In a significant session of the Shura Council held on April 21, 2025, Saada Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Balushi, the representative of the Wilayat of Seeb, raised alarms regarding the growing phenomenon of unregulated private tutoring in Oman. He characterized this trend as a societal issue that has surpassed its limits, posing a threat to the integrity of the official educational system.
During the ninth regular session of the Shura Council in its tenth term, Al-Balushi emphasized the importance of addressing the tutoring market comprehensively to avoid undermining the foundations of formal education. He stated, "We must work within its framework for integration, not to undermine the principles of the official educational system at the expense of commodifying education." This statement reflects a growing concern among educators and lawmakers about the implications of private tutoring on the educational landscape.
Al-Balushi provided alarming statistics, indicating that the private tutoring market in Oman is estimated to drain approximately 50 million Omani riyals annually. He noted that the negative effects of this phenomenon are not limited to struggling students but extend even to high achievers. "This phenomenon has transformed from a means of addressing weaknesses to a method of gaining an unfair competitive advantage, creating a gap between different segments of society," he explained.
He attributed the rise of unregulated tutoring to various factors, including violations of labor and residency laws, which have contributed to this growing sector. Furthermore, he highlighted the risks associated with this trend, stating that it transforms the educational relationship between teachers and students into a commercial one, leading to a loss of initiative and contributing to financial waste for families.
Al-Balushi urged the need for legislative and regulatory action to establish a legal framework that supports integrated education. He called for a reassessment of student evaluation and admission systems, advocating for criteria that consider abilities and skills rather than relying solely on grades. He also proposed the inclusion of a "code of ethics" in employment contracts, which would require teachers to take an oath against providing private tutoring.
Moreover, he emphasized the urgency of expanding and constructing more government schools to accommodate students, avoid evening classes, and activate the media's role in preventing private tutoring while highlighting its dangers.
Meanwhile, Dr. Saad Eddin Al-Hilali, a professor of comparative jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University in Egypt, sparked widespread debate on social media after advocating for equality in inheritance between men and women. He described this issue as "a jurisprudential matter open to ijtihad," suggesting that there is no explicit Quranic text prohibiting such equality, particularly when siblings are of the same degree of kinship.
In a recent interview, Al-Hilali cited examples from other countries, including Turkey, and mentioned laws in Egypt that aim to equalize gender rights in pensions. He called for a societal dialogue and a public referendum to change inheritance laws if there is popular support for such changes. His comments ignited a firestorm of reactions, with many questioning the motives and timing of his statements.
In response to Al-Hilali's remarks, the Egyptian Dar Al-Iftaa issued a statement asserting that the call for absolute equality in inheritance, framed as a public consultation, is merely a pretext to undermine Sharia law and its sacred texts. The statement emphasized that "the definitive text is not subject to reformation, and the limits of Sharia and the obligations of the heirs from it are not areas for alteration. Muslims must protect its applications and implementation, not tamper with its principles."
Ahmed Zare, the official spokesperson for Al-Azhar University, confirmed that the institution is closely monitoring Al-Hilali's statements but has ruled out any immediate disciplinary action against him. Zare clarified that the university does not endorse Al-Hilali's views, which he described as reflecting only his personal opinion.
Despite the backlash, some social media users defended Al-Hilali, viewing his proposal as a community and humanitarian initiative that aligns with Islamic principles. Others criticized the attacks on him as an assault on enlightened thinking, expressing support for his stance.
This is not the first time Al-Hilali has stirred controversy regarding religious matters. In previous discussions, he has suggested that the hijab is not a definitive obligation and has even permitted a man to marry his wife’s daughter after her divorce or death, provided they did not grow up together. He has also expressed views on the permissibility of using chicken for sacrificial purposes.
Dr. Saad Eddin Al-Hilali, born in 1954, has been a prominent figure in Islamic jurisprudence since 2015. He obtained his doctorate in comparative jurisprudence in 1985 and has held various positions within Al-Azhar University, including serving as dean of the Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies at its branches in Damietta and Aswan.
Al-Hilali has received numerous accolades, including the State Incentive Award in 2008 from the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology and the Kuwait Foundation for Scientific Progress Award in 2003. He is also the author of several influential works, including "Human Rights in Islam," "Related Financial Transactions," and "Financial Crises and Islamic Solutions." His opinions continue to shape discussions around contemporary Islamic issues, making him a pivotal figure in the dialogue surrounding modern interpretations of Islamic law.
