Conditions for Agency (Wakala)

Authored by: Fatwas of the Saudi Fatwa Committee

Wakala (Agency) is a trust-based arrangement in Islamic jurisprudence. The following conditions must be met for the validity of wakala:

1. Ownership of the Item:
   
   • The agent (wakīl) must be appointed for a matter that the principal (muwakkil) owns or has the authority to manage.
   • The principal cannot appoint an agent for something outside their ownership or rights.
2. Permissibility of the Task:
   
   • The agent must be tasked with something permissible under Islamic law and within their capacity to execute.
   • The appointed action should be something legally and practically enforceable by the agent.

These conditions ensure that the relationship between the principal and agent is clear, lawful, and in alignment with Shariah.

[Reference: Ibn Yameen, Noor Ala Al-Darb, Vol. 1, Page 251]