or to provide it with oil for its lamps, or to purchase land with the funds so that it become a charitable endowment for the church, or to repair the church or anything of that nature, the bequest is invalid. However, if he stipulates that a structure be built to lodge travellers along the road, or he endows it to a group who will reside in it, the bequest is valid, for there is no sin in erecting the building itself—unless it is made into a prayer-hall for the Christians where they gather for their polytheism.

He added: “I dislike that a Muslim work as a builder, carpenter, or in any other trade in their churches that are used for their worship.”

As for Imām Aḥmad’s view on hiring oneself out to construct a mausoleum (nawūs) and the like, al-Āmidī said: “It is impermissible according to the sole report, because the very benefit contracted for is unlawful. The same applies to being hired to build a church, synagogue, or hermitage, just as it applies to copying their corrupted scriptures.”

Regarding carrying wine, carrion, or swine for either a Christian or a Muslim, we have already cited Aḥmad’s wording: whoever carries wine, swine, or carrion for a Christian is disapproved of eating the wage he receives, yet the porter must still be paid his hire; and if the task is for a Muslim, the disapproval is even more severe. Some scholars added: “It is disliked to transport carrion for payment, or to drag out a dead animal, and the like.” Thereafter, our companions differed over this ruling along three approaches: