Renting a house to a non-Muslim who is working in a bar

6-4-2008 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalam alaikum, I have house in a non muslim country which I have rented to a woman who works as bar maid(serving alcohol).Is the money I receive for rent haraam?Please advise and Jazakallah khair.

Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger.

 

It is not permissible to financially deal with someone whose money are ill-gotten money, therefore, if this woman has no money other than her salary from working in the bar, then it is not permissible for you to rent that house to her. You should endeavour to invalidate the rent contract with her.

As regards the money which you received for rent from her, it is lawful money, Allaah willing provided this woman is non-Muslim, as this is like a debt [which she has to pay]. Some scholars  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  them stated that it is permissible for a Muslim to take money from a free non-Muslim under a Muslim rule, which he got from intoxicants as a payment for his [non-Muslim] debts.

Allaah Knows best.

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