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