A Comparative Study of the Lease of Undivided Property in Imami Shi‘a and Hanafi Jurisprudence, with a Focus on the Civil Codes of Afghanistan and Iran
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58342/ghalibqj.V.15.I.2.8Keywords:
Consent, Disposition, Lease, Undivided Property, Validity, Co-ownerAbstract
Background and Objective: Undivided property refers to property in which the ownership interests of the co-owners are distributed and extended throughout all parts of the property, such that each co-owner has a share in every part of it, and no co-owner can claim exclusive ownership over any specific portion. One of the important issues concerning undivided property is the manner in which co-owners may exercise their rights over such property. The question that arises is whether one of the co-owners may lease their share of the undivided property. What are the approaches of Hanafi and Imami jurisprudence and, consequently, the legal systems of Afghanistan and Iran to this issue?
Method: To answer the above questions, the author employs a descriptive-analytical research method with a comparative approach and collects data through library research. The study compares the views of Imami and Hanafi jurists and examines the positions of the Civil Code of Iran and the Civil Code of Afghanistan regarding the issue in question, thereby clarifying its various dimensions.
Findings: The findings indicate that Hanafi jurisprudence considers the lease of undivided property to a person other than a co-owner invalid, whereas the majority of Imami jurists hold that such a lease is permissible and valid. Furthermore, the Civil Code of Iran permits the lease of undivided property and makes the delivery of the leased property subject to the consent of the co-owners. The Civil Code of Afghanistan, adopting an approach different from that of Hanafi jurisprudence, expressly permits the lease of undivided property without distinction between a co-owner and a third party.
Conclusion: The mere fact that property is undivided does not prevent the validity of leasing an undivided share, and each co-owner may exercise rights over their share within the limits of the law, provided that the lessee’s use does not prejudice the rights of the other co-owners. The Civil Code of Iran, by distinguishing between the validity of the lease and the manner of delivery of the leased property, and Afghan law, by recognizing the permissibility of leasing undivided property, emphasize the necessity of safeguarding the rights of the other co-owners.
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