Topics: Manners

Treating Non-Muslim Students Fairly: An Islamic Perspective

Maintaining Justice and Equality in the Classroom: A Guide for Teachers

Question: I am a schoolteacher, and I am also in charge of a class that has a Christian girl who has been absent for about three weeks in the past month. In my class, the rule is that students who take leave are fined and punished. The real question here is how to treat this girl in a way that she doesn’t feel she is being mistreated due to her non-Muslim status?

Answer: The school system should be applied equally to everyone, regardless of whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim. Justice should be maintained without any discrimination. However, two points need to be considered here:

1. Charging a financial fine for absences is not permissible in Islamic law, so this practice should be abolished.

2. When punishing children, avoid any harsh or degrading punishment. The warning should be such that it does not cause harm or make the child feel humiliated to the extent that they might abandon their education in the future.

Aside from these two points, all school rules and regulations should be applied equally to everyone, as this is what Islam teaches.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah 

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail

Author: IslamicHelper

IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

Reply to Javed Akhtar: Why Does God Allow Suffering?

A logical and theological refutation of Javed Akhtar’s atheistic objection regarding the existence of God and worldly suffering. This piece… Read More

2 days ago

Zina is a Debt” Hadith is Fabricated – Full Ruling

Zina is a debt”, “Remain chaste so your women stay chaste”, “Whoever commits zina, zina will be committed with him”… Read More

2 weeks ago

Denying Sisters Their Inheritance Share is a Major Sin

Is it allowed for fathers to give all property to sons and deprive daughters? Complete Islamic ruling with Quran (4:7,… Read More

2 weeks ago

Killing Snake & Actions Allowed in Salah Without Breaking It

Can you kill a snake, carry a child, clear throat, or silence phone during Salah? Complete list of 20 actions… Read More

2 weeks ago

Can You Pray Behind the Imam on Roof, Basement or Next House?

Can men & women pray following the Imam from a roof, basement, or adjacent house if they only hear his… Read More

2 weeks ago

Must Wife Obey Husband Who Forbids Hijab/Purdah?

Husband tells wife not to observe hijab/niqab in front of non-mahrams. Is obedience compulsory? Complete ruling on obeying husband, parents… Read More

2 weeks ago