⚖ Shar‘i Ruling on Appointing Non-Muslims to Official Posts in a Muslim State
✍ Answered by: Al-ʿĀlim Khidr Ḥayāt ḥafiẓahullāh
What is the Islamic ruling regarding appointing non-Muslims to various posts in a Muslim state?
This issue has two distinct scenarios, each with its own Shar‘i implications:
✔ This is permissible, provided that:
– Islamic interests and Muslim welfare are protected
– The role does not grant access to sensitive or strategic matters
– It is strictly professional, without compromising Islamic values
Scholars have mentioned specific conditions for such appointments to safeguard the religious and political well-being of Muslims.
✘ This is not permissible in any form within an Islamic government.
✔ Scholars have discussed this in detail, and the prohibition is based on clear principles from the Qur’an and Sunnah.
"يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا بِطَانَةً مِّن دُونِكُمْ لَا يَأْلُونَكُمْ خَبَالًا ۚ وَدُّوا مَا عَنِتُّمْ"
(Āl ʿImrān: 118)
“O you who believe! Do not take as intimates those other than yourselves. They will not fail to ruin you and love to see you suffer.”
✔ This verse prohibits entrusting outsiders with internal matters, especially when harm to the Muslim Ummah is likely.
“Due to appointing People of the Book as secretaries and close associates, situations have become chaotic. Foolish rulers have given them leadership positions.”
➤ He cited the case when ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (رضي الله عنه) severely rebuked a companion for appointing a Christian scribe, reciting the verse from Sūrah Āl ʿImrān.
(Tafsīr al-Qurṭubī, 4/179)
✔ He cited dozens of verses to show:
– Disbelievers are not genuine well-wishers of Muslims
– It is forbidden to make them in charge of Muslim affairs
"Giving them leadership is akin to showing them friendship and honor, whereas Islam commands disavowal of their falsehood and discourages honoring them through posts of authority."
(Aḥkām Ahl al-Dhimmah, 1/340)
✘ Appointing non-Muslims to official posts in an Islamic government is Sharʿan impermissible.
✔ It poses risks to Muslim interests, contradicts Qur’anic principles, and elevates those whom Islam considers unfit for authority over Muslims.
✍ Answered by: Al-ʿĀlim Khidr Ḥayāt ḥafiẓahullāh
Question:
What is the Islamic ruling regarding appointing non-Muslims to various posts in a Muslim state?
Answer:
This issue has two distinct scenarios, each with its own Shar‘i implications:
① Appointing Non-Muslims to General Jobs or Employment
✔ This is permissible, provided that:
– Islamic interests and Muslim welfare are protected
– The role does not grant access to sensitive or strategic matters
– It is strictly professional, without compromising Islamic values
Scholars have mentioned specific conditions for such appointments to safeguard the religious and political well-being of Muslims.② Appointing Non-Muslims to Governmental Offices or Official Posts
✘ This is not permissible in any form within an Islamic government.
✔ Scholars have discussed this in detail, and the prohibition is based on clear principles from the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Qur’anic Evidence:
"يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا بِطَانَةً مِّن دُونِكُمْ لَا يَأْلُونَكُمْ خَبَالًا ۚ وَدُّوا مَا عَنِتُّمْ"
(Āl ʿImrān: 118)
“O you who believe! Do not take as intimates those other than yourselves. They will not fail to ruin you and love to see you suffer.”
✔ This verse prohibits entrusting outsiders with internal matters, especially when harm to the Muslim Ummah is likely.
🗣 Sayings of the Scholars
Imām al-Qurṭubī (رحمه الله)
“Due to appointing People of the Book as secretaries and close associates, situations have become chaotic. Foolish rulers have given them leadership positions.”
➤ He cited the case when ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (رضي الله عنه) severely rebuked a companion for appointing a Christian scribe, reciting the verse from Sūrah Āl ʿImrān.
(Tafsīr al-Qurṭubī, 4/179)
Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) – Summary from Aḥkām Ahl al-Dhimmah
✔ He cited dozens of verses to show:
– Disbelievers are not genuine well-wishers of Muslims
– It is forbidden to make them in charge of Muslim affairs
"Giving them leadership is akin to showing them friendship and honor, whereas Islam commands disavowal of their falsehood and discourages honoring them through posts of authority."
(Aḥkām Ahl al-Dhimmah, 1/340)
Conclusion
✘ Appointing non-Muslims to official posts in an Islamic government is Sharʿan impermissible.✔ It poses risks to Muslim interests, contradicts Qur’anic principles, and elevates those whom Islam considers unfit for authority over Muslims.
