Is it permissible to take "khalw al-rajul" (key money) from tenants in commercial shops, and then set a mutually agreed-upon rent for life?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is permissible for the owner to take a premium (khaloo) from the tenant, provided that this premium is considered part of the agreed-upon rent. In the event the contract is terminated before its term expires, the rulings pertaining to rent shall apply to this amount. Scholars have unanimously agreed that it is not permissible to lease for an indefinite period (lifetime) due to the ambiguity of the duration.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/86913
Where this answer came from
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 86913
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy