Is the rental contract (Ijarah) valid for affixing specific wooden beams onto a wall for a known period?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Leasing

Book 25 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The rental contract for affixing known wooden beams onto a wall for a known duration is permissible. This ruling is held by Al-Shafi'i. The basis for this permissibility is that this arrangement constitutes a desired benefit (manfa'ah maqsudah) which is capable of being delivered and fully utilized. This is analogous to renting a rooftop for sleeping upon.

Supporting text

Abu Hanifa holds that the rental contract for affixing wooden beams onto a wall is not permissible.