How much Sales Profit is acceptable in Islam?

In Islam, the principles governing sales and profits are derived from both the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The Qur'an emphasizes ethical conduct in trading, stating, Ye will not attain unto piety until ye spend of that which ye love. And whatsoever ye spend, Allah is Aware thereof. 3:92. This verse suggests that spending from one's best possessions is a virtue, indicating that integrity and sincerity in earnings are valued.

Furthermore, Sunnah reinforces the importance of mutual consent and transparency in transactions. The Prophet ﷺ said, "Sales are conducted by mutual consent; the buyer and seller have a right to rescind the sale before they part. It is not lawful for a Muslim to deceive another Muslim." This highlights that profit should not come at the expense of honesty or fairness (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).

In terms of acceptable profit, the hadiths indicate various conditions. For instance, the Prophet ﷺ forbade certain types of sales that could lead to unjust profits, stating that It is not permissible to sell what you do not possess, nor to profit unless you offer a guarantee Sunan Ibn Majah 13:52SunniHasan Sahih (per Al-Albani). This emphasizes that profits should be earned through lawful transactions where the seller possesses the goods and offers guarantees.

Additionally, the concept of usury (riba) is strictly prohibited, as Allah has blighted usury and made almsgiving fruitful 2:276, indicating that profit should not be derived from exploitative practices. The acceptable profit, therefore, is one that is earned through fair trade, mutual consent, and without deceit, aligning with the ethical principles laid out in the Qur'an and Sunnah.

In summary, while there is no fixed percentage for acceptable profit in Islam, it must be earned through honest and fair means, adhering to the ethical guidelines provided in the religious texts.