Discussion on the ruling regarding the employment of non-Muslims in the Arabian Peninsula.

The questioner : The Shaykh Ibn Baz’s response regarding the employment of Christians as workers in the Arabian Peninsula was specific, meaning he did not intend to include the Levant or countries outside the Arabian Peninsula, relying on...

The Shaykh : This, of course, qualifies the previous brother’s question, but the answer remains the same; because the usage we mentioned was in the Arab countries, and it actually refers to a hadith, but I believe that although that hadith is authentic and found in the books of the Sunnah, the time for its application and realization has not yet come; and it is: .

The questioner: Peace be upon you.

The Shaykh : And upon you be peace. The Rightly Guided Caliphs, and those who came after them, allowed non-Muslims to remain in the Arabian Peninsula. During the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs and those after them, non-Muslims, including Jews, Christians, and even Zoroastrians, remained in the Muslim lands. They were not expelled from the abode of Islam as 'Umar ibn al-Khattab expelled the Jews from Khaybar. However, this does not mean that this hadith should be implemented at some point when the conditions are met and circumstances assist in its realization. We do not doubt that the rulers of the Muslims today are the most negligent in implementing and executing certain Islamic legal rulings that are much easier to implement than that hadith: ; meaning, if we were to say frankly that if the Muslim states were to become self-sufficient regarding a group of these employees who are thought to have influence and power in managing the affairs of the Muslim state itself, that would be a major step. As for saying... that every non-Muslim should be expelled from the Arabian Peninsula; this is first of all practically impossible to implement, and it is premature; because there are matters that are more important and easier to implement than that general ruling.

The questioner: Peace be upon you.

The Shaykh : And upon you be peace and the mercy of Allah.
Did I perhaps answer you?

The questioner : Yes, may Allah reward you with good.

The Shaykh : And you, we want to know what the honorable Shaykh’s opinion is.
Muhammad Hashim al-Hadiyyah: No, my opinion is fine.

The Shaykh: Blessed is Allah, perhaps you can also benefit us - as well - in what strengthens us.
Muhammad Hashim al-Hadiyyah: By Allah, we... we are just coming to benefit... we do not have the ability to help you with the expenses.

The Shaykh: . . . May Allah bless you . . .
Muhammad Hashim al-Hadiyyah: We are coming.

The Shaykh : May Allah strengthen you, my brother, may Allah bless you.
Muhammad Hashim al-Hadiyyah: ...