Can I Fund My Islamic School with My Earnings without My Family’s Consent?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I am interested in furthering my understanding and teaching of Islam by attending an Islamic school. But, I am facing financial constraints and cannot afford the expenses. Currently, I am working with my brother, and he pays me an amount that may not be sufficient even for my basic needs, like breakfast for a month.
To address this situation, I have been considering doing some additional work when my brother is not around and using the money earned from those jobs to help cover the school expenses. However, I am unsure whether this approach is permissible. I am aware that if I request my brother to pay, he might decline as he wishes me to stay at the shop. I’m open to advice on navigating this issue.
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question and for reaching out to us. I commend you for your noble intention despite the challenge.
Your noble intention to study is a commendable act. Education is a long-term matter, not for a few months or a year. It is best that you sit down with your brother and tell him about your intentions. If he still declines, get a local reliable scholar, Imam, or righteous family member or friend involved in this. You can maybe reassure him you will support him in the shop too.
Short-Term Option– Study Online
Study with the SeekersGuidance online curriculum in your current situation until something transpires.
I suggest sitting down with him or with the above people. Also, pray to Allah Most High to allow your brother to give you permission and support you by performing regular prayers of seeking guidance and need.
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction, in sha’ Allah.
Related:
- Critical Issues Seminar: How Do I Seek Knowledge? [Video]
- The Need To Know: What A Concerned Muslim Needs to Learn, and How. [Video]
- Knowledge: What, How, and Why We Study [Video]
- Should I Master One Science before Another When Seeking Knowledge?
- Best Order To Study The Step One Courses
- Knowledge and Guidance: A Comprehensive SeekersGuidance Reader
- Which Islamic Science Should I Study First? – SeekersGuidance
- Istikhara, The Prayer of Seeking Guidance: The Ultimate Guide – A Reader
- How Does One Perform The Prayer Of Need (Salat al-Haja)?
Why not begin your search for knowledge by signing up for a course on SeekersGuidance?
I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel is a traditionally trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.
