My Tenant Opened a Liquor Store

By Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Posted: 29 Zul-Qa'dah 1423, 1 February 2003


Q.) I own a shopping center and leased it out to a non-Muslim who opened a liquor store. Is the lease payment that I am recieving halal or haram? I am not drinking it, selling it, or buying it.

A.) In principle, it is not permissible to lease a premises for the sale of intoxicantes. However, as a Muslim, you are bound to honor the lease agreement. Therefore, till the expiry of the lease, the income accrued from that shop may be given in charity.

We suggest you approach the tenant and explain him the Shar'ee implications of His liquor state on your premises and request him to kindly relocate. And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best