Resolution No.: (332) (3/2026): " Ruling on Leasing Part of Land Designated for Burial"
Date: (19/ Ramadan/ 1447 AH), corresponding to (March 9, 2026 AD)
Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and blessings be upon our Master Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions.
The Board of Iftaa’, Research, and Islamic Studies, in its third session held on the above date reviewed the inquiry submitted by His Excellency the Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, His Eminence Dr. Muhammad Al-Khalayleh, which states:
With reference to the lease application for land plot No. 705, Basin 28 (Eastern Al-Tarabil), Al-Salihiyya Village/ Mafraq Governorate, with an area of 139,935 dunums, which was designated by the Kingdom's Treasury to the Ministry of Awqaf to be used as a cemetery. I kindly request your Eminence to clarify the Sharia ruling regarding leasing a portion of the aforementioned land for agricultural purposes, given its large size and the fact that it contains only four old graves. Currently, it is not being used for burials due to its distance from urban areas and the lack of service roads. Furthermore, leasing it will not hinder its future use for burials. Attached for your Eminence are the inspection report and documents for the land plot."
After research, study, and deliberation, the Board decided the following:
The obligation regarding land designated by the General Treasury is to ensure its utilization for the general interests of Muslims in the most complete and optimal manner. If the land is designated for burial, it should originally remain for that purpose. However, there is no religious objection (Mani') to utilizing a portion of it by leasing it until it is needed for burial. This is to ensure that its rental income benefits the endowment (Awqaf) interests and that no potential revenue is lost. The governing Sharia principle in this matter is the "Consideration of Interests" (Mura’at al-Masalih) as much as possible within the intent of the designator. And Allah the Exalted knows best.
Chairperson of Iftaa` Board,
Grand Mufti of Jordan,
Dr. Ahmad Al-Hasanat
Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalayleh/ Member
Prof. Mahmood Al-Sartawi/ Member
Dr. Zaid Al-Kilani/ Member
Sheikh Sa`eid Al-Hijjawi/ Member
Dr. Atif Al-Qhodah/ Member
Judge Fares Foraihat/ Member
Prof. Adam Nooh Al-Qhodat/ Member
Dr. Amjad Rasheed/ Member
Prof. Waleed Al-Shaweesh/ Member
Dr. Mohammad Younis Al-Zou`bi/ Member
