Is it permissible for the army commander to purchase anything from the spoils of the Muslims?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
It is not permissible for the army commander to buy anything from the spoils of the Muslims because he might be favored (yuhaaba) in the transaction. Imam 'Umar rejected a purchase made by his son in the battle of Jalula, stating that favoritism was involved. Furthermore, the commander is either the seller or his representative, making it akin to buying from oneself or one's agent.
Supporting text
Imam Ahmad permitted the commander to take items of known value (e.g., goat skins for a certain price) when needed, provided that seeking permission for every small transaction is overly burdensome, similar to excusing the need for agreed wages for taking a bath or riding a boatman's vessel.