Mujahid Using Non Muslim Firms In Th S Rebranding Is Permissible

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FORMER religious affairs minister Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa has stepped forward to defend Lembaga Tabung Haji’s (TH) decision to engage non-Muslim companies in its rebranding exercise, calling it both a practical necessity and one that aligns with Islamic principles.
“Because TH belongs to the Muslim community, every issue linked to it is easily politicised.
“Unfortunately, TH has become a ‘punching bag’ for politicians who use propaganda machinery to stir negative sentiment,” Mujahid wrote in a Sinar Harian commentary.
Addressing critics who question why a non-Muslim company was selected for branding work, Mujahid explained that Islamic jurisprudence has long allowed Muslims to engage in business and administrative dealings with non-Muslims, so long as they do not involve elements that are forbidden.
He cited several examples from Islamic history to strengthen his point:
The Prophet Muhammad himself once borrowed wheat from a Jewish merchant, pledging his armour as collateral.During the Hijrah (migration), the Prophet hired a polytheist, Abdullah bin Uraiqit, as a trusted guide.Caliph Umar al-Khattab appointed a Coptic Christian as treasurer in Egypt because of his expertise in finance, entrusting him with responsibilities as long as they did not encroach upon matters of shariah.“In Islamic governance, non-Muslims under Muslim rule were even allowed to be traders, contractors, and contributors to the economy. They were given protection by the state, with reciprocal duties like paying jizyah,” Mujahid noted.
From these precedents, he stressed, it is clear that seeking expertise from non-Muslims in professional areas is not only permissible but sometimes necessary.
“If there is a Muslim company of equal capability, then yes, it is preferable. But if not, the greater benefit (maslahah) is in choosing the most competent, even if they are non-Muslim.”
He further explained that branding is a specialised field. The decision to appoint a non-Muslim firm for technical work does not diminish the capability of Muslim firms nor compromise TH’s Islamic identity.
“Islamic identity is not defined by who carries out the branding exercise, but by the values, professionalism, and image that TH ultimately projects. If the result strengthens TH’s reputation as a trusted Islamic institution, then the community should feel proud, not threatened,” Mujahid said.
TH’s RM5.9mil rebranding is a long-term investment to boost depositor confidence, not wasteful spending. Leadership holds discretion under Islamic principles to make such strategic decisions.
Though awarded via direct negotiation, this has been an approved procurement method since 2012 for unique projects, involving transparent evaluation and TH Board approval, he said. —  Focus Malaysia

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