Q:

Last year I bought a pair of birds from a man, he lied and deceived me by saying these birds would lay eggs, I paid alot of money for them. After almost one year of petting them, they had not laid any eggs, it was time for me to sell them so I exaggerated a bit and gave up an advertisement for them ,saying they laid eggs because otherwise , no one would buy them. Now a person exchanged them with me and gave me some cheaper birds, but he soon found out both of them were male birds , now I want to return his birds to him but he won’t take them back saying he wants me to buy him a new pair of birds , I have no option but to return his birds but he won’t take them. He keeps harassing me saying he has my photo and he will expose me, etc. In this case can I ignore him and ask Allah for forgiveness?I would really return his birds but he isn’t willing to take them back. Can I block this person?

A:

The fact that someone cheated does not allow you to defraud another person; even as the other person cheated you, you cheated another. So, you have no reason to complain now. 

Therefore, you should move on with your life by accepting the mistake, seeking forgiveness of Allah, and leaving this kind of business and trade altogether; there is no blessing in any transaction, business, or work based on cheating and lying and dubious methods.

If you are determined to pursue a halal source of living, Allah will bless you as long as you put forth the best of your efforts and turn to Allah for help.

I would advise you to read the following duaa:

Allaahumma aghninee bi halaalika an haraamika wa bi ta’atika an ma’siythika wabi fadhlika amman siwaaka

(O Allah, make me self-sufficient with what You have made halal for me so that I do not need to turn to that which You have made haram for me; make me self-sufficient with Your obedience so that I do not end up disobeying You; make me content with Your favor so that I do not need to look for the favor of others.”)

Finally, answering the question whether you are allowed to block that person or refuse to take his call, you may do that, if he may cause you further harm.

Almighty Allah knows best.