Book of Hiring (Ijārah)

546 — They unanimously agree that the contract of ijārah is legally valid.

547 — They unanimously agree that a man may rent a specific, identified house from another for a set period and an agreed-upon rent (1).

548 — They unanimously agree that if someone hires an animal to carry ten qafiz (measures) of wheat, loads it with precisely that amount, and the animal then perishes, he is not liable for anything (2).

549 — They unanimously agree that hiring a wet-nurse is permissible.

550 — They unanimously agree that the wet-nurse’s food, clothing, and general maintenance are not an obligation upon the employer.

551 — They unanimously agree that if such maintenance is expressly stipulated and the amount is known, the condition is valid.

552 — They unanimously agree that a man may hire his own mother, sister, daughter, or maternal aunt to breast-feed his child.

553 — They unanimously agree that leasing houses and riding animals is permissible when the time and the rent are specified, both parties understand the terms of the contract, and it is clarified who will reside in the house, ride the animal, and what loads may be placed upon it (3).

554 — They unanimously agree that renting carpets and garments is lawful.

555 — They unanimously agree that it is permissible for a man to hire another for daytime work, provided the wage and the duration are specified.

556 — They unanimously agree that hiring tents, litters, and loaned goods is permissible, so long as the exact item to be rented is a present object that both parties have inspected, and the period and the wage are fixed.

557 — They unanimously agree that payment to professional female mourners and singers is invalid.