Q: What is the role of secular studies in Islam or what is the stance of Islam on secular or dunyawi education?
1. Is it permissible, is it recommended, is it a haqq of a Muslim, is it of any any benefit or harm?
2. Should a man get dunyawi education and should a woman get dunyawi education, and upto what level?
A:
1. The obligation is to seek halaal sustenance. Secular studies was never compulsory in the day of the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu anhum), hence it will not be compulsory to this day.
2. A woman should gain that education that will keep her safe in this life and the next life i.e. understanding all her duties towards Allah Ta`ala and towards Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and thereafter the duties that will allow her to make a good household. Things related to how to take care of the husband, house, and children, how to show a pleasant demeanour and how to guard her chastity, the rules of purdah etc.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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