The Ruling on Receiving Aid from Non-Muslim Organizations to Fund Education

Abstract

This study addresses the definition of aid and gifts in both language and Sharia, clarifying that aid refers to assistance, while a gift is the transfer of ownership without compensation. The study then discussed the characterization of contemporary aid as gifts from non-Muslims. It presented the scholarly debate regarding the permissibility of accepting gifts from non-Muslims, outlining the first opinion which permits it, citing the Prophet’s acceptance of gifts from non-Muslims, and the second opinion which forbids it, supported by hadiths of prohibition. The study then examined the evidences and demonstrated that reconciling the two views is possible based on public interest. It concluded by affirming that accepting gifts is permissible in Sharia as long as they do not involve legal prohibitions, such as conditions to teach curricula contrary to Islam, promoting forbidden practices, or elevating non-Muslims above Muslims.