Today we’re back with an informative video with Mufti Tariq Masood. In this video, he converses with us regarding topics associated with the auto industry and answers some of the most asked questions regarding automobiles and their use cases. So let’s find out what he has to say.
Thoughts About Violation of Traffic Rules
With the increasing number of vehicles on the road, traffic congestion is a major problem in our country. This problem is further amplified by people who violate basic traffic rules.
As per Mufti Tariq Masood, violating rules that the government sets or general management is a sin and forbidden by Islam regarding the Quran. Anything that causes inconvenience or obstruction for travelers is incorrect and can only be justified in an emergency.
According to him, people often park their cars in the middle of the road during Jummah prayers causing inconvenience for other people, which not only is a sin but also abates the significance of their prayers. “Hence, violation of traffic rules is a crime which people have to pay for here and in the hereafter as well,” he added.
Thoughts on Non-Custom Cars
Pakistan has a significant portion of cars which are smuggled into the country without paying customs duties and taxes. As per Mufti Tariq Masood, the profit made from selling a non-custom car is not directly Haram as it results from trade. However, the initial act of getting the car into the country illegally is obviously forbidden, and people who are involved in this trade are in the wrong. He states that anything that has a negative externality on a third party is wrong, and smuggling of non-custom cars harms the country’s economy, which in turn will be bad for the population.
Thoughts on Wastage of Water Through Cars
Cars get washed daily around the world, and especially in polluted cities like Karachi, it’s done excessively. We see many people washing cars with water pouring from the pipe continuously, and most of it gets wasted. As per Mufti Tariq Masood, the wastage of resources is a big sin, especially the wastage of essential resources like water, which is strictly forbidden in Islam. He states that washing cars is okay, but only with the amount of water required. Everyone will be answerable for how he used the resources given to him; hence wastage is a sin.
Thoughts on Women Drivers
Once a big taboo, women driving is now an emerging sight in our country, and even countries like Saudi Arabia have legalised it. According to Mufti Tariq Masood, there are no issues with women driving vehicles for their convenience. It makes them independent in a way that they don’t rely on their male peers for traveling, which is encouraged.
However, Mufti Tariq Masood advises women to ideally drive cars instead of bikes as the possibility of accidents in bikes is relatively way higher. According to him, 19 out of 20 victims of road accidents are bikers; hence it is preferred that women drive a vehicle that is safer for their own well-being.
Thoughts on Reversing Odometer
A common act in the used car market is meter reversing and generally hiding a car’s faults to get a higher price. According to Mufti Tariq Masood, there are certain rules of trade that should be followed, which includes being transparent with the buyer and stating any defects or faults in the product.
Reversing the odometer is a sin as it directly involves cheating which is forbidden in Islam. He also added that the additional income earned through reversing the meter would be Haram.
Thoughts About “ON” Culture
With prices of cars appreciating exuberantly, selling cars and bikes at ON price is common. Many wealthy people buy a batch of particular cars, which in turn creates a supply shortage, resulting in the value of their cars increasing. As per Mufti Tariq Masood, buying a good at a certain price with the intention to sell it when its value goes up has nothing wrong with it.
Although under the condition that the good is not an essential product like food items, it could result in people starving. As per him, cars are luxury goods with alternatives like bikes, public transport, and ride-hailing services. Hence, selling cars at “ON” is not prohibited in our religion but is socially unethical.
