Q: Someone owns a building that has several apartments in one of the summer resorts. He leases it during the summer to the resort visitors. Some of those leaseholders use this building for recreational purposes for themselves and their families, whereas others use it for unlawful activities during this period. The owner of the building who agrees to rent to unknown people can not choose or define the type of people who want to rent the building. Is it permissible for him to contract with such people?
What is the ruling on the money
he receives from the rent? Is it permissible to sell the building to people who will most likely use it for the same purpose?
A:
Indeed, permission stands for the basic rule regarding such matters. However, if the owner knows that a leaseholder uses the building as a place for unlawful entertainment and other (Part No. 14; Page No. 444) forbidden acts, he is prohibited to lease the building, for it will be a form of cooperating in sin and transgression. Moreover, the same applies to the purchaser to whom the building is offered for sale. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.