According to the Shari‘a One May Sell at a Lower or Higher Price

Question

To relieve the hardship of poor people, the government has laid down a system: take a profit of fifteen per cent on bread, buns and biscuits, and taking more than that is an offence; and the traders have also been given the contract on this very condition. Is it permissible for them to charge a higher price? Will there be any difference whether there is such a condition or not? Please write.

Answer

The owner has the option to sell what he owns at a lower or higher price; but acting against the law of the government means putting one’s honour, property and life in danger, because it is stealing from the government, for which there may be punishment.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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