Is it permissible for the Imam to hire people to guard, drive, or feed captured spoils (Ghanimah)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Jihad

Book 54 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The Imam has the right to hire individuals to guard, drive, or feed captured war spoils, or the animals taken as spoils. The wages for these services must be paid from the spoils themselves, as this expense is considered part of the maintenance of the spoils, similar to fodder for animals or food for captives. Anyone who hires out their services for such necessary tasks is entitled to permissible wages, as they are offering a service needed by the Muslims.

Supporting text

This ruling applies when the hired person is either walking or riding an animal they personally own, and not an animal designated as spoils or a reserved war horse (faras habees).