The question, then, concerned nothing more than attending the market; it did not address a Muslim’s selling to them—either because the inquirer already knew the ruling on that point or because the matter did not arise at the time. Al-Āmidī’s statement can likewise be read both ways. The more plausible construction, however, is that he permits selling as well, for he said, “They are only barred from entering the unbelievers’ shops and churches,” and he also said, “even when one’s aim is to procure those goods and enhance them on their behalf.”

Hence, what Aḥmad allowed—namely, attending the market solely in order to buy, without entering the church—is permissible, for it entails neither witnessing a forbidden act nor assisting anyone in sin. Buying from them is lawful in itself and provides no help in wrongdoing; rather, it diverts from them goods they might otherwise purchase for their festival, thereby curbing the evil.

During the pre-Islamic era there were markets that Muslims attended, and the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—was present at some of them. Among those markets were ones held during the pilgrimage season and others convened for idolatrous festivals.

Moreover, most markets contain items that can be used in disobedience. Attending such a market is like a man who visits a place where weapons are being sold to someone intent on killing an innocent soul, or where juice is being sold to someone who will ferment it into wine; the man himself is present only to make a purchase—and this case is even more defensible, because