What is the legal ruling on the food and utensils of those who are not People of the Book (e.g., Magians and idolaters)?
Chapter on Utensils
Al-Mughni
Book of Purification
Primary text
The ruling concerning the garments of those not considered People of the Book follows the ruling of the *Ahl al-Dhimma* (People of the Covenant). Regarding their utensils, Al-Qadi states they should not be used because their utensils inevitably contain their food, and their slaughtered animals are considered carrion (dead matter). However, Abu al-Khattab holds that their garments and utensils are pure and permissible unless impurity is certain, citing the evidence that the Prophet (PBUH) and his Companions performed ablution from a waterskin belonging to a polytheist (*mushrik*), and that the default is purity.
Supporting text
The apparent view of Ahmad aligns with Al-Qadi; he stated that one should only eat fruit from the Magians because the used utensils are presumed impure from their food, similar to their lower garments. If a Christian eats pork where it is permissible, or eats carrion, or slaughters without proper instruments (like using a fingernail), they are ruled as non-People of the Book due to the impurity of their food.