Is it permissible to seek assistance from a polytheist (mushrik)?

Primary text

Assistance must not be sought from a polytheist. This view is held by Ibn al-Mundhir, al-Jawzajani, and a group of scholars. The primary evidence is the Hadith narrated by Aisha wherein the Prophet, peace be upon him, refused the help of a strong man from the polytheists who wished to join Badr until he affirmed his faith in Allah and His Messenger. The Prophet stated, "I will not seek the assistance of a polytheist." Furthermore, Imam Ahmad narrated that the Prophet refused the company of two men who had not accepted Islam when they offered to join an expedition, stating, "We do not seek the assistance of polytheists against polytheists." The condition for seeking assistance, even if permitted in necessity, is that the one assisted must have good intentions toward the Muslims; otherwise, if one is not trustworthy, assistance is prohibited, paralleling the prohibition against seeking help from a Muslim traitor (mukhzhil) or rumor-monger (murjif).