Date : 11-05-2026

Question :

We sell a product on which we stated the calorie count to be approximately 200 calories, whereas in reality, it is higher than that. We have sold large quantities of this product. It should be noted that the price of the product is the same regardless of whether we state the actual higher calorie count or the lower one. What are the Islamic consequences of this action?


The Answer :

Praise be to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon our master, the Messenger of Allah.


Islam has prohibited lying and deception in all transactions. Allah the Almighty says {what means}: "And those who are keepers of their trusts and their covenants" [Al-Mu'minun/8]. He also says {what means}: "O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true" [At-Tawbah/119]. Furthermore, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: "Whoever deceives us is not one of us" (Narrated by Muslim).


Attributing qualities to a product that it does not possess is a form of lying and deception. In addition, the prohibition of lying and cheating to gain worldly benefits is well-established. Jordanian Iftaa’ Council Resolution No. (101) states: "A Muslim—whether a merchant, a sales representative, or in any other position—must be truthful in all his speech. He must always clarify the reality of any commodity he promotes. It is prohibited for him to lie or practice fraud (Tadlis) under any circumstances."


The Prophet ﷺ said: "Adhere to truthfulness, for truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise... and beware of lying, for lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Fire" (Narrated by al-Bukhari & Muslim). He also said: "A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim; it is not permissible for a Muslim to sell to his brother a commodity that has a defect without disclosing it to him" (Narrated by Ibn Majah).


Whoever has fallen into such deception or lying in their dealings must hasten to offer sincere repentance (Tawbah Nasuh) to Allah the Almighty. This is achieved by:


1. Immediately ceasing the act by correcting the published information about the product and making a public announcement regarding the error.


2. Resolving never to return to such an act.


3. Feeling deep remorse for the past action.


4. Increasing in seeking forgiveness (Istighfar) and performing righteous deeds.


Regarding the financial aspect: since the price of the product was not inflated due to the false attribute (i.e., the price remains the same with or without the calorie discrepancy), there is no specific surplus profit that must be set aside or returned, as there is no financial difference to refund. However, it is recommended to give charity (Sadaqah) to general charitable causes to purify one's earnings (Tatyib al-Kasb).


In conclusion, it is strictly prohibited to claim attributes in a sale item that are not present; such an act is considered forbidden lying and deception. Anyone who has done this must hasten to sincere repentance. There is no objection to giving charity as a means of purifying the earnings. And Allah the Almighty knows best.