(#085)
Assalaamualaikum,
Concerning student allowance or the unemployment benefit. If i am receiving a student allowance from Studylink of say $150 p/w, a condition is added that on top this i can earn a maximum of $40 p/w from any legal job. Any dollar I earn above $40 will result in my allowance being reduced by 70 cents per additional dollar. And if any money is being earned above $40 it is my duty to notify studylink else i will have to re-pay what was given to me through studylink and may even have to stand in front of a judge.So regarding this,
1. Because i am taking money from studylink and at the same time secretly earning money on the side, what is the verdict on my earnings?
2. Is it necessary for me to notify Studylink of my additional earnings even though they could never find out?It should be noted that before receiving an allowance or benefit, a contract is signed declaring my circumstances (of needing money) are true, and that if they change i will notify studylink.
Answer
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
حامدا و مصليا و مسلما
We received your query dated March 21st regarding student allowance. Our response is as follows:
In your query you had not stated the nature of the Job which you are doing. However, we assume that it is a full time / part time job (if not then please do inform us) thus the ruling will be accordingly.
Allaah Most High states:
“And fulfil (every) engagement (Ahd), for (every) engagement will be enquired into (on the day of reckoning).” (Surah al-Isra, v. 34)
Similarly, Allaah Most High states:
Allah does command you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due, and when you judge between people that you judge with justice.” (Surah al-Nisa, v. 58)
The Messenger of Allaah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) clearly gave us guidance as to how one’s behaviour should be towards a person with whom one has an agreement or a covenant. This categorically rules out the notion of some who consider taking of government wealth even by unlawful means to be permissible.
The practice of the Messenger of Allaah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and his Companions (Radiallaahu Anhum) also clearly illustrates the importance of fulfilling a covenant, and the unlawfulness of treachery.
Thus, in light of the above verses of the Noble Quraan and the practices of Rasulullaah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) it is incumbent upon you to inform study link about your additional earnings however not informing them of your additional earnings will not render your earnings Haraam.
And Allaah Ta’ala Knows Best
Musayyab Sahib
20 Jumaad-al-Ulaa
03 April 2013
Checked and approved by
(Mufti) Muhammad Irshad Motara.
