I have a non-Muslim, non-Book of the Book female servant in my home. Is this forbidden for me, given that I order her to wear the hijab and she complies?
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The questioner : The questioner says: I have a non-Muslim, non-Book of the Book female servant in my home. Is this forbidden for me, given that I order her to wear the hijab and they comply? Please guide me in light of my question?
The Shaykh : There is no doubt that a Muslim servant, whether male or female, is better than a disbelieving servant, as Allah Blessed and Exalted is He said:[Al-Baqarah 2:221] and He said: [Al-Baqarah 2:221] It is not befitting for a person to hire a non-Muslim servant if he is able to hire a Muslim servant. Furthermore, if the servant is a woman, it is necessary that she have a mahram (a relative one may not marry), because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) Sahih al-Bukhari 1862 However, if one is afflicted with a non-Muslim servant, whether male or female, let him present Islam to him, call him to it, encourage him in it, and win his heart to it, even by increasing his salary or giving him extra money beyond his salary, because that is part of calling to the truth. And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said to 'Ali ibn Abi Talib: Sahih al-Bukhari 3701.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : There is no doubt that a Muslim servant, whether male or female, is better than a disbelieving servant, as Allah Blessed and Exalted is He said:
And a believing slave is better than a polytheist, even though he might please you.
وَلَعَبْدٌ مُؤْمِنٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ مُشْرِكٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَكُمْAnd a believing slave woman is better than a polytheist, even though she might please you.
وَلَأَمَةٌ مُؤْمِنَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ مُشْرِكَةٍ وَلَوْ أَعْجَبَتْكُمْA woman should not travel except with a Dhu-Mahram
نهى عن أن تسافر المرأة إلا مع ذي محرمfor by Allah, if one man is guided on the right path (i.e. converted to Islam) through you, it would be better for you than (a great number of) red camels.
فوالله لأن يهدي الله بك رجلاً واحداً خير لك من حمر النعمThe questioner : May Allah reward you with good.