Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
Muslims may rent their property through Airbnb because the transaction itself is lawful. Islamic law considers cooperation in sin to be direct assistance in wrongdoing. Since a host’s agreement is only with the guest and not with other listings on the platform, the income remains halal as long as the property and dealings are lawful.
Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
Islamic Ruling on Renting Property Through Airbnb
Income from renting your beach property through Airbnb is permissible (halal). Listing your property on a global platform does not imply your involvement in wrongdoing, even if the platform also features listings that may be problematic.
Allah says: “Do not cooperate in sin and transgression.” (Al-Ma’idah 5:2)
In Islamic law, cooperation in sin refers to directly assisting or supporting a forbidden activity. Renting out a lawful property to guests is a separate and legitimate transaction.
Why Airbnb Rental Income Is Considered Halal
- Your property is lawfully owned and rented.
- Your transaction is solely between you and your guests.
- The platform merely provides a marketplace service. As a Muslim property owner, you should ensure your listings and interactions align with Islamic ethics to maintain the halal status of your income.
Any unrelated activities conducted by other users of the platform do not render your lawful transaction unlawful.
In summary:
- Renting your property through Airbnb is permissible.
- The income you earn from it is halal.
- Your responsibility is to ensure that your dealings are lawful and honest, which encourages a sense of responsibility and trust in your actions.
If you wish to exercise additional caution, you may choose to give charity from your earnings, which can foster humility and a cautious attitude, while affirming that your income remains permissible.
For more explanation, refer to these fatwas:
- Can Landowners Sell Property to Pay for Hajj?
- Knowingly Buying Stolen Property: Permissible?
- Is Zakah Due on Properties That Are in Debt?
- How to Calculate Zakah on Property Bought for Investment
Almighty Allah knows best.
