Is it permissible for a company that leases space for websites to operate without knowing if the content will be in violation of Sharia, and is it necessary to stipulate that the website be free of forbidden things?

It is permissible to rent out spaces on the Internet to those who establish websites on them for permissible uses, and not for acts of disobedience.

The following controls must be observed:

1. It is impermissible to rent out to one who uses the space for disobedience: The rental is not valid if the space will be used for acts of disobedience, such as pornographic websites, or those that sell forbidden things, or promote innovations (bid'ah) and deviant doctrines, or usurious banks, because that is considered aiding in sin. The contract must be terminated if the tenant violates this condition.

2. Permissibility of renting for a permissible purpose while observing the usage: If the tenant does not apparently use the site for disobedience, there is no harm in renting unless it is highly probable that he will use it for something forbidden. If a person rents a space for a permissible website, and then puts some abominable things on it (such as pictures of women or songs), the rental is valid, and the contract period must be fulfilled. Then, it should not be renewed for him thereafter unless the abominable things are removed.