QUESTION:
A few years ago while teaching in a Madrassah, l was given flash cards to aid in teaching the children. After l left the Madrassah, I forgot to return the cards. Subsequently, the flash cards got lost/stolen. Will it permissible for me to give the value of the cards in cash back to the Madrassah, as it will be difficult for me to source those exact flash cards to replace them.
ANSWER:
The flash cards were not returned when leaving the Madrasah, hence you will be liable in this instance. If replacing the same item is not possible, then you may give the value of the item to the Madrasah. [Fataawa Uthmaaniyya Vol:7 Pg:474 / Vol:7 Pg: 483]
(و هي امانة ) هذا حكمها مع وجوب الحفظ و الاداء عند الطلب و استحباب قبولها (فلا تضمن بالهلاك) الا اذا كانت الوديعة باجر . اشبه معزيا لزيلعي (مطلقا) سواء أمكن التحرز عنه ام لا ؛ هلك شيء ام لا ؛ لحديث الدارقطني “ليس علي المستودع غير المغل ضمان (الدر المختار ج12 ص445-447)
وإن كان مما لا مثل له فعليه قيمته (اللباب ص188 ج2)
ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST!
ANSWERED BY:
Maulana Ahmed Saeed
Date: – 26 Safr 1445 / 12 September 2023
CHECKED AND APPROVED BY:
Mufti Mohammed Desai Saheb
