Q: I had always wanted to gain knowledge and live my life in the service of Deen. But unfortunately I was not able to pursue much learning of Deen till now. I am 23 years old now and in my current situation I dont think I can pursue full time Deeni 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 a 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 my 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’?
A:
1. It does not come under the ilm that has been encouraged in the hadeeth. Hence you will not get the reward for studying this.
2. It is good for a Muslim to be financially secure as well.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)