Should I Leave My Studies to Pursue Islamic Education and Spiritual Growth?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
I feel disconnected from worldly life and drawn toward spiritual growth. I want to leave my studies and pursue Islamic education, but I don’t know how to proceed. What should I do?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
It is commendable that you feel drawn toward spiritual growth and Islamic education. However, leaving your studies entirely may not be the best course of action. Islam encourages seeking both religious and worldly knowledge, as both can be means of serving Allah (Most High).
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” [Ahmad]
Before making a decision, consider the following steps:
- Seek Guidance – Consult knowledgeable scholars and mentors who can help you assess your situation on a more personal level.
- Maintain a Balanced Approach – You can integrate Islamic studies into your current education through structured courses, local classes, or online programs like SeekersGuidance.org.
- Evaluate Your Intentions—Ensure that your desire for religious study is for the sake of Allah (Most High) and not to escape from worldly challenges.
- Make Dua and Istikhara – Seek divine guidance through supplication and the Prayer of Seeking Guidance (Salat al-Istikhara).
Islamic education is essential, but worldly education can also be a means of fulfilling religious obligations and benefiting the community. Strive for a balanced approach that allows you to pursue both.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
