The Existence of Gharar Fāḥish and Its Potential in Digital-Based Marketing in Malaysia
Authors
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Muhammad Hamizan Mustafa Kamal
Section of Islamic Studies, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11700 Gelugor, Penang, MALAYSIA
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Muhammad Fathullah Al Haq Muhamad Asni
Section of Islamic Studies, School of Humanities, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11700 Gelugor, Penang, MALAYSIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33102/jfatwa.vol31no2.831Keywords:
gharar, Islamic muʿāmalāt jurisprudence, digital-based marketing, contractual ambiguity, information transparencyAbstract
The widespread use of digital-based marketing has increased the risk of ambiguity and information asymmetry between sellers and buyers in non-face-to-face transactions, thereby raising concerns regarding compliance with the Islamic muʿāmalāt principle prohibiting gharar. This study aims to analyse the principle of the prohibition of gharar and the potential occurrence of gharar in digital-based marketing practices in Malaysia. The study adopts a qualitative approach through a combination of library research and fieldwork. The library research involved an in-depth analysis of scholarly books and academic articles. The fieldwork was conducted through semi-structured interviews with eight informants, comprising three entrepreneurs, three academics specialising in muʿāmalāt, and two academics specialising in digital marketing. The interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify the main themes. The findings identify two main themes, namely clearly prohibited gharar fāḥish and the potential occurrence of gharar in digital marketing. Prohibited gharar was identified in relation to the existence of products, price determination and additional costs, and product specifications. Examples include the sale of products without confirmed stock through dropshipping and the use of AI-generated visuals that inaccurately represent material quality. Meanwhile, the potential occurrence of gharar exists in uncertainties relating to delivery time, return policies, promotional strategies, and disclosure of seller identity. The fiqh analysis indicates that certain forms of ambiguity may be categorised as minor gharar; however, ambiguity that is intentional or avoidable has the potential to affect the validity of the contract.
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