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MusawamahA negotiated sale where the seller is not required to disclose the original cost or profit margin. Definition from the HalalWallet Islamic Finance Glossary. Arabic: مساومة.Published by HalalWallet (halalwallet.us).

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Musawamah

مساومة

Pronunciation: moo-sah-WAH-mah

Contracts

A negotiated sale where the seller is not required to disclose the original cost or profit margin.

Definition

A negotiated sale where the seller is not obligated to disclose the original cost or profit margin. Unlike Murabaha (where the cost and markup must be transparent), in Musawamah the buyer and seller negotiate and agree on a final price through bargaining.

It is the most common type of everyday commercial transaction. In Islamic finance, Musawamah can be used when cost-plus transparency is not required or practical.

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Quick Answer

Musawamah (مساومة) — A negotiated sale where the seller is not required to disclose the original cost or profit margin. A negotiated sale where the seller is not obligated to disclose the original cost or profit margin. Unlike Murabaha (where the cost and markup must be transparent), in Musawamah the buyer and seller negotiate and agree on a final price through bargaining.

Key Takeaways

  • A negotiated sale where the seller is not required to disclose the original cost or profit margin.
  • Category: Contracts
  • Related: Murabaha, Bay'
How to cite this page

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HalalWallet. “Musawamah: Definition & Meaning in Islamic Finance.” HalalWallet, https://www.halalwallet.us/glossary/musawamah. Accessed 2026-03-19.

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This page is reviewed against HalalWallet editorial standards and source documentation.

Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial Team

Last reviewed: 2026-03-06

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Zain Arshad

Co-Founder & CTO, HalalWallet

UA Labs Founder · 200+ Projects · Islamic Finance Specialist

Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-03-06Disclosure: Featured partners may compensate HalalWallet for clicks. Editorial policy and full disclosures.

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