غیر مسلموں کے ساتھ تعلقات:استعانت بالمشرکین و اعانت المشرکین کا فقہی و شرعی جائزہ

Relations with Non-Muslims: A Jurisprudential and Shariah-based Analysis of Seeking Assistance from and Aiding Polytheists

Abstract

The article explores the complex jurisprudential debate surrounding the concepts of seeking help from polytheists (isti‘ānah bil-mushrikīn) and helping them (‘awānat al-mushrikīn) in light of The Holy Quran and Islamic jurisprudence. The discussion starts with a linguistic and terminological analysis of the words isti‘ānah, ‘awānah, and mushrikīn, followed by relevant Qur’anic verses and Prophetic traditions that form the foundational texts on the topic. This article then categorizes the issue into four key scenarios based on two factors: (1) whether the assistance involves aligning under the flag or authority of the polytheists, and (2) whether it the assistance does not involve aligning under the flag or authority of the polytheists. Then each scenario is analyzed in terms of its permissibility or prohibition, taking into account Islamic legal maxims (qawā‘id fiqhiyyah), principles of public interest (maṣlaḥah), and the historical precedents from the Prophetic era and early Islamic conquests.