Fatwa #2120316 June 2012United States of America
Buying repossessed items
Question
1)Every few months the South African Revenue Services -Customs department has auctions.These goods are
"seized/uncleared goods or perhaps unclaimed goods which third parties have imported.
SARS therefore auctions these goods to the public.
Would it be permissible to buy such items at the auction from SARS and resell.
2)Secondly sheriffs throughout the country are given authority by courts to confiscate and sell goods to settle creditors that are outstanding.
Would it be permissible to buy such items at these auctions and resell.
3)Thirdly would it be permissible to take up a job vacancy as a sheriff.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
1. It will be permissible for one to purchase re-possessed, seized, unclaimed goods, e.t.c from SARS auctions.
2. Same as number one.
3. It is not permissible for one to work as a sheriff since certain tasks/duties of the job description of a sheriff are not Shariah compliant.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Ismail Desai,
Student Darul Iftaa
Durban, South Africa
Checked and Approved by,
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.