Taking Gifts from Disciples

Question

Is it permissible for a spiritual guide to take money and the like from a disciple?

Answer

If the disciple gives willingly, it is permissible; if he gives under compulsion, it is not permissible, because: [ar]لَا يَجُوزُ لِأَحَدٍ مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ أَخْذُ مَالِ أَحَدٍ بِغَيْرِ سَبَبٍ شَرْعِيٍّ[/ar] “It is not permissible for any Muslim to take the property of another without a lawful cause” (al-‘Alamgiriyya, vol. 2, p. 778).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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