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Establishing a School to Teach English

Answered as per Maliki Fiqh by BinBayyah.net

What is the ruling on establishing an institute to teach the English language? Though profit-seeking, its main purpose will be to contribute to the education of a Muslim generation who is devoted to its religion and culture, calling to Islam in English, in face of a sweeping globalization. There are still many difficulties, such as curricula, which I am trying to solve by hiring groups of specialists. May Allah reward you with good.

There is no problem with teaching foreign languages; it is neither haram nor detestable, unless there emerges something undesirable. In fact, it can be desirable or even obligatory. It is narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered Zayd Ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) to learn the language of the Jews. This hadith was reported by Al-Bukhari under Chapter on Rulings, Section on Translating for Rulers & Whether One Translator Is Enough. This is a major purpose of learning foreign languages. As the questioner said, learning other languages would help future generations disseminate Islam, confute accusations laid by enemies against Islam, understand their thought and viewpoints, know their plans and attitudes towards the Muslim nation, and benefit from the useful knowledge they have.

Accordingly, there is no impediment to this, and it would deserve divine reward if the work is done properly and is consecrated for the Sake of Allah.


This answer was collected from BinBayyah.net, which contains of feature articles and fatawa by world renowned ‘Alim, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah, from Mauritania.

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