Getting a degree in secular education is a long journey. It takes much of a person’s younger years. Yet, people still pursue it. Education lifts people from ignorance and poverty. Education will make a young child’s future better and brighter.
Needless to say, Islamic education also goes the same way. To be well informed about our religion is a lengthy process. We have basics to learn as well as advanced and complicated lessons. But must this discourage Muslims? It should not; because unlike secular education, Islamic education goes a longer way. It does not only better our lives in this world, but also in the Hereafter. It does not only take us out of ignorance; it gives us wisdom. It may not necessarily take us out of worldly poverty, but it gives us the wealth that no normal mind and heart can value. The benefit that knowledge of our religion provides transcends lifetime and aspects. Isn’t this kind of investment worthy of our wealth, time, and effort?
Instead of finding shortcuts to getting a degree in Islamic education, Muslims must take it upon themselves to make learning Islam an important part of their entire life. Learn from cradle to grave. And learn what truly benefits, not only what motivates us. If we can learn the technicalities of medicine, engineering, and law in secular institutions, and not only take up motivations to pursue these fields, why do our hearts only find fondness in Islamic motivations but find actual teachings of the Aqeedah and Shariah boring?
It is disheartening to know that there are students who want to earn the 12 year worth of primary to high school Islamic education by enrolling in a 2 year intensive program that conducts classes every weekend only. Then they will immediately enroll in an Islamic university abroad for them to earn the title Shaykh or Ustadha. What’s the sense of the title when the substance of being one is not met? If becoming a doctor or a lawyer needs longer education, what more with wanting to be an A’leem/a?
An A’leem/a is expected to fully understand Shariah. He is sought with fatwa regarding matters of the religion. What would s/he give if s/he is not equipped with the appropriate knowledge, understanding, and wisdom because s/he achieved the title through a shortcut?
Yes, there are Muslims who were able to earn a degree abroad by just finishing a short program as a pre-college education. Sadly, most of these students were able to due to the mercy of their professors. We don’t want that. We want our A’leem/a to well-deserve their title because of their genuine efforts and investments, not because of emotional manipulation. We want our A’leem/a to be genuine so we don’t risk our faith into following shaykhs that are unsure or those that mix their personal opinions with Shariah.
Learning is a lifetime journey. Learning is a matter of serious importance. And this is why Al Qur’an Academy was founded and established. We are committed to propagating the authentic teachings of Islam according to the Qur’an and Sunnah. Our instructors are products of prestigious religious institutions and are experienced in the field of teaching. We highly value knowledge of Islam for ourselves, and we want our students to do the same. So we call upon you, to make us your lifetime partner in your journey to seeking knowledge. We call you to commit, not only to a single-month online lesson, or a 2 year intensive program. We call you to make seeking knowledge a priority that it becomes part of your regular routine.
To be in paradise is the goal for all Muslims. So tread the path of seeking ilm. Rasulullah said, “Whoever follows a path in the pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make a path to Jannah (Paradise) easy for him.” (Muslim)
To earn rewards that never run dry would be ideal for all Muslims. So invest in knowledge that benefits. Rasulullah said, “When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: a continuing charity, beneficial knowledge and a child who prays for them.” (Muslim)
To earn the favor of Allah is a goal of all Muslims. So seek understanding of the deen. Rasulullah said, “Whosoever Allah wishes good for, He bestows upon him understanding of the Deen.” (Bukhari and Muslim)