What are the differences and boundaries between a contract of جعالة (reward-based contract) and a contract of إجارة (lease/hire contract) for a specific work, and what is the ruling on not completing the agreed-upon work in each of them?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Scholars have differentiated between (leasing/hiring) and ju'alah (commission/reward) based on three fundamental distinctions: whether the contract is binding or non-binding, whether the work (its duration and quantity) is known or unknown, and whether the worker is specified or unspecified. Ijarah is a binding and known contract, whereas ju'alah is a non-binding contract, and the work within it may be unknown or involve (uncertainty). Some transactions may oscillate between ju'alah and ijarah, such as a doctor's condition for curing a patient or a teacher's condition for teaching the Quran.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 168363
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy