Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
O Abu Dharr! If you learn one verse from The Book of Allah (The
Quran), it
is better for you than to voluntarily pray one hundred rakas (units of
prayer), and if you learn a category of knowledge (religion), regardless
if
it is applied or not, it is better for you than to voluntarily pray one
thousand rakas. [Ibn Majah, Mukhtasarut-Targhib wattarhib, Ihya
Ulumidden]
When you pass by the meadows of Paradise indulge freely in it! They
said: O Messenger of Allah! What are the meadows of Paradise? He
said: The circles of Ilm. [Tabarani, Al-Mujamal Kabir]
People are of substances like the substance of gold and silver: the
best among them in the Jahiliyah , are the best in Islam, if they gain
knowledge, and the souls are hosts which are sent around, the similar
ones get acquainted, and from the different ones depart from each
other. [Muslim, Riyadhus-Salihin]
14. Because the Ummah needs you!
"Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the
people, but He takes it away by taking away (the lives of) the religious
scholars till none of the scholars stays alive. Then the people will take
ignorant ones as their leaders, who, when asked to deliver religious
verdicts, will issue them without knowledge, the result being that they
will go astray and will lead others astray.'' [Bukhari and Muslim]
15. It is Fard Kifaayah.
"And the believers should not all go out to fight. Of every troop of them,
a party only should go forth, that they (who are left behind) may gain
sound knowledge in religion, and that they may warn their folk when
they return to them, so that they may guard themselves against
evil."[Al-Quran 9:122]
16. To serve the Deen of Allah SWT.
He who leaves his home in order to seek knowledge, he is in Allahs path
until he returns [to his home]. [Tirmidhi, Riyadhus-Salaheen]
17. To protect and defend the Deen of Allah SWT.
The most honest men of future generations will carry this Ilm (i.e.
Hadith), they will purify it from the falsification of the extremists, and
the assumptions of the liars, and the misinterpretation of the fools.
[Sharaf Ashabul-Hadith, Tabrizi, Mishkat Al-Masabih]
Whether one ever does become a scholar or not is a separate question, but
the aspiration and desire should be alive in our hearts to seek sacred
knowledge.
Allah's Apostle said: The reward of deeds depends upon the intention and every person
will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for Allah
and His Apostle, then his emigration was for Allah and His Apostle. And whoever
emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he
emigrated for." [Bukhari Vol 1; 2:51]
Seeking Islamic
Knowledge
Track I:
Track II:
Track III:
Full-Time Scholar
Track
Part-Time Scholar
Track
Part-Time Islamic
Studies
This requires that one devote themselves and their life to the study of Islam. To have
specialists in Islamic knowledge is necessary for the viability of an Islamic society and
is considered Fard Kifayah. Therefore, it is Fard that some members of every
community commit themselves to become scholars of Islam.
Time Commitment
A Shariah degree can take anywhere from 5 to 8 years to complete. One can also
decide to go on to specialize in Hadith, Fiqh, or Tafseer amongst other subjects.
Postgraduate studies can take anywhere from 1-10+ years.
When to Start
One does not have to wait till finishing high school to become a scholar. It all
depends on the student. So if one starts at the age of 13, they could well finish by the
age of 18 to 21.
Career Options?
Perhaps the most common worry for students of knowledge and their parents is with
regards to providing for themselves and their families in the future. As Muslims, it is
our firm belief that everyones sustenance is already destined. Allah SWT alone is the
true Provider. If he can feed a simple animal, why cannot He feed the scholar?
Furthermore, the reality is that graduates of the Shariah program have many career
options. With the large need for Muslim scholars here in the U.S., they can go on to
serve as full-time/part-time Imams, Islamic studies teachers, preachers, Dawah
workers, or industry consultants. Alternatively, they can convert their degree to a
B.A. and go on to pursue post graduate studies after which they can serve as
university professors, chairs of Islamic Studies departments, or researchers. Other
options include becoming full-time Quran teachers, public speakers, or founders of
their own Islamic learning institutions.
Of course, students can go on to pursue degrees in other fields after they finish their
Shariah studies. In the past, students have gone on to pursue careers in medicine
and information technology to name a few.
Where to Go?
Those who choose this track must also determine whether they will study here in the
United States or go overseas to study. This often depends on the students own
personal situation and is best dealt with on a case by case basis in consultation with
a righteous scholar. However, one principle to bear in mind is that it is of paramount
importance that one study in a spiritual environment from righteous, practicing
scholars so that the light of knowledge, rather than just information, is acquired. Look
for institutions where the blessed Sunnah of Rasulullah (S) is alive and well.
In the United States, Shariah study programs are now available in various larger
cities. Alhamdulillah boarding schools where one can reside at the institute while
attaining a Shariah degree have also been established in certain cities.
There is great reward for those who make the sacrifice to take this option. It is a
need of the time.
For those who are not yet ready to devote themselves fully to Shariah studies or who
simply can not due to their personal situation, the Part-Time Scholar Track is an
option.
Arabic is a Must
To become a scholar, the first step is to learn Arabic with proficiency. This does not
have to be done in a Madrasah. Once a student has a firm grasp of the Arabic
language and Arabic grammar, he or she can circumvent some of the early year(s) of
study in a traditional Shariah program. Islamic knowledge is often divided into
Uloome Aliya (Facilitatory Sciences) and Uloome Aliya (Higher Sciences). One gains
knowledge of the former so as to engage in the latter. If one has a firm grasp of the
Arabic knowledge, they can begin to study the Higher sciences.
Time Commitment
Track II allows individuals to carry on with their lives and at the same time continue to
learn Islam by teleconference, online, or on-site classes 1-5 times a week, depending
on the course. Student continue to study till they reach a point where part time
study is no longer feasible and then take 1-2 yrs off to complete their degree here in
the U.S. or overseas.
Track II is more prolonged (it can take well over 10 years) and requires dedication and
commitment. At the same time, it keeps one engaged in good deeds and provides
meaning to ones life.
Make the Best Use of Your Time
For people on this track, it is important not to waste any time and to make use of
weekends and summer breaks to devote themselves to more serious study of Islam,
perhaps even enrolling at Islamic Institutes during summer breaks. This can serve as
a real boost timewise.
Options
The best option is to find a local scholar with which one can study on a regular, part
time basis. One can arrange weekend or evening classes for example. For those who
do not have access to local scholarship, one can look into virtual options. If you are
having trouble, please feel free to contact us and we will try to point you in the right
direction.
knowledge that every Muslim man and woman must be familiar with. For example,
though all Muslims do not necessarily need to know inheritance law, all Muslims
should be familiar with what breaks ones prayer or what commonplace financial
transactions are Haram. It is mandatory to acquire knowledge of that which is
mandatory in the Deen.
STEP 4: Dua
Ultimately, our success is dependant upon the mercy of Allah SWT and His guidance,
tawfeeq, and help. It is not our capabilities and talents, but rather our acceptance by
Allah SWT that heralds success.