That’s why many Muslim countries celebrate the same sales event but call it “White Friday” or “Blessed Friday” instead. The main thing is that as long as you buy halal products or permissible things that are allowed in Islam and follow basic Islamic principles in your shopping, there is nothing wrong with taking advantage of these special sales offers.
Islamic Scholar’s Perspective on Black Friday Deals
Many Muslims wonder if participating in Black Friday sales is okay in Islam. These big shopping events with huge discounts happen all around the world, and Muslims want to make sure they’re shopping in a way that follows their faith.
Let’s learn how to shop wisely during these sales without going against Islamic teachings:
Sheikh Assim Al-Hakeem
He explains that it is permissible for Muslims to promote and earn from product sales during events like Black Friday. He clarifies that buying and selling products, as long as they are halal, is allowed. Although the event’s name, “Black Friday,” may not sound appropriate, there is no issue with benefiting from it.
He also advises us to avoid using the name “Black Friday” themselves and instead call it “White Friday” or just “Friday.” The main point is that promoting sales and earning commissions is permissible as long as it follows Islamic guidelines.
Below is the video of him you can watch:
Mufti Menk
Mufti Menk talks about Black Friday sales and addresses the concern some Muslims have about participating in them. He clarifies that it is not haram to benefit from these sales and that it’s perfectly fine to take advantage of the discounts offered.
While Mufti Menk personally doesn’t favor the name “Black Friday,” he acknowledges the sales as a good opportunity, especially when businesses clear out their stock at lower prices toward the end of the year. He also suggests that sharing news of great deals with others can even earn you a reward.
Check out his short video below:
Dr. Muhammad Salah
Dr. Muhammad Salah addressed the question about Black Friday sales, stating: “Getting discounts and deals is perfectly fine in Islamic law, but we as Muslims need to be careful about three things:
- First, Make the products are halal;
- Second, Avoid missing prayers for shopping; and
- Third, Don’t fall into excessive buying just because something is cheap.
- Also, using the term ‘Blessed Friday’ would be more appropriate for Muslims.
As we can see from our respected scholar’s guidance, participating in seasonal sales is permissible while maintaining Islamic principles. In case we call it White Friday or Blessed Friday, what matters most is shopping responsibly, buying halal products, and not letting it distract us from our religious obligations.
More helpful blogs on halal or haram are below you can read:
- Is Laffy Taffy (Candy) Halal Or Haram
- List of Haram Things in the Quran
- Is Shaving Beard Haram in Islam?
When Black Friday Shopping Becomes Haram for Muslims
Here’s when Black Friday shopping may be considered haram (forbidden) for Muslims and the key points to keep in mind to stay within Islamic rules:
1. Transactions Must Follow Islamic Principles
When shopping during Black Friday sales, Muslims should make sure that their purchases do not involve interest-based (riba) transactions. Islam strictly forbids interest, so buying items using credit plans that include interest would make the purchase haram. Always opt for halal payment methods that comply with Islamic financial principles.
2. Only Purchase Halal Products
The items bought during Black Friday must be halal. This means avoiding products that include haram (forbidden) substances, such as alcohol, pork, or items that have other impermissible ingredients or uses. Making sure that what you buy is pure and permissible is a key part of following Islamic rules.
3. Shopping Must Not Interfere
With Religious Duties Friday is a significant day for Muslims, with special emphasis on attending Jumu’ah (Friday prayer). If shopping causes one to miss or delay this important act of worship, it becomes haram.
Prioritizing prayer and religious duties over sales and shopping is vital. Muslims are encouraged to plan their shopping times to avoid any conflict with religious obligations.
4. Avoid Excessive Spending and Impulse Buying
Islam teaches moderation and warns against wastefulness and extravagance. If shopping during Black Friday leads to excessive or unnecessary spending, it goes against Islamic principles.
Impulse buying for the sake of discounts and deals can lead to waste and financial strain, both of which are discouraged in Islam. Practicing mindful spending helps maintain a balanced approach to shopping.
While Black Friday shopping is not inherently haram, it becomes forbidden if it involves actions that go against Islamic teachings. By keeping these considerations in mind, Muslims can participate in sales in a way that aligns with their faith.
Importance of Friday (Jumu’ah) in Muslim Lives
Friday, known as Jumu’ah, is a special and blessed day for us. It holds great significance in Islam and is considered the best day of the week. Muslims gather for the Friday prayer, which is a time for spiritual reflection, seeking forgiveness, and making supplications.
A Little History About Jumu’ah: The significance of Friday dates back to the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Prophet (S.A.W) said in many hadiths that Friday is the best day of the week.
It was on this day that the first human, Adam (AS), was created, and it is also the day when the world will end. This makes Friday a day of great importance and blessing for Muslims.
Why Not Call It “Black Friday”?
In Islam, Friday is a day of light, blessings, and remembrance of Allah, not a day associated with darkness or materialism. Referring to it as “Black Friday” is not in harmony with the spirit of the day. The term “Black Friday” is rooted in a commercial context, focused on sales and consumerism, while Friday in Islam is meant for spiritual growth and connection with Allah. Many Muslim countries have chosen to call it “White Friday” to honor the blessed nature of the day.
Honoring the Blessed Day of Friday
Dear Muslim family, Friday is a day filled with immense blessings and spiritual significance. It is a time for us to pause from the distractions of life, come together in prayer, and remember the greatness of Allah. Let us use this precious day to strengthen our faith and build a closer relationship with our Creator.
May Allah send His blessings upon this blessed day of Friday, and may we celebrate it in the best way possible by prioritizing our prayers, seeking forgiveness, and reflecting on His mercy. Let us make every Friday a day of peace, gratitude, and connection with Allah. Ameen!
