Question :
Does a school principal incur sin for accepting documented medical and incidental excuses submitted by a teacher?
The Answer :
Praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Mohammad and upon all his family and companions.
The school principal doesn`t incur sin for accepting a documented excuse from the teacher, whether it is due to illness or other reasons. This is because the principal has been delegated authority by the Ministry of Education, and in the case of discretionary leave, the principal has broader powers. The regulations and laws only require that the absence without justification be discussed between the principal and the teacher if documentation is provided.
The school principal should not hesitate to accept valid and documented excuses and should not burden the teachers unnecessarily. This is in accordance with the hadith of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) which states: "O Allah, whoever is responsible for any of the affairs of my Ummah and makes things difficult for them, then make things difficult for him. And whoever is responsible for any of the affairs of my Ummah and is kind to them, then be kind to him." {Transmitted by Muslim}. Imam Nawawi, may Allah have mercy on him, commented on this hadith saying: "This is one of the most explicit prohibitions against causing hardship to people and one of the strongest encouragements to be kind to them. Many hadiths emphasize this meaning." {Sharh Nawawi Ala Sahih Muslim, Vol.12, Page 213}.
On the other hand, it is not permissible for a teacher or anyone else to take leave without a valid reason that necessitates it. Fabricating excuses or taking leave without a legitimate reason is considered a sinful act and is prohibited by Islam. Allah, the Most High, commands truthfulness, as mentioned in the Quran: "O you who have believed, fear Allah and be with those who are true." {At-Tawbah, 119}.
The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) also warned against lying, as lying leads to sinful behavior. He said: "Beware of lying, for lying leads to wickedness, and wickedness leads to the Hellfire. A person continues to lie and seeks to deceive until they are recorded with Allah as a liar." {Transmitted by Bukhari & Muslim}.
Indeed, a doctor who grants an employee leave without a valid and legitimate reason is committing a sinful act and deceiving the Muslims. The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the seriousness of deceit and lying, as mentioned in the hadith: "Whoever cheats is not one of us" {Transmitted by Muslim}. This means that such actions are contrary to the teachings and methodology of the Prophet.
We advise all individuals to be conscious of their responsibilities and to uphold honesty and justice in their actions. And Allah the Almighty knows best.