Can I Lease My Property to a Supermarket Where Alcohol Is Sold?

Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Question

What is the hukm in leasing one’s property to non-muslims who intend to sell alcohol as part of their product range as it is a supermarket? I am aware there is a difference of opinion. Please provide an explanation.

Answer

I pray you are well.

According to the Hanafi school, it would be permissible to lease the property out to them. This is based on the position of Imam Abu Hanifa, which stated that it is permissible because they are independently choosing to commit that sin. Renting a property out does not necessarily entail the tenants selling wine.

Having said that, the other imams of Law hold it to be impermissible. Therefore, some contemporary scholars take a middle way: affirming the permissibility of the transaction, but also encouraging one to avoid it as much as they possibly can when it is feasible. This is the best approach for you. [Abu al-Hajj Salah; al-Bayan]

Please see our other answers on Assisting in Sin
May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.

[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History he moved to Damascus in 2007 where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital and he was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.