Question Summary:
Is it permissible to regulate the flow of goods and services in order to obtain a premium on the eventual sale of those goods/services? (i.e. withholding stocks so that market prices may surge)

Question Detail:

I have one question regarding Trade and Industry in Islam and would like it answered with the view of large corporations or conglomerates. Thereafter please feel free to offer any advice to small/medium businesses and even if you would like to refer me to any good source of literature on the acceptable conduct for businessmen within Islam.
Question 1 : Is it permissible to regulate the flow of goods and services in order to obtain a premium on the eventual sale of those goods/services? (i.e. withholding stocks so that market prices may surge)
 

Answer :

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful
Assalaamu `alaykum waRahmatullahi Wabarakatoh
We thank you for your kind words of encouragement. It is only through your duas that we are able to have the questions answered.     
Islam is a complete way of life. Hence, just as emphasis has been placed on ibaadaat (worship), emphasis has also been placed on muasharaat (social ethics) and muamalaat (social dealings) which includes business and economics.
Business in Islam is not only about enriching oneself. It also serves as a means of benefiting and developing society. Therefore, a system of sound rules and morals has been instituted in consideration of fellow human beings. As a result, any transaction which has an element of harm to an individual or society is abhorred in Shariah. It is precisely for this reason that price fixing etc has been declared as prohibited.
 Shariah promotes free trade and a competitive market. Every individual is free to sell a commodity on whatever price he wishes. One person would thus sell his commodity on a hirer rate while another would sell the same item at a cheaper rate. Thus, a competition is created in the market. In this approach, the independency of the owner is maintained as well as benefit to the consumer.    
 Ihtikaar (Regulation of the flow of goods, hoarding) has also been prohibited as ihtikaar is an expression of selfishness. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) has said   
من احتكر فهو خاطئ(رواه البيهقي)
Whoever withholds, he is a sinner (Sunanul kubra 6/29)
However, the Fuqaha have confined the prohibition of ihtikaar to food items. Therefore, in all other items, ihtikaar will be permissible but discouraged. 
ينهي للخروج من الاختلاف بالامام يوسف
 رد المحتار - (6- 398 سعيد)
 والتقييد بقوت البشر قول أبي حنيفة ومحمد وعليه الفتوى كذا في الكافي ،
بدائع الصنائع في ترتيب الشرائع  - (4-309 دار الكتاب ديوبند)
 وعند محمد رحمه الله لا يجري الاحتكار إلا في قوت الناس وعلف الدواب من الحنطة والشعير والتبن والقت .
تبيين الحقائق شرح كنز الدقائق - ( 7-61 دار الكتب العلمية)
وتخصيص الاحتكار بالأقوات قول أبي حنيفة ومحمد رحمهما الله ،
العناية شرح الهداية - (ج 14 / ص 280 المكتبة الشاملة)
وتخصيص الاحتكار بالأقوات كالحنطة والشعير والتبن والقت قول أبي حنيفة رحمه الله ،
الجوهرة النيرة - (ج 6 / ص 176)
 وخص الاحتكار بالأقوات كالحنطة والشعير والقت والتبن والحشيش وهو قول أبي حنيفة .
 
The reading of the following two kitaabs will be beneficial, insha Allah.
1) ‘Islamic finance’ by Mufti Taqi Usmani Saheb Madda zilluhu     
2) ‘Shari’ah compliant business campaign’ which has been published by our Darul ifta.
You could also send a request to join the ‘Businessman data’*. The ‘Businessman data’ of the Darul iftaa is a forum meant to educate the Ummah on business related issues of Shariah. There are many Ulama, businessmen and professionals on this data. By the grace of Allah, this data has proven to be very educational and successful.
And Allah knows best
Wassalam
Ml. Ismail Moosa,
Student Darul Iftaa
Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Darul Iftaa, Madrassah In'aamiyyah
* send a blank email at subscribe-shariahcompliant@googlegroups.com