A servant’s use of the property of the one he serves

Question

Question: (1) Of Zayd and ‘Amr, Zayd is a disciple and ‘Amr is a spiritual guide. Zayd is a student of religious knowledge, and ‘Amr suffers from paralysis. Zayd has no means or source to meet his living expenses, while ‘Amr is a venerable elder, and for that reason he has a source of income, namely: ‘Amr takes money for amulets, his disciples send him money, visitors give him offerings, and at times of need he also asks. Despite all this, ‘Amr’s means are sufficient for him to feed himself.

Answer

(1) Serving one’s spiritual guide is true felicity, and all the more so when he is ill: it is very necessary and a source of reward. But one must never use his things, money, food and the like without his consent. Nor should one regard his silence as sufficient; rather, at a time of need one should ask him, and when he gladly gives permission, then use it.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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