reza
1
I work as a teacher. I am employed by an Islamic school, with conditions and pay are set by the government.
We have a bank of vacation leave which accumulates every year but once we reach a certain maximum any leave not taken is loss. (as will be in my case if I don’t siphon off a few days every now and then by taking them). We need to take a minimum of 7 days up to 19 days if we wish to do so in the year. (weekend days are also counted in the leave period)
This year I wanted to take twelve days off for the last 5 days of Ramadan and the first 6 days of shawaal. I have made sure to cover sufficient amount of teaching of the syllabus to make up for the 2 weeks I would not be at school, meaning I am in advance of the workscheme and syllabus.
However, my school management met with me and requested that I take only the minimum seven days for the last 5 days of ramadaan. The reason advanced is that the syllabus is not the only right of the students. And in addition to ibadaah there are also Muamallaat to consider. And that the students would come ask me for their rights on the day of judgement. So I was told that while I wouldn’t be refused the leave if I insisted but to think about taking less.
In my case this means me losing on the amount of holidays I am entitled to and that can be accrued in my vacation bank however.
I didn’t have time to wait for a learned response, so I opted for the reduced number of days.
However, I would like your opinion on the matter. What should I have done? What is best when balancing Islamic and secular life etc.?
Also what are Muamallaat? And how are they linked in this particular case?
Is it true that might students will claim me for my absences or the day of Qayamat?
What should my stance be towards absences not just for this case of Ramadan/Shawaal or the 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah which I also like to take off, but in general for absences for any other reasons as well.?
