Is hoarding of staple food items prohibited?
Chapter on Selling the Musarrah (Animal with milk retained in udder)
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
Hoarding of staple food items is unlawful (haram). This is established by the narration from Abu Umamah, stating that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, forbade the hoarding of food. Furthermore, a narration from Sa'id ibn al-Musayyib states that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, "Whoever hoards is a sinner." Evidence is further supported by the action of Umar ibn al-Khattab, who, upon discovering hoarded food, severely admonished the hoarders, citing the Prophet's saying: "Whoever hoards the food of the Muslims, he will not die until Allah afflicts him with leprosy or bankruptcy." The Prophet, peace be upon him, also stated, "The one who brings goods (to the market) is provided for, and the hoarder is cursed."