Is it permissible to transfer a car under a lease-to-own system to another party for a sum of money, provided that the transferee commits to paying the remaining installments, knowing that the car is still registered in the name of the first buyer and the rights are established by documents and witnesses?

The Ijara Muntahia Bittamleek (Lease-to-Own) contract is subject to the rules of leasing until the end of the contract term. The lessee does not own the leased asset until the lease period concludes, and therefore, he does not have the right to sell it during that period.

However, the lessee may lease the car to someone who will take his place in utilizing the benefit, or to someone who causes less damage. He may also agree to an acceleration of part of the rent payment.

Similarly, he can promise the second lessee a gift of the car or sell it for a nominal price after taking possession of it, because a conditional gift is permissible.

The second lessee may also lease the car to a third party, with a promise of a gift or sale after taking possession.

Permissible forms of Ijara Muntahia Bittamleek include a promise of sale or a gift after the lease expires, with the necessity of concluding an independent ownership contract when the promise is fulfilled.

As for the maintenance of the leased asset, it is the responsibility of the owner (lessor), and it is not permissible to stipulate it on the lessee according to the majority of scholars, even though some contemporary scholars believe that this invalid condition does not invalidate the contract, but it remains a forbidden condition.

If the first lessee undertakes maintenance, he is not permitted to obligate the second lessee to do so.

The scenario in question is only permissible with the controls of a valid lease, a gift contingent on a condition, or a promise of sale or gift.