A promise of Paradise for paying off a madrasa’s debt

Question

Madrasa Astana owed about eight hundred rupees. At the annual gathering, after his speech, the preacher announced: “Is there anyone who will buy Paradise?” — that is, pay off the debt of the said madrasa and buy Paradise for eight hundred rupees. Thereupon a Sikh stood up and paid off the whole debt. Kindly write now: how will the preacher fulfil this promise? Is it permissible to take money in this way or not? Is it permissible to pay the teachers’ arrears of salary from this money or not?

Answer

Faith (iman) is a condition for entering Paradise. Without believing, no Sikh or anyone like him can enter Paradise by giving eight hundred rupees. And the preacher’s intent too was precisely that if a Muslim gives the money, he will be deserving of Paradise.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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