Passing by the Masha`ir while accompanied by non-Muslims

Q: I am sometimes deputized to deport prisoners from Bishah to Jeddah and then to their original countries. (Part No. 10; Page No. 7) Some deported workers may be Christians or Hindus. When we approach Makkah, two roads lie ahead of us: One is designated for Muslims and the other for non-Muslims. Because the non-Muslim road is very long and tiring, we take the Muslim road and, therefore, we pass by the sacred Masha`ir (Sacred sites where the rites of Hajj are performed: Mina, `Arafah and Muzdalifah). We do not stop at these places but we just use them as a shortcut. Is this permissible?When I asked some of my colleagues, they said that they have asked one of the judges at Bishah governorate who said it was lawful to do that. Please give us your Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar). May Allah reward you.

A: As long as there are Christians, Hindus, and other non-Muslims among the deported workers, then you must take the road designated for non-Muslims, even though it is more tiring. It is unlawful to deport them via the Muslim road since this will lead them to enter the precincts of Al-Haram (all areas within the Sacred Sanctuary of Makkah), which is prohibited. Allah (Exalted be He) says: O you who believe (in Allâh’s Oneness and in His Messenger Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم)! Verily, the Mushrikûn (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allâh, and in the Message of Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم) are Najasun (impure). So let them not come near Al-Masjidal-Harâm (at Makkah) after this year. (Part No. 10; Page No. 8) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.