Q 2: I have read the Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) that said that it is not permissible to sell Islamic books that are given as Waqf (endowments) and distributed by the General Presidency of Scholarly Research and Ifta’, but I still have some ambiguity about the books, papers, and tapes that are distributed by charitable organizations. Examples of these organizations include the cooperative offices for Da‘wah (calling to Islam) and guidance that are located in many regions of
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation, the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY), and many others. (Part No. 16; Page No. 27) What is the ruling on selling the books and tapes they send?
A:
It
is Haram (prohibited) to sell the books, tapes, and research papers that you receive from the cooperative offices for Da‘wah and guidance and from the other charitable organizations. The books and tapes that are sent by the organizations you mentioned are regarded as Waqfs (endowments) for the recipient to benefit from or to give to others for no charge. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.