Question:

It has become widespread among people in this era—especially business owners—to say that “the disbeliever is better than the Muslim.” This is incorrect, to the extent that most companies have started restricting employment to disbelievers instead of Muslims. This is a serious matter. We request your Eminence to issue a general Friday sermon that is sufficient to refute such ignorant people who embrace Islam merely by name, so that everyone may know the danger of this statement, especially since the Friday sermon is attended by all people.

Answer:

This was already pointed out in the previous lecture by Sheikh Salih Al-Fawzan, during the lecture on the past Friday night, warning against this matter.

The statement made by some people that “the disbeliever is better than the Muslim” or that “Christians are better than Muslims” is apostasy from Islam—we seek refuge in Allah. This is a tremendous evil. Whoever says that the disbelievers are better than the Muslims has imitated the Jews in their statement to the disbelievers: “You are better guided than the believers.” This is a major munkar (reprehensible evil).

Even if a disbeliever strives to improve his goods, market them well, and be truthful in certain business matters, he possesses deep disbelief, misguidance, and immense corruption that indicates his vileness, harmfulness, and corruption, making him among the filthiest and most evil of creatures.

A Muslim, even if he has some sins, is much better than a disbeliever, because he possesses faith in Allah and His Messenger, and he possesses the Tawhid (Oneness) of Allah. He is better than the disbeliever in many respects, even if he has committed some sins violating his religion. Islam forbids him from sins, treachery, and lying. However, this does not mean disbelievers are better than him! Rather, he is better and better-guided than the disbelievers, despite whatever sins he may have. Nevertheless, it is obligatory for him to fear Allah and beware of sins, lying, and treachery.

If a disbeliever strives to be truthful, improve his goods, or perfect his craft for his immediate, worldly benefit, you—O Muslim—must not be lax in this so as not to become a blemish on the Muslims. Rather, you too must strive to master your craft with honesty, without treachery, and with truthfulness, avoiding lies, so that you do not open a door of evil against the Muslims. You must be extremely cautious of everything Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, has forbidden. However, no Muslim is permitted because of this to say that disbelievers are better than Muslims, or better-guided, or more truthful. This is all falsehood and a tremendous evil, and whoever says this unconditionally has committed “kufr” (disbelief)—we ask Allah for safety.

This is a great affliction, we seek refuge in Allah! Furthermore, it is not permissible to import disbelievers into this Peninsula [Arabian Peninsula], nor is it permissible to employ them for domestic service—whether men or women—or for labor. This Peninsula must be purified of disbelievers; disbelievers must be kept away from it, and none should be imported or employed for it except Muslims, while also thoroughly vetting and exercising caution with Muslims so that only a good Muslim man or woman is employed when the need arises.

As for employing Jews, Christians, Buddhists, or other disbelievers, all of this is a munkar that is not permissible in this Peninsula. The Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded the expulsion of the polytheists from this Peninsula, and said: “If I live, I will surely expel the Jews and Christians from it until I leave nothing but a Muslim.” He then reiterated this instruction at the time of his death, peace and blessings be upon him, and Umar subsequently expelled them.

The point is that this Peninsula is the sanctuary of Islam and its cradle. No second religion is permitted to be established in it; it is never permissible for two religions to remain in it, but rather only a single religion. It is not permissible to bring disbelievers into it except in cases of necessity through the authorities for something that benefits the Muslims and is a necessity—such as an engineer who is needed, or a doctor who is needed, in small, rare quantities upon necessity, just as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, allowed the Jews to stay in Khaybar out of necessity, and then Umar expelled them after the Prophet’s instruction to expel them, peace and blessings be upon him.

The point is that this is a very serious matter that must be guarded against.

Questioner:

The Gulf is full of churches?

The Sheikh:

That is also included in the Peninsula, yes. It is not permissible. Yemen is also included in the Peninsula according to the correct view; it is not permissible for churches to be built therein, nor for Christian schools to be opened, nor is the employment of them approved. Even if those failing in their duties do so, and some rulers are lax, their actions do not constitute a “legal proof” (hujjah).