-
Non-Muslims may stay in the Arabian Peninsula and in other Muslim territories for the purpose of work only, not for permanent residence—such as embassy staff, corporate employees, laborers, traders, and tourists.
-
There is unanimous agreement among the scholars that unbelievers are prohibited from entering the Sacred Precinct of Mecca, in accordance with the Almighty’s words: “O you who believe, the polytheists are indeed impure; so let them not approach al-Masjid al-Ḥarām” (Q 9:28).
Difference of opinion among the scholars
The jurists have differed regarding the entry of non-Muslims into ordinary mosques:
• Imams Mālik and Aḥmad held that such entry is impermissible; if a person in a state of major ritual impurity or menstruation is barred, then a polytheist is even more so.
• Al-Buhūtī states in Kashshāf al-Qināʿ that they may not enter mosques outside the sanctuary even with a Muslim’s permission, because menstruation prevents entry and polytheism is graver. A dhimmī may, however, enter when hired to repair the mosque, as this brings a benefit.
• Al-Sharḥ al-Kabīr and similar works deem the sound view to be that entry is not allowed except with a Muslim’s permission, based on the Prophet ﷺ accommodating the delegation of Ṭāʾif in the mosque before their conversion. This and similar precedents are answered by noting that the Muslims had a genuine need at the time.