QA-ID-0075
QUESTION
Is it permissible for someone in the west to charge for teaching Islamic knowledge, with the intention to provide for his family?
ANSWER
﷽
Charging a fee for teaching Islamic knowledge is permissible. While early Hanafī scholars deemed it impermissible to take payment for teaching Islamic knowledge or the Qur’ān, later Hanafī jurists allowed it out of necessity. They recognised that without financial support, these essential sciences might be neglected, as people would be unable to dedicate time to learning and teaching if they could not support themselves. This change in ruling was made to help preserve the religion.
However, a person should maintain the right intention, teaching for the sake of Allāh, while considering the fee as merely a means to support themselves.
(Al-Fatāwā al-Ridawiyyah 19/495;503, Radd al-Muhtār 6/55, Shifā al-‘Alīl in Majmūah Rasāil Ibn ‘Ābidīn 1/238).
والله تعالى أعلم
And Allāh Knows Best
Muhammad Kalim Misbahi
