and the Christians from the Arabian Peninsula; and while in the throes of his final illness he said, “Expel the polytheists from the Arabian Peninsula.” Therefore, do not bring in a single unbeliever when you are able to hire a Muslim instead.

As for the claim made by one whose heart Allah has caused to die—Allah’s refuge is sought—or, let us say, whose heart Allah has led astray, who argues, “I employ unbelieving laborers because they do not pray, for if they prayed productivity would decline; they do not fast, so the work is unaffected; and they will not go for ʿumrah or ḥajj, so the work will not be interrupted,” such a person—Allah protect us—is among those who have preferred this world to the Hereafter. We ask Allah for well-being.

In conclusion: it is impermissible to initiate the greeting of peace with any unbeliever—whether Jew, Christian, Buddhist, or idol-worshipper. Whoever is not upon Islam may not be greeted first with salām. The Messenger ﷺ said, “When you meet them on a road, force them to its narrowest part,” meaning that we do not clear the way for them. If a group of Muslims and a group of unbelievers meet on a path, the Muslims should not yield passage to them, even if that means spreading out along the road, for granting them the right of way is counted as