I am studying to obtain a degree. Is this forbidden for me? And how do I make my study for the sake of Allah?
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The questioner : He says: “May the Shaykh be respected, I am studying to obtain a degree, to obtain a degree. Is this forbidden for me? And how do I make my study for the sake of Allah?”
The Shaykh : Yes, this is an important question. As for studying for the sake of the degree, we ask this student: Do you want the degree to attain a rank and a financial status? If so, that is a losing intention. Or do you want to attain through the degree a position by which you benefit the Muslims, such as teaching, judging, or administration? If so, that is a good intention and does not contradict sincerity. For we know now that the basis for a person attaining a position by which he benefits people is what? It is the degree. One who does not have a degree, even if he is among the most knowledgeable of people, will not be able to teach at a university, for example, or at the secondary level. So if you seek knowledge for the degree in order to occupy a leadership position in the Ummah, whether as a teacher, a judge, a manager, or the like, then that is a good intention and there is no sin in it. Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes, this is an important question. As for studying for the sake of the degree, we ask this student: Do you want the degree to attain a rank and a financial status? If so, that is a losing intention. Or do you want to attain through the degree a position by which you benefit the Muslims, such as teaching, judging, or administration? If so, that is a good intention and does not contradict sincerity. For we know now that the basis for a person attaining a position by which he benefits people is what? It is the degree. One who does not have a degree, even if he is among the most knowledgeable of people, will not be able to teach at a university, for example, or at the secondary level. So if you seek knowledge for the degree in order to occupy a leadership position in the Ummah, whether as a teacher, a judge, a manager, or the like, then that is a good intention and there is no sin in it. Yes.