By contrast, the branches of knowledge that are not ordinarily sought for Allah’s Face—worldly disciplines such as mathematics, engineering, and construction—incur no sin if a person studies them in pursuit of worldly benefit, for they are worldly sciences intended for worldly ends. Consequently, the hadith that carries a threat applies only to knowledge that should be sought for Allah’s sake.

Someone may object, “Many students today attend universities only to obtain degrees—advanced degrees at that.” The answer is the Prophet’s rule: “Actions are judged by intentions.” If a student’s aim in earning higher degrees is merely to secure a job or elevate his rank, then he is seeking a worldly portion. But if he hopes, through that credential, to occupy a position from which he can serve people—becoming a teacher, a principal, or an educational supervisor—then this is good and perfectly acceptable. Nowadays people tend to value a person not for his knowledge but for his certificate.

Hence, if someone says, “Without a degree, no matter how much I learn, they will never appoint me as an instructor. I therefore study and earn a certificate so I can teach and benefit the Muslims,” such an intention is wholesome and blameless. Allah is the One who grants success.