Should I Choose a Strong Distant Program or a Weaker Closer One to Protect My Faith?
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
I have been accepted into a strong program far from home, but I am concerned about the environment. Is it better to attend the stronger, distant program or the closer, less ideal one in order to protect my faith?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in the best of health and faith.
May Allah Most High guide you to what is best for your religion and your worldly life. Our religion teaches us to place faith first. The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “Whoever Allah wishes good for, He grants understanding of the religion.” [Bukhari] With this in mind, the real question is about you, not about the universities.
There are two honest questions that help clarify your decision.
The First Question: Consider the Place Carefully
The first question is about the place. What is the Muslim community like in the distant city? Is there a mosque within reach, regular gatherings of remembrance, righteous companionship, and accessible scholars?
If so, the distant city may be closer than it seems. If not, the distance may be greater than you expect.
Do not assume; seek out information. Sometimes, places far from home have vibrant Muslim communities and opportunities for religious growth.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “A person’s religious practice is like that of the close company they keep, so let each of you look at whose close company you keep.” [Tirmidhi]
Community is critical for the health and growth of your faith.
The Second Question: You
The second question is about yourself. How is your faith? Be honest with yourself.
If you are consistent in your five prayers, keep the Quran present in your day, and know your strengths and weaknesses, you may be able to thrive even in a challenging environment.
If your faith is still fragile or easily influenced by those around you, then protect it.
Allah Most High tells us,
“It may haply be that you dislike something, and it is good for you; or haply that you like something, and it is bad for you; and Allah knows, while you know not.” [Quran, 2:216; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
Consultation Is Blessed
Consult a scholar who knows you, and speak to your parents. Then perform the prayer of seeking guidance, salat al-istikhara, with presence and intention. Repeat it as needed, up to seven times.
Regarding the Prayer of Seeking Guidance, read: The Reality of Istikhara
How did your istikhara answer? The answer is the inclination Allah places in your heart towards the choice that is best for your religion and your worldly life, in both the short and long term.
Choose the Path on Which the Believer in You Grows
In five years, the path that has nurtured both your faith and your work is the path Allah Most High chose for you. Your professional growth matters, but your faith matters more.
May Allah grant you an open path, a guiding teacher, and the company of those who seek Him.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
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Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.
Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.
In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.
Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.
Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” published by White Thread Press in 2004, which is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.
His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
