The concept of *khalu al-rajul* and an explanation of its forms.

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner : What is the ruling on *khalu al-rajul*?

The Shaykh : *Khalu al-rajul*—may Allah bless you—has two forms. This term, though it is a colloquial expression, either its meaning is realized or it is not. That is: a house or property that has not yet been inhabited does not qualify for this term, *khalu al-rajul*, because no foot has trodden it. This is clear. Therefore, this falls under the category of consuming people's wealth unjustly, and it is not permissible, according to a single opinion. However, if you are in a house or property, and this is a means or cause for earning the sustenance that Allah has decreed for you, and a person comes to you and offers that you vacate this place for him, this is truly called *khalu al-rajul*. You vacate the place for him, of course, in exchange for something; because you are going to suffer some loss or delay if you leave this place and move to another. So, you and he agree on what you have agreed upon, and it is lawful, because the believers are bound by their conditions. As for building a new structure that has not yet been inhabited, and announcing that it is *khalu* for such-and-such, with an annual or monthly rent of such-and-such, this is among the things by which Muslims in the present age have been afflicted by consuming people's wealth unjustly. Yes.