Is it permissible to hire someone to transport prohibited items like wine, pigs, or carrion for consumption?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Leasing
Primary text
It is not permissible to hire someone to carry wine for the purpose of drinking it, nor to carry a pig or carrion for consumption. This is the position of Abu Yusuf, Muhammad, and Al-Shafi'i. The ruling is based on the act being hiring for a prohibited action, thus invalid, drawing an analogy with adultery. Furthermore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed the carrier and the one for whom it is carried.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa argued for permissibility because the specific action is not defined for the worker; if someone else carried it, it would be permissible. He also suggested it would be permissible if the intent was to pour out the wine or discard the carrion. A narration from Ahmad permitted the payment for carrying a pig or carrion or wine for a Christian, but the prevailing view (Madhhab) contradicts this narration, interpreting the permission as applying only when the intent was to pour it out or discard it, as consumption makes it forbidden to take the wage.