Is the practice of Rahn legally permissible (Ja'iz)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Pledges (Collateral)

Book 13 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The practice of Rahn is permissible based on the Book (Quran), the Sunnah, and consensus (Ijma'). Evidence from the Quran includes the verse stating: "And if you are on a journey and cannot find a scribe, then a pledge taken into possession (Rahan maqbuda) [is acceptable]" (Quran 2:283). The evidence from the Sunnah includes the narration by Aisha that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) purchased food from a Jew and pledged his armor as Rahn, which is agreed upon (Muttafaq 'alayh). Another Hadith states that the ridden animal (Dhabr) and the milk of a beast being used as Rahn must be maintained by the one who uses them, with the expense falling upon the user.

Supporting text

Regarding the interpretation of the Quranic term 'Rahan' in 2:283, Al-Farra stated it is the plural of 'Rahn,' and 'Rahn' is the plural of the plural; Al-Zajjaj suggested it might be the plural of 'Rahn' similar to 'sقف' (roof) being the plural of itself.