Question
Awwb mufti saheb
A certain school in lusaka is asking students to pay k 400 for a screen that will protect a child during this Covid period.
My question as follows
1. Is the school allowed to charge this extra money over and above the school fees they charging.
2. In the event the school is allowed to charge this money who does the screen belong to? The school or the student?
Please note every child will be sitting on 1 desk with a screen infront of him/her for which this additional charge is.
Your most urgent guidance will be highly appreciated
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.
The adoption of precautionary measures to help protect from covid-19 as well as to facilitate the smooth operations of educational institutions is a legal requirement. However, it is noteworthy to mention that the government has clearly outlined which precautionary measures it has made mandatory. The installation or provision of a screen is not a mandatory requirement.
As such, any optional installation should be through a mutual agreement and cannot be unilaterally enforced. In these difficult circumstances, a Muslims duty is to be accommodating and understanding.
Scholars whose parents are willing to pay can be availed the screens. The school cannot compel all parents to pay for them.
As far as the ownership of the screens is concerned, clarity should be sought from the school. In either situation, the correct procedure of transacting should be followed in order to ensure Shariah compliant business dealings.
And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best
Mufti Nabeel Valli
Darul Iftaa Mahmudiyyah
Lusaka, Zambia