Economic Sustenance of Religious Seminary (Madrasa) Teachers in Light of the Economic Principles of the Caliphate of ‘Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA): An Analytical Study

Abstract

Religious seminaries (madaris) have played a central role in preserving and transmitting Islamic learning in Muslim societies, yet their teachers frequently face economic insecurity: low and irregular salaries, the absence of centralized payroll records, dependence on seasonal donations, and the lack of pension or social protection. This article examines whether the economic principles of the Caliphate of ‘Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (may Allah be pleased with him) can offer a practical framework for addressing these problems. Drawing on classical works of fiscal history and Islamic political jurisprudence, it analyses ‘Umar’s welfare-oriented conception of the state, the treatment of public funds as a trust (amānah), the compilation of the diwan, transparent and timely disbursement of stipends, provincial financial accountability, the preservation of conquered land as a permanent source of revenue, and provisions for the elderly and dependants. It then applies these principles by analogy (qiyās and maṣlaḥah) to contemporary madrasas and proposes reforms: a central documentation and payroll system, a pay scale with timely payment, endowment-based sustainability, independent district-level audit, pension and social security, transparent fundraising, and a common economic code among the wafāqs. The study argues that the Fārūqī model rests not on emergency charity but on documentation, accountability and durable institutional resources.

Keywords: Caliphate of ‘Umar, Madaris, Teachers’ Livelihood, Diwan, Bayt al-Māl, Waqf, Accountability, Social Security