Selling Postcards and the Like at a Higher Price

Question

A trader buys postcards or envelope stamps from the post office and keeps them in his shop, and from those in need he charges, on each envelope and card, a profit of five paise (small copper coins, fractions of a rupee) added on. Is it permissible to take this profit or not? If not, then for what reason (‘illa)? The question is asked precisely for the sake of the ground and the reason, because we considered it permissible as it is, but impermissibility has been reported from some people.

Answer

When someone has bought a stamp, card or envelope, he has become its owner and has the right to sell it at a profit. But one should see to it that this is not a violation of the law, lest, should it ever come to light, one have to bear the humiliation of a fine or imprisonment. It is not proper to involve oneself in a humiliating affair.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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