It is stated in "Al­Mughny" (vol. 8, pp. 414­415): "It is not permissible to seek the help of the Mushriks." Ibn Al­Mundhir, Al­Jawzajany, and a group of scholars held the same opinion. However, Ahmad recorded a Hadith which indicates the permissibility of seeking their help. Al­Khiraqy is of the opinion that it is permissible to seek their help when necessary. This is also the opinion of Al­Shafi`y for the Hadith which was narrated by Al­Zuhry as mentioned above and the narration of the Hadith of Safwan ibn Umayyah. The Mushrik whose help is sought must have a good opinion with regard to the Muslims; otherwise it is not permissible to seek his help. Since the help of an untrustworthy Muslim, like one who weakens the morale of the Muslims and spreads rumors to dishearten them, is forbidden to be sought, the help of the disbeliever is also forbidden to be sought in this case.

After he quoted the Hadith related to the permissibility and the impermissibility of seeking the help of the Mushriks, Al­Hafizh said in his book, "Al­Talkhis": The common ground between the Hadith of `Aishah, the Hadith of Safwan ibn Umayyah, and the Hadith Mursal (a Hadith with no Companion of the Prophet in the chain of narration) of Al­Zuhry are represented in the following points which were transmitted by Al­Bayhaqy from Al­ Shafi`y: First, the Prophet (peace be upon him) felt that the man would embrace Islam so he sent him back hoping that he would accept Islam and he was correct. However, this view is questionable bearing in mind that the wording of the Hadith indicates generality, in the form of a negated indefinite expression. Second, it might mean that the matter should be referred to the Imam; however, this view is also questionable. Third, it might also mean that seeking the help of Mushriks was initially prohibited but this prohibition was later lifted by a concession; this opinion is the closest to correctness, and it was adopted by Al­Shafi`y.

It is stated in "Al­Furu`" (vol. 6, pp. 49­50) "Seeking the help of the Mushriks is Makruh unless necessary." A group of scholars said, "It is permissible when necessary to seek the help of the Mushrik who can be trusted with the Muslim's affairs." He added in Al­Muharir, "When his power depends on the enemy."

Al­San`any (may Allah be pleased with him) said in his book Subul Al­Salam (vol. 4, pp. 49­50) in his explanation of the Hadith narrated by `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), "Go back for I will not seek the help of a Mushrik," "According to a group of scholars, this Hadith indicates that it is not permissible to seek the help of Mushrik in fighting." However,

Al­Hadwiyyah, Abu Hanifah and his followers believe that this matter is permissible because the Prophet (peace be upon him) sought the help of Safwan ibn Umayyah in the Battle of Hunayn, and he also sought the help of the Jews of Banu Qaynuqa` and agreed on their opinion.This was recorded by Abu Dawud, and Al­Tirmidhyon the authority of Al­Zuhry as a Hadith Mursal. However, the Hadith Mursal which are narrated by Al­Zuhry are Da`if (a Hadith that fails to reach the status of Hasan, due to a weakness in the chain of narration or one of the narrators). Al­Dhahaby said: Because he used to make mistakes and so the Hadith which he narrates contain doubtful matters and Tadlis (misrepresentation resulting from a Hadith narrator who provides misleading information about his shaykh or the chain of narration). Al­Bayhaqy recorded on the authority of Abu Hamid Al­ Sa`idy that the Prophet (peace be upon him) sent the Mushriks back.

The above mentioned are the opinions of the scholars that we could collect on this question. May Allah grant us success! Peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions! `Abdul­`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz