Answer: It is not permissible to assault a non-Muslim who has entered Muslim territory under a safe-conduct agreement (ʿaqd al-amān), for he is under the guarantee (dhimmah) of the Muslims. Betraying that guarantee is forbidden, and no aggression may be shown toward him so long as he remains in Muslim lands enjoying the recognized safety and public order. Allah, exalted is He, has commanded us to honor covenants, as He says: “And if one of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the speech of Allah; then convey him to his place of safety” (Qur’an 9:6).

If, however, he commits an offense that warrants punishment, the matter is to be handled by the ruler (walī al-amr); private individuals are not allowed to punish him, for that would lead to chaos and transgression. Should he do something that undermines the religion of the Muslims or harms them, the case must be presented to the ruler so that he may mete out the appropriate punishment to the offender.

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Working in Churches and Accepting Wages for It

Question: I worked in a church for daily wages. What is the ruling on the money I received— is it lawful or unlawful? Please advise me; may Allah reward you with every good.

Answer: It is impermissible for a Muslim to work in places devoted to shirk (associationism) and the worship of others besides Allah—such as churches, tomb-shrines, and the like—for by doing so he endorses falsehood and helps its people. Such work is forbidden, and any wages earned from it are unlawful income. He must repent to Allah, exalted is He. If he were to give the sum he received in charity, that would better clear his liability and serve as evidence of the sincerity of his remorse and repentance.