can only be achieved by upholding Allah’s religion, making His word prevail, and humbling the enemies of Allah Most High. Let anyone seeking a lesson consider the conduct of Nūr al-Dīn, Saladin, and then al-ʿĀdil: how Allah established their power, supported them, enabled them to conquer lands, and humbled their enemies before them because of what they did in this regard. Let him also consider the conduct of those who allied themselves with the Christians, and how Allah Most High humbled and frustrated them. The Muslims have no need of them, and all praise belongs to Allah.

Khālid ibn al-Walīd—may Allah be pleased with him—wrote to ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb—may Allah be pleased with him—saying:

“There is a Christian scribe in Syria without whom its land-tax administration cannot function.”

He wrote back: “Do not employ him.”

Khālid wrote: “We cannot do without him.”

ʿUmar wrote back: “Do not employ him.”

Khālid wrote: “If we do not appoint him, the revenue will be lost.”

ʿUmar—may Allah be pleased with him—wrote back: “The Christian is dead. Peace.”

It is established in the authentic collection that a polytheist caught up with the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, intending to fight alongside him. The Prophet told him: “I do not seek the assistance of a polytheist.”

Just as employing troops to fight in Allah’s cause is only proper when they are Muslims and believers, so too can those who assist the troops with their finances and duties set their affairs right only if they are Muslims and believers. Among the Muslims are enough people to meet all their needs, and all praise belongs to Allah.

Abū Mūsā al-Ashʿarī—may Allah be pleased with him—went in to see ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb—may Allah be pleased with him—