Can Someone Who Spent Their Entire Life Studying Engineering or Medicine Teach Religious Knowledge Correctly? Dr Uzair Mahmood

Dr. Uzair Mahmood Al-Azhari
(Member of the Islamic Ideology Council of Pakistan and Director of Al-Moassasa Al-Ilmiya Al-Asriya)

In today’s rapidly changing world, many people pursue careers in fields like engineering or medicine, driven by practical goals or economic motivations. But when it comes to religious knowledge, a critical question arises: Can someone who has spent their entire life studying engineering or medicine truly teach and understand religious sciences properly? This is a question that Dr. Uzair Mahmood Al-Azhari, a prominent Islamic scholar and intellectual, sheds light on through his thought-provoking discussion.

The Importance of Specialized Education in Religious Knowledge

Religious knowledge in Islam, particularly fields like Fiqh (jurisprudence), Hadith (prophetic traditions), Tafsir (Quranic exegesis), and Aqeedah (Islamic theology), requires years of rigorous study. Unlike technical fields such as engineering or medicine, which focus on specific practical skills, religious sciences demand deep, comprehensive study and continuous learning under the guidance of qualified scholars.

Dr. Al-Azhari emphasizes that religious knowledge is not just about reading a few books or attending a few lectures. It is a lifelong commitment to acquiring knowledge, understanding it in context, and applying it to contemporary issues, with a solid grounding in traditional Islamic scholarship.

The Challenges of Transitioning from Engineering or Medicine to Islamic Studies

While individuals who have excelled in technical fields like engineering or medicine certainly possess intelligence and analytical skills, the methodologies and approaches in religious education are vastly different. The sciences of Islam require a deeper understanding of Arabic and the ability to interpret texts through the lenses of Islamic jurisprudence, history, and ethics. These skills take years to develop and cannot be replaced by technical training alone.

Dr. Al-Azhari makes it clear that although a person may have academic excellence in other fields, it doesn't necessarily translate to a strong foundation in religious knowledge. For example, the study of Hadith requires understanding the chain of narrators, the context of the time, and the principles of authentication—an expertise that is far removed from the technical expertise required in medicine or engineering.

The Role of Scholars and Experts in Religious Education

Dr. Al-Azhari stresses the importance of qualified Islamic scholars and the need for formal education in Islamic studies. These scholars, who have spent years mastering Islamic texts and have been rigorously trained in interpreting religious sources, are the ones best suited to teach and guide others.

He explains that a sound understanding of Islamic teachings requires a mentor or guide who has a deep understanding of the intricacies of Islamic law and theology, something that cannot be achieved solely through self-study or general education in unrelated fields.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while studying engineering or medicine is incredibly valuable for personal and professional growth, religious knowledge requires a completely different skill set and depth of study. Dr. Uzair Mahmood Al-Azhari advocates for proper and structured education in Islamic sciences, emphasizing the need for experts in the field to guide others.

For those interested in gaining a deep understanding of Islamic teachings, it is essential to learn from qualified scholars who have dedicated their lives to mastering these subjects.

📌 Listen to Dr