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What is the ruling on a non-Muslim domestic worker entering Makkah Al-Mukarramah, first, out of necessity due to not knowing its boundaries, and second, to deliver the husband's children to their mother in Jeddah?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The majority of jurists are of the opinion that it is forbidden for a non-believer to enter the sacred precinct (Haram) of Mecca whatsoever, based on the Almighty's saying: ﴿Indeed, the polytheists are unclean, so let them not approach al-Masjid al-Haram after this year of theirs﴾ (Quran 9:28). The Haram refers to Mecca and its surroundings, including Mina and Muzdalifah. This prohibition encompasses both residence and passage. The state prevents the entry of a non-believer into the Haram of Mecca absolutely.

As for the Hanafis and Malikis, they permitted the entry or passage of Dhimmis (people of the Book living under Islamic rule) without settling there. However, this permissibility is restricted to the permission of the ruler (Wali al-Amr).

Therefore, it is not permissible for a Muslim to bring a non-believer into the Haram. Rather, if a non-believer is found within it, they must be escorted out and taken via another route outside the Haram's boundaries.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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