How Can I Study the Religion Well and Still Have a Good Livelihood?

Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad

Question

My dream is to become a scholar, I am ready to do whatever it takes, but I am 22 years old from India. I want to start Islamic studies from the basics but I also need secular education.

Where can I study? Please give me a solution. I want to spend my life in the religion of Allah. So what do I do?  Can you help me?

Answer

Thank you for your question. May Allah reward you for your tremendous intention, and may He facilitate a path to knowledge for you.

Logistics

I am not certain of how you might go about doing this. Some pursue their secular education in a regular fashion and then study Sacred knowledge during the weekends. Some study Sacred knowledge only during the summers and holidays.

I encourage you to enroll in courses with us at SeekersGuidance and keep up what is manageable and consistent. Start with our Steps program and Arabic. Additionally, you should speak to reliable local scholars from your mosque and consult them about any part-time program near your home, even if you only take a weekend course.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him.” [Tirmidhi]

Please see these links as well:
Study Guide for Seekers of Knowledge
Knowledge: What, How, and Why We Study

May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria, for two years, where she studied aqidah, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin and completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan, where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.