A Teacher Who is Late to Class
Question :
I am a female teacher; I noticed that many other teachers do not show up at their classes on time. When the period begins they linger in the teachers' lounge, talking to other teachers for no good reason. I hear that our male counterparts do the same. What is the ruling for doing this?
Answer:
This is unlawful for them. It is not allowed for a teacher, A male or female, to delay entering their classrooms after the period begins. This is due to Allah's saying:
"O you who believe! Fulfill (your) obligations."
He also said:
"And fulfill (every) covenant. Verily! The covenant will be questioned about."
And:
"And be equitable. Verily! Allah loves those who are equita- ble."
That means, 'be just', and it is not just for any worker, including teachers, to take a full salary for work he does not perform adequately. A person who accepts full pay for incomplete services should be made aware of Allah's warning:
"Woe to Al-Mutaffifin [those who give less in measure and weight (decrease the rights of others)] Those who, when thay have to receive by measure from men, demand full measure. And when they have to give by measure or weight to (other) men, give less than due."
May Allah guide us all to what is good and to fulfill our duties.
Source:
Ibn 'Uthaimin
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 8 Page 116