Is a contract valid if a Muslim rents himself out to a Dhimmi for work to be completed on the Dhimmi's responsibility?
Chapter on Selling the Musarrah (Animal with milk retained in udder)
Al-Mughni
Book of Sales
Primary text
The contract is valid if a Muslim hires himself out to a Dhimmi (non-Muslim citizen under protection) to perform work for which the Dhimmi is responsible. This is supported by the action of Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, who rented himself out to a Jew, receiving one date for every bucket of water drawn, and he brought that to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who ate it. Furthermore, a man from the Ansar did likewise, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not disapprove. The justification is that there is no humiliation (*sighar*) involved in this arrangement.