Date : 15-05-2017

Question :

I own a number of furnished apartments which I lease for whoever makes a booking via a website. However, one of these websites demanded all subscribers(owners) to sign an agreement that stipulates the following: "Owners should treat all tenants respectfully and without discrimination on basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, national origin, ancestry, or age." In addition, whoever refuses to sign it gets their subscription cancelled and is denied advertising on that website any more. What is the ruling on signing this agreement?

The Answer :

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of The Worlds, and may his peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.



Rental of furnished apartments is governed by rules and regulations set up by the government, and they aren`t violable no matter what the case may be. Moreover, it is imperative to observe morality and decency when leasing them. Therefore, if it is probable that the above agreement could lead you to lease your apartments to persons who would commit acts that are inconsistent with religion and public order then you aren`t allowed to sign it. This is because Allah, The Almighty, says{what means}: " Let there arise out of you a band of people inviting to all that is good, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong: They are the ones to attain felicity."{Al-Imran/104}. And Allah knows best.