{"id":93323,"date":"2025-08-26T07:06:32","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T11:06:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/muslimmatters.org\/?p=93323"},"modified":"2025-08-26T07:06:32","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T11:06:32","slug":"to-buy-or-not-to-buy-that-is-the-question-an-analysis-of-possible-home-purchasing-options-for-muslims-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/muslimmatters.org\/2025\/08\/26\/to-buy-or-not-to-buy-that-is-the-question-an-analysis-of-possible-home-purchasing-options-for-muslims-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"To Buy Or Not To Buy, That Is The Question: An Analysis Of Possible Home Purchasing Options For Muslims In The UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

Disclaimers:<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

No. 1<\/span>. This is <\/span>not<\/span> a\u00a0<\/span>fatwa <\/span>(an Islamic legal ruling), I do not have the authority to issue one. This article is simply a summative analysis of some of the possible options available to Muslims, particularly those living in the United Kingdom, to purchase a suitable accommodation and the Islamic positions regarding these options. If you need a <\/span>fatwa<\/span> for your specific circumstance, please seek out a qualified, competent, and respected scholar in your locality.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

No. 2<\/span>. The fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) scope of this article:<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Fiqh is either madhab-based (according to one of the four established legal schools<\/span>) or comparative, and in both approaches, precise attribution is very important. Therefore, due to my own personal limitations, the fiqh sections of this study will rely on the \u1e24anbali madhhab from the works of both classical and contemporary sources.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Where relevant, I will also refer to the following Fiqh councils and Sharia boards: The European Council for Fatwa & Research; Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI); The International Islamic Fiqh Academy (IIFA); and The Islamic Council of Europe. It should be noted that these respected organisations do not always strictly adhere to a single madhab (some may do so depending on the background of its scholars and the community that they serve) and therefore these institutions may incorporate elements from different madhabs when issuing <\/span>fatwas<\/span> (legal rulings) and resolutions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

_____________________<\/span><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/b><\/h2>\n

Muslims in the UK will have a number of reasons for wanting to purchase a home: a genuine need for a place to live for themselves and their families, or even economic reasons such as investing or retirement planning. Differing scholarly views on the methods to purchase a house have always been one of the most intensely debated topics for the last few decades. Despite the numerous <\/span>fatwas<\/span><\/i>, articles, books, lectures, workshops, and podcasts on the topic, Muslims are far from reaching a decisive conclusion on the matter. This has caused a huge amount of alarm and concern for many Muslims.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this article, I want to delve into the following topics before concluding:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Social and Private Renting;<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Social Dealings and Transactions in Islam;<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Conventional Interest-Based Mortgages;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Islamic Home Purchase Plans;<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Other alternative ways to purchase a house;\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Summary; and<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. The responsibility on the average Muslim\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Before that, let us have a brief look at how the Qur\u2019an and Sunnah view the concept of a home or dwelling.<\/span><\/p>\n

    A Necessity and Place of Peace<\/b><\/h2>\n

    A home is one of the basic necessities for a wholesome and balanced life. Allah \"sub\u1e25\u0101nahu says in the Qur\u2019an:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201c<\/span>And Allah has made your homes a place to rest\u2026\u201d <\/span><\/i>[Qur\u2019an: 16:80]<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"home

    “A house in Arabic is called a \u2018maskan\u2019 because it offers inhabitants a place away from the demands and pressures of the outside world to find peace, tranquillity, and rest.” [PC: Julian Hochgesang (unsplash)]<\/p><\/div>The purpose of a house is to allow humans to enjoy peace and comfort for their heart, body, and mind. Since most people work outside of their homes, the real purpose of a home is to return after a hard day\u2019s work and enjoy a sense of peace and rest. In the highly commercial world that we live in, people often spend huge amounts of money on extravagant fixtures and furnishings, which can sometimes diminish the main purpose of a home, which is to bring peace and comfort. When elegant houses are compared to modest (even smaller) homes, the dweller who is blessed with peace and comfort in his heart, body, and mind is certainly in a better position. As we can see, peace is the highest purpose and the greatest aim for possessing a home.<\/span>1<\/a><\/sup> Tafsir Ibn Kathir (Qur\u2019an.com)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    In fact, the Arabic term \u2018<\/span>maskan<\/span><\/i>,\u2019 which also means house, is derived from the Arabic verb \u2018<\/span>sakana<\/span><\/i>,\u2019 which means to calm down, to be at ease, and to feel tranquil. Hence, the words \u2018<\/span>sukun<\/span><\/i>\u2019 and \u2018<\/span>sakinah<\/span><\/i>\u2019 mean calmness, tranquillity, peacefulness, serenity, etc.<\/span>2<\/a><\/sup>aboutislam.com<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Therefore, a house in Arabic is called a \u2018<\/span>maskan<\/span><\/i>\u2019 because it offers inhabitants a place away from the demands and pressures of the outside world to find peace, tranquillity, and rest.<\/span>3<\/a><\/sup>Ibid<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    The Prophet \"\u1e63allall\u0101hu said:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cPart of a man\u2019s happiness includes a good neighbour, a comfortable mount and a spacious abode.\u201d4<\/a><\/sup>Narrated by Ahmed (15409), classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani in \u2018Saheeh al-Jaami,\u2019 no. 3029<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    In another Hadith, he (saw) said:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cFour things are part of happiness: a righteous wife, a spacious abode, a good neighbour, and a comfortable mount. And four things are part of misery: a bad wife, a bad neighbour, a bad mount, and a small abode.\u201d5<\/a><\/sup>Classed as Saheeh by al-Albaani in \u2018Saheeh al-Jaami,\u2019 no. 887<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

