There is nothing wrong if a Muslim

Q 1: Is it permissible to rent houses to the people of the Book or to immoral Muslims? Some religious scholars say that it is unlawful to do so as a non-Muslim will commit acts of disbelief, worship the cross, eat pork and drink wine in this house and an immoral Muslim will drink wine, listen to music and songs in it. They add that if the landlord knows they will commit such abominable acts in his house, it is unlawful for him to rent it to them as this involves (Part No. 14; Page No. 487) cooperation in committing sin and transgression. We need your advice with evidence. Thanks.

A: The basic ruling is that it is permissible to rent a house or a shop to the people of the Book who have the Muslims' covenant of protection. However, if the landlord knows that the renter will use his shop or house for an unlawful purpose such as selling wine, gambling and the like, it will be unlawful for him to rent it to them because this involves cooperation in committing sin and transgression whether the renter is a disbeliever or a Muslim sinner and whether the hired place is a house or a shop or whatever. Allah (Exalted be He) says, Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allâh. Verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.