t be afraid of losing buyers—what’s important is that you maintain the pleasure of Allah ﷻ.
- Avoid Hyperbole
Sentences like “best-selling”, “best in the world”, “already bought by 10,000 people”—if there is no real data, it’s better not to. Promotion is okay, but don’t exaggerate or lie.
- Keep Promotion Promises
If you write “free shipping”, it must really be free shipping. If there are terms and conditions, state them clearly. Don’t disappoint buyers because they feel trapped.
- Reject False Testimonials
It’s okay to be quiet for now, as long as the reviews are real. Because one honest testimonial from a real buyer is much stronger in the sight of Allah ﷻ than a thousand fake reviews full of sin.
- Intend to Trade to Seek Allah’s Pleasure
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“التَّاجِرُ الصَّدُوقُ الأَمِينُ مَعَ النَّبِيِّينَ، وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ، وَالشُّهَدَاءِ”
“The honest and trustworthy trader will be with the prophets, the honest people, and the martyrs.” (HR. Tirmidhi no. 1209, Hasan Sahih)
Masha Allah… trading can be the way to heaven, as long as you are honest and trustworthy!
Also read: 4 Business Tips Based on Rasulullah
Khatimah: Marketing Doesn’t Have to Be Cunning
So the point is, product marketing in Islam is not just about how to sell goods, but also about how to remain honest, fair, and blessed. Because we are not only selling to humans, but also showing who we are before Allah ﷻ.
If you feel like you’ve made a wrong move, don’t be discouraged. This is the time to improve your intentions and strategies.
Because when you choose to trade in a halal way, you are no longer just a businessman but a person who seeks sustenance with manners and faith. Barokallah fiikum
Also read: The Story of Ayam Bakar Wong Solo: A Simple, Scalable Business
Let’s Visit, Zeed and join for halal investment with Zeed.
References
Al-Qur’an Al-Karim https://tafsirweb.com
Al-Bukhari, Muhammad bin Ismail. Sahih al-Bukhari. Accessed from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/bukhari
Muslim, Abu al-Husain. Sahih Muslim. Accessed from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/muslim.
Tirmidhi, Abu Isa Muhammad bin Isa. Sunan At-Tirmidhi. Accessed from https://www.hadits.id/hadits/tirmidzi