Matin Research Journal

Matin Research Journal

Transactions with Unlawful Motive and its Jurisprudential Effects, with an Approach to Imam Khomeini's Opinions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Seifullah Mudabber Chaharborj 1
Mohammed Asadi 2
1 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Humanities, Department of Law, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2 PhD graduate, Faculty of Theology, Department of Jurisprudence and Fundamentals of Islamic Law, University of Qom, Qom, Iran.
10.22034/matin.2025.479823.2293
Abstract
In jurisprudence, the principle is the validity and binding nature (luzum) of transactions, and the parties, based on the principle of party autonomy, can determine the terms and nature of the contract. The main question is if the contracting parties enter into a transaction with an unlawful motive—but without an explicit sinful intent or prior agreement on it—can the transaction still be deemed valid and binding, and can one rely on the principle of party autonomy? Furthermore, in addition to the legal status (hukm wad'i) of validity or nullity, does the Sacred Lawgiver permit the conclusion of such transactions from a devotional (taklifi) perspective?
This research employs a descriptive-analytical method, focusing on the opinions of Imam Khomeini to examine this issue. The findings indicate that Imam Khomeini considers transactions with an unlawful motive in verbal contracts to be forbidden (haram) and void (batil). However, he deems them valid in commutative transactions (mu'atat) that are conducted without formal verbal expression. This view contrasts with the well-known opinion of the majority of jurists, who have issued fatwas upholding the validity (sihhah) of such transactions while considering them reprehensible (makruh). Given the everyday role of transactions in societies, answering this question is of particular importance.
Keywords
Imam Khomeini
Unlawful Motive
Sale (Bai')
Unlawful Purpose/Direction (Jahat-e Nāmashru')
Commutative Transaction (Mu'atat)
Subjects
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Matin Research Journal
Volume 27, Issue 109
Winter 2025
Pages 89-119