Is it valid to lease food items for aesthetic display on a dining table before returning them?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Leasing

Book 25 · Issue 4 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Leasing food for the purpose of using it as mere decoration on a dining table before returning it is not permissible. This is due to the principle that the intended use does not constitute a recognized benefit in the Law, rendering the transaction void, akin to leasing bread solely for the purpose of looking at it.