Putting a non-Muslim in charge of the Muslim treasury (bayt al-maal)

 

A Jewish man is in charge of the Muslim treasury bayt
al-maal; he weighs and evaluates the dirhams (coins) that are
paid in or out, and his word is accepted. Is it permissible for him to be
in charge or not? Will the ruler be rewarded if he fires him and replaces
him with a trustworthy Muslim? Will those who help him to do that also be
rewarded?

Praise be to Allaah. 

It is not permitted for a Jew to be in charge of that,
and it is not permitted to leave him in that position. It is not permitted
to rely upon his evaluation. The ruler, may Allaah give him strength, will
be rewarded for firing him and replacing him with a trustworthy Muslim,
and those who help him to do that will also be rewarded. Allaah says
(interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Take not as (your) Bitaanah (advisors,
consultants, protectors, helpers, friends) those outside your religion
(pagans, Jews, Christians, and hypocrites) since they will not fail to do
their best to corrupt you. They desire to harm you severely. Hatred has
already appeared from their mouths, but what their breasts conceal is far
worse. Indeed We have made plain to you the Ayaat (proofs, evidences,
verses) if you understand” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:118].

The meaning of this aayah
is: do not take as close advisers who will be deeply involved in your
affairs and will be dealing with your secrets and important matters,
people other than you, i.e., kuffaar. “They will not fail to do their
best to corrupt you” means, they would not hesitate to cause harm and
corruption if they are able to. “Hatred has already appeared from their
mouths” means, they say, we are your enemies.

 And Allaah
knows best.