    We are also taught by the Prophet (saw) to make <\/span>dua<\/span><\/i> to Allah (swt) for a spacious home. The Messenger (saw) is reported to have said in <\/span>dua<\/span><\/i> one night:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \u201cOh Allah, forgive me my sins, make my house spacious and bless me in that which You have provided for me.\u201d6<\/a><\/sup>From a report narrated by al-Tirmidhi (3500), classed as Hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami\u2019 (1265)<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    Now that we have established that a home is a necessary part of the life of every human being and a cause for their worldly delight, let us explore some of the ways Muslims can secure a place to live in the UK. Some have argued that a residential home can be acquired through renting, whether in the social or private sector, and therefore, purchasing a home is not really required.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Let us start by exploring these two options:<\/span><\/p>\n

    SECTION 1: SOCIAL AND PRIVATE RENTING<\/b><\/h3>\n

    Social Housing<\/i><\/b><\/h4>\n

    Gone are the days when anyone who applied for a home through their local council would eventually be given one to rent (after spending a period of time on the waiting list). Nowadays, for the vast majority of local councils, socially rented homes are reserved for those who have a particular need (e.g., those with a disability) who are unable to rent in the open market.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    This is due to the housing crisis in the UK, which is one of the biggest economic and social challenges the country faces. Soaring housing prices, leading to a shrinking social housing stock and increasing homelessness, have left millions of households without the ability to secure stable and affordable housing.<\/span>7<\/a><\/sup>www.tenantsupporthelpline.co.uk\/blog\/uk-housing-crisis\/<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Furthermore, the Localism Act 2011 has seen an end to \u2018lifetime tenancies\u2019, allowing local authorities and registered housing associations to offer fixed-term tenancies (ranging between one, two, or five years, depending on the local council) and also introduce different levels of rent (social and intermediate).8<\/a><\/sup>www.prince-evans.co.uk <\/span><\/span>\u00a0 Even those with \u2018lifetime tenancies\u2019 could face massive rent increases pegged to their earnings or local private rent levels, which has been debated by the Government several years ago. 9<\/a><\/sup>https:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/professional_resources\/policy_and_research\/policy_library\/consultation_response_pay_to_stay<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    Nevertheless, if you are one of those few people in the country with a council home and a lifetime tenancy, and social rent, you are in an extremely rare and privileged position, one that you should be very thankful to Allah for!<\/span><\/p>\n

    Private Renting<\/i><\/b><\/h4>\n

    In the private sector, there are huge differences in rent levels across the country, making main cities very expensive for those on an average salary. This has led to a new diaspora of young people moving out of big, expensive cities like London to more affordable places in the UK.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Moreover, if you rent from a private landlord, the landlord is entitled to take their property back at any time. They can serve you a notice for eviction and ask you and your family to vacate the property.10<\/a><\/sup>https:\/\/england.shelter.org.uk\/housing_advice\/eviction\/eviction_notices_from_private_landlords<\/span><\/span> Coupled with this huge risk of lack of security, private renters also often have to accept very poor living conditions due to the lack of affordable housing in their local area.11<\/a><\/sup>Two million private renters put up with poor conditions to find a home (Shelter, May 2022)<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

    These are some of the challenges that lead some Muslims to the decision of wanting to own their own home in order to avoid the pitfalls of being trapped in private renting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    SECTION 2: SOCIAL DEALINGS AND TRANSACTIONS IN ISLAM\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

    It is important at the beginning of this section to point out the following:12<\/a><\/sup>Dr. Al-Haj, \u2018Umdat al-Fiqh Explained,\u2019 p. 479-840. \u2018Umdat ul-Fiqh\u2019 is a summary of the fiqh of Ahmed ibn Hanbal by one of the greatest jurists of the Hanbali Madhab, Imam Ibn Qudamah al-Maqdisi (1147-1223).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Islam encourages work, development, and progress, as the Messenger of Allah \"\u1e63allall\u0101hu said:<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \u201cThe strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak one. Be keen to do what benefits you; rely on Allah and do not act as though you are powerless. When you have a problem, do not say: \u2018If I had done such and such, the result would have been such and such\u2019. Rather, you should say: \u2018This was decreed by Allah, and Allah does what He wills.\u2019 For saying \u2018If\u2019 opens the gate for Satan.\u201d<\/span><\/i>13<\/a><\/sup>Sahih Muslim 2664 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Allah \"sub\u1e25\u0101nahu has entrusted us with the responsibility to care for and cultivate the earth.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
          \n
        1. While Islam recognises the brokenness of the heart before Allah \"sub\u1e25\u0101nahu to be a virtue, it does <\/span>not condemn wealth and prosperity, nor does it condone poverty. This is clearly shown where the Messenger of Allah \"\u1e63allall\u0101hu said to \u2018Amr ibn al-Aa\u1e63:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          \u201cLawful money is excellent for a righteous man.\u201d14<\/a><\/sup>Adab al-Mufrad (297) by Imam Bukhari, graded Sahih according to al-Albaani<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

          In this hadith, there is a reference to the two factors that determine whether or not money is <\/span>a blessing for someone: how the person acquired it (lawful, i.e., halal money) and how he or <\/span>she spends it.<\/span><\/p>\n

            \n
          1. Islam cautions that one must rely on Allah \"sub\u1e25\u0101nahu, for it is He Who decides who earns money <\/span>and how much they will earn. A person who seeks money through haram (forbidden) means will not truly benefit from it by becoming content and feeling blessed. The Messenger of Allah \"\u1e63allall\u0101hu said:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            \u201cO people, fear Allah and be moderate in seeking a living, for no soul will die until it has received all its provision, even if it is slow in coming. So fear Allah and be moderate in seeking provision; take that which is permissible and leave that which is forbidden.”15<\/a><\/sup>Sunan Ibn Majah 2144<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Finally, wealth is condemnable if it distracts the heart from seeking Allah’s \"sub\u1e25\u0101nahu Pleasure, or if it causes one to be arrogant and disrespectful.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Therefore, there is nothing inherently wrong with wanting to purchase a home, whether one is driven by a genuine need or even a wish or desire, as long as purchasing a house can be done in a <\/span>halal <\/span><\/i>(permissible) manner.\u00a0 Before we look at the means by which Muslims purchase homes in the UK, let us explore the conditions for valid transactions that are found in our books of <\/span>Fiqh<\/span><\/i> (Islamic jurisprudence).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

              Selling and Trading in Islam\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/h4>\n

              Selling is permissible by consensus.16<\/a><\/sup> \u2018Muntaha al-Iraadaat\u2019 by Taqi ad-Din Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Fatuhi al-Hanbali (died 1520) also known as Ibn an-Najar is based on the official opinions of the Hanbali Madhhab. This is taken from Shar Muntaha al-Iraadaat li al-Buhuti (Maktaba al-Shamela), by Imam Yunus al-Buhuti (1592 \u2013 1641) who was one of the greatest specialists of the Hanbali Madhab.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

              \"handshake\"

              “Muslim scholars agree on the permissibility of trade in general, as Allah sub\u1e25\u0101nahu wa ta’\u0101la (glorified and exalted be He) has widened its rulings and has not prevented transactions except if they contain harm for the creation in their religion or their wealth.” [PC: Cytonn Photography (unsplash)]<\/p><\/div>Allah \"sub\u1e25\u0101nahu says:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

              \u201c<\/span>But Allah has permitted trading and forbidden Riba.<\/span><\/i>\u201d [Qur\u2019an: 2: 275]<\/span><\/p>\n

              Therefore, many aspects of trade are <\/span>halal<\/span><\/i> (permissible) according to the Qur\u2019an, Sunnah, the consensus of the scholars, and <\/span>qiyas<\/span><\/i> (analogical deduction).17<\/a><\/sup>This is taken from \u2018The Summary of Islamic Jurisprudence\u2019 By Dr Shaykh Dr Saalih Al-Fawzan which is based on his explanation of \u2018Ar-Rawdul-Murbi’ fi Sharh Zadul-Mastaqni’ (vol 2, p. 9), by Imam Yunus al-Buhuti (1592 \u2013 1641) was one of the greatest specialists of the Hanbali Madhab. <\/span><\/span> Muslim scholars agree on the permissibility of trade in general, as Allah \"sub\u1e25\u0101nahu has widened its rulings and has not prevented transactions except if they contain harm for the creation in their religion or their wealth.<\/span>18<\/a><\/sup>al-Sa\u2019di, \u2018Nur al-Basai\u2019r\u2019 (1991), p. 32<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

              Pillars & Conditions required for Halal (Permissible) Transactions in Islam and their possible Hinderances or Impediments<\/i><\/b><\/h4>\n

              The following is a summarised framework based on the authorised Hanbali view from \u2018<\/span>Shar\u1e25 al-Muntaha al-Iraadaat’:19<\/a><\/sup>al-Buhuti, \u2018Shar Muntaha al-Iraadaat,\u2019 (Maktaba al-Shamela)<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n