Selling barley designated as fodder for other reasons

Q: Nowadays, there is a crisis in selling the barley specified for cattle, and this feed is therefore being distributed among cattle owners through a contractor that is appointed for every region. People have to stand in long lines that could last for a day or two, since they are in bad need to (Part No. 23; Page No. 453) take what suffices their cattle. However, some people who do not own any cattle stand in these lines and take their share of distribution for the same stipulated price, but afterwards, they sell it for a higher price to the needy cattle owners.The question is: Is it permissible for a person who does not own any cattle and is not in need, but rather does this out of greed, to pass himself off as a needy cattle owner in this time of crisis, take from this feed and profit from it?


A: If this feed is designated for cattle owners as a subsidy from the government, it is impermissible for others to receive, or even purchase it. It is known that the price was set after considering the need and distress of these cattle owners, and whoever takes this unjustly should return it.On the other hand, if this feed is sold in the market for their regular price like other commodities, there is no harm in buying it and later selling it, for this is a type of lawful trade.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.


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