Is it permissible for a Muslim man to rent out his house to a non-Muslim for use as a church or synagogue?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Leasing

Book 25 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is impermissible for a man to rent out his house to be made a church or a synagogue. This is the opinion held by the majority of scholars. The evidence for this prohibition rests upon the principle that renting the property for such a purpose constitutes facilitating a forbidden act, similar to renting out one's slave for illicit purposes.

Supporting text

Abu Hanifa permitted this if the house is located in the rural areas (as-Sawaad). His two companions disagreed with him on this specific concession.