he fears that disobeying the order will expose him to harm, does that constitute an excuse for him or not?

He replied:

Praise be to Allah. As for non-Muslims under a covenant of protection, although they are allowed what they are entitled to under their religion, they may not sell wine to a Muslim, give it to him as a gift, or assist him with it in any way. They may not press grapes to make wine for a Muslim, carry it for him, or sell it to a Muslim or a protected non-Muslim. All these prohibitions are conditions imposed upon them under the covenant of protection. Whenever they do such things, they deserve a punishment that deters them and others like them. As to whether this invalidates their covenant and makes their lives and property forfeit, there are two views within the school of Imam Ahmad and among others.

Likewise, they may not enlist the influence of anyone they serve, anyone among them who has professed Islam, or anyone else, to engage openly in any wrongdoing. Rather, just as they must be punished, so too must anyone who assists them in any of these matters, whether through his influence or otherwise.

If a protected non-Muslim drinks wine, is he subject to the prescribed punishment? The jurists hold three views: some say that he is; others say that he is not; and others say that he is if he becomes intoxicated. This concerns cases in which he does so openly among Muslims. As for what they do privately in their homes, without harming Muslims in any way, they are not to be interfered with.

Accordingly, if they will not desist from openly displaying wine, assisting Muslims with it, or selling it or giving it as gifts to Muslims unless it is poured away