Question: Is purchasing pre-order items halal? Is it considered gharar contract?
Answer:
Gharar is typically associated with high levels of ambiguity, especially when there is a lack of clarity about what is being purchased, the delivery timeline, or the price. However, pre-order arrangements are generally permissible if:
1. Product Details Are Clear: The item’s specifications, features, and price must be clearly known and agreed upon at the time of the transaction.
2. Delivery Timeline Is Specified: An estimated delivery date or timeframe should be communicated. Minor delays due to unforeseen circumstances are acceptable, as long as there’s a genuine commitment to deliver.
3. Payment Structure: Ideally, a pre-order payment is seen as a form of salam (advance sale), where the payment is made upfront for a clearly specified item that will be delivered in the future. In salam contracts, once the payment is made, the seller is obligated to fulfill the order.
Wallahu a’lam
