The ruling on taking a Down Payment
Question :
What is the ruling on the seller taking a down payment if the sale has not been finalized? The way this takes place is that two people will enter a sale, and if the sale is finalized, the complete price is paid. If the sale is not finalized, the seller takes a down payment, which he does not return to the buyer.
Answer:
There is no harm in taking a down payment according to the most correct opinion of the scholars, if the seller and buyer agree to that and the sale has not been finalized.
Source:
Ash-Shaykh Ibn Baz
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 3 Page 355