Paying a teaching salary from sadaqat al-fitr and the proceeds of sacrificial hides

Question

Question: In Zayd’s village there is a government primary school; purely religious education is not given in it, rather government education is given. The one person who is a teacher in it is also appointed as the regular imam of that village. This teacher receives a salary from the government, and the villagers pay the imam’s salary separately. Zayd said to the imam: “Give these children one or two hours of lessons, and you will be paid a separate salary in return for this teaching.

Answer

Arranging religious education is very necessary. Parents themselves should look after their children, and education for children should also be arranged collectively. Just as providing food and clothing for children is considered necessary, so too is arranging for them to be taught the knowledge of the religion necessary.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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