Is money taken in exchange for a pharmacy license, without actually working in it, considered haram, whether by agreement to split profits equally or in the case of a sub-lease (renting the pharmacy to another party for a fixed annual amount)? And what should be done with the money taken if it is haram?
The ruling on the price of "Jah" (influence/prestige) that you pay for a license to open a pharmacy has been subject to differing opinions among scholars, some deeming it forbidden (), others disliked (), and some providing a detailed explanation. The preponderant opinion is the detailed one: if the owner of the "Jah" exerted effort, then he is entitled to a fair wage (ujrat al-mithl); otherwise, he is not. The religiously permissible alternative is for the license holder to perform work in the establishment and receive a known wage for it. However, if the amount paid for the premises is considered as rent, then there is no objection, and the owner of the premises is entitled to it. Regarding the amounts you previously took from your relative in exchange for the license, please refer to no. 45660.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 66776
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
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