Those Who Diminish the Status of the Islamic Studies Department in Education

Q: Your Eminence, some teachers in the scientific departments diminish the status of the Islamic Studies department, claiming it is a department for those who have failed or neglected their studies, because it is the easiest department. What is your response to this statement?

A: This is an error on the part of whoever says it. It is obligatory to encourage the Islamic Studies department and to encourage students to pay attention to it, along with the other departments the student needs. The Islamic Studies department is the most important of the sciences, because the student must learn his religion and know what Allah has made obligatory upon him, so that he performs the worship for which Allah created him and made obligatory upon him with insight. The Islamic Studies department helps him in this if he strives in it and Allah grants him success with a righteous teacher.
It is obligatory for teachers and officials to encourage paying attention to this department and benefiting from it, so that the student becomes well-versed in his religion, thereby benefiting himself and the Muslims. This is based on the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): It is agreed upon as authentic.
Among the signs of happiness is that a servant becomes well-versed in the religion, learns, and gains insight. It is obligatory to encourage students to pay attention to this department and to all departments, and that they be an example of diligence, activity, and patience in all departments.