Is it permissible to grant aid to reconcile the hearts of certain prominent Muslims?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Deposits
Primary text
It is permissible to grant aid to prominent Muslim leaders who have counterparts among disbelievers, as it is hoped that this will encourage the conversion of their peers or strengthen their good intentions, as exemplified by Abu Bakr granting aid to 'Adi ibn Hatim and Al-Zubayran ibn Al-Badr, both of whom had good intentions and were Muslims. Aid is also given to respected tribal leaders hoping to strengthen their faith and resolve in Jihad, citing the Prophet's actions in giving to 'Uyaynah ibn Hisn and Al-Aqra' ibn Habis, and his statement to the Ansar explaining that he was reconciling the hearts of those newly accustomed to disbelief.
Supporting text
The Prophet's justification for giving preferential treatment to some companions over others, even those who had fought bravely, was that he was giving to those whose hearts contained fear and dread to reconcile them, while relying on the existing faith and wealth of others like 'Amr ibn Taghlab. Furthermore, a narration from Anas confirms that the Prophet gave heavily to certain Quraysh individuals because they were recently converted, stating, "I give to men whose hearts have recently embraced disbelief to reconcile them."