Is using an account with my parents age and other details on a website that requires an age of 18+ when I’m 16 considered lying?

09 Jan 2023 Ref-No#: 4545
  • I sell on ebay and am 16. I started during July, EBays minimum age requirement is 18+ so I put my age as 18+, and only right now I’ve realised that’s lying. I’ve made some money right now, is it considered haram? Shall I donate it all? And will it be permissible for my parents to create an account with their details that I use to sell? Or could I ask them for permission then register with their details and date of birth, if so can I enter my email, phone number and bank details and then sell on the account that has their age and details. Or would that still be considered lying? Jazakallahu Khairan.

Answer

Wa’alaykum as Salām wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,

We commend you for your zeal to find out the Islāmic ruling on your earnings.

1) Islām emphasizes on honesty and transparency. Mentioning the incorrect age is clear lying. As such, you need to repent to Allāh Ta’ālā. Allāh Ta’ālā is the most forgiving, and if you cry in repentance before Him, he will most definitely forgive you.
Despite the sin of lying, if you conducted the sales correctly, your earnings will be Halāl. There is no need to donate all the earnings. Yes, we recommend that you give a little amount in charity, since that will also be a means of your forgiveness and attracting the mercy of Allāh Ta’ālā.
2) The objective of Ebay stipulating a minimum age is to ensure that the sales are done correctly and the service that is presented is done so in a mature manner.
Now that you already have the account,  if you are conducting the sales professionally, then you may continue with that account that you have.
There is no need to make a new account on your parents name.

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