Question: We want to rent one of our real estate properties and a bank wants it. Is it permitted to rent it out to a bank? Will that money be lawful for us?
It is not permitted to rent property to people or corporations that work directly on a forbidden issue.
Allah the Almighty says:
“Who intercedes in a good cause shall have a share from it; and who intercedes in an evil cause shall have a burden from it. Allah is always the watcher of everything.” (An-Nisa/ The Women 4:85)
“(…) Help one another in righteousness and in avoiding unlawful things. Do not help one another in sin and transgression. Fear Allah! Surely Allah is severe in retribution.” (Al-Maida/ The Feast 5:2)
One narration from our prophet is as follows:
“The Messenger of Allah cursed the ones that charge, pay, write (the deal) and witness interest; and said: They are equal.” (Muslim, Musaqah, 19)
Interest is one of the big sins. Allah the Almighty orders us to stay away from big sins. He says:
“If you stay away from the major ones which you have been forbidden, We shall conceal your crimes and let you enter an honorable abode.” (An-Nisa/ The Women 4:31)
“Whatever is in the skies and the earth belongs to Allah; so that He may punish those who do evil with what they have done, and reward those who do good with the better. For those who stay away from great sins and immoralities except the small faults, surely your Lord has an expanding purview of forgiveness. (…)” (An-Najm/ The Star 53:31-32)
Someone who rents his property to a corporation which mainly deals with interest is not considered “away” from this big crime.
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