Resolution No.(71): "Ruling on Leasing an Endowment as a Coffee Shop"

Date: 12/9/1424 AH, corresponding to 6/11/2003

We have received the following question:

What is the ruling of Sharia on leasing an endowed estate as a coffee shop that serves carbonated beverages and hookah?

Answer: All of success is due to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds

After researching and deliberating, the Board decided the following:

It is permissible to the leasee of an endowed estate to run it as a coffee-shop for serving carbonated beverages and hookah provided that he doesn`t use it for any illegal purpose, such as serving alcoholic drinks, playing cards, gambling, and mixing between the two sexes. And Allah Knows Best.

Chairman of the Iftaa` Board, Chief Justice, Izuldeen At-tamimi

Dr. Abdulsalam Al-Abbadi

Dr. Mohammad Abu Yahia

Dr. Yousef Ghyzan

Sheikh Na`eim Mujahid

Sheikh Mahmoud Shewayat

Dr. Wasif Al-Bakhri

Sheikh Sa`eid Al-Hijjawi 

Note: The hookah and the cigarettes are forbidden, and it is impermissible to lease shops for selling them, as stated in resolution No.(109) of the Iftaa` Board dated 30/5/2006. And Allah Knows Best.