What is the maximum permissible duration for a lease agreement (Ijarah)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Leasing
Primary text
The maximum duration of a lease agreement is not limited; it is permissible for the duration that the leased asset (Ain) remains usable, regardless of how long that duration is. This is the position held by the majority of scholars. The supporting evidence includes the statement of the Almighty related about Shu'ayb (peace be upon him): {Upon condition that you hire me for eight years; but if you complete ten years, it is of your own free will} [Quran 28:27]. The legislation of those before us is legislation for us unless evidence of its abrogation is established. Furthermore, what is permissible to contract for one year is permissible for a longer period, analogous to sale (Bay'), marriage (Nikah), and partnership in irrigation (Musaqah). Limiting the duration to one or thirty years is an arbitrary judgment unsupported by evidence, and it is no more appropriate than limiting it to a period longer or shorter than those figures.
Supporting text
Some followers of Al-Shafi'i hold two differing opinions. One opinion aligns with the majority of scholars, which is deemed correct. A second opinion states that a lease is not permissible for more than one year because necessity does not call for a longer period. A third view among them limits the duration to thirty years because assets typically do not last longer than that, and prices and rent tend to change.