Assalamu Alaykum
I had always wanted to gain knowledge and live my life in service to Deen. But unfortunately I was not able to much pursue the learning of Deen til now. I am 23 years old now and in my current situations I dont think I can pursue a full time Deen learning right now. So I am thinking about pursuing study and research in the stream of material science with the aim of serving Islam by this knowledge and also with the aim to discover solutions for some of the problems humanity faces as whole nowadays like Global warming, pollution, lack of clean drinking water etc.
Does Science come under Knowledge (Ilm)? (Because many hadith mention the excellence of gaining knowledge that I want to be a person seeking knowledge and not waste my time in useless pursuits.)
– Will I be rewarded by Allah for studying Science?
– Is this a good way to serve Islam in current situation or should I look for some other way where I can serve Deen?
– If I set out on this task can it be said that I am on ‘ a path path seeking Ilm’ or that I am on ‘ fee sabeelillah’ ?
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.
As-salaamu `alaykum wa-ramatullahi wa-barakatuh.
There are many avenues to serve Deen. One may serve Deen through the knowledge of Deen by teaching and educating people on issues of Deen. One may also serve Deen through secular qualifications in whichever way possible. One may also be a businessman and serve Deen through his business by contributing to Islamic welfare projects. Every muslim may serve Deen in any way to the best of his ability.
Whilst serving Deen through imparting Islamic knowledge has its own virtue and superiority, serving Deen is not confined to Islamic knowledge. Every person, Aalim and non Aalim, adult and youth, male and female has a role to contribute towards the upliftment of Islam according to his capability. Every person`s sincere and correct contribution to the upliftment of Islam is valued and appreciated by Allah.
And Allah Ta`ala Knows Best.
Hussein Muhammad.
Student Darul Iftaa
Arusha, Tanzania
Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.