The Ruling on the Religious Certificate Obtained with the Intention of Promotion

Question:
I say: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. I am an employee in one of the government departments, and I enrolled in one of the Islamic colleges to obtain a university degree for the purpose of promotion in my job. I was not aware of the hadith that warns against this, and I am now confused about my situation after learning of this warning. I have obtained the degree, but I have not received a promotion because of it. Should I destroy this certificate, or what should I do? May Allah preserve you.

Answer:
No, the certificate is one of the permissible means; do not destroy it. The issue is about the intention, not about the certificate. The issue is about the intention. Now that you have a bad intention, wanting the degree to enroll in the Islamic college, the door of repentance is open. Seek Allah’s forgiveness and have a good intention. Allah accepts the repentance of those who repent. Leave the certificate as it is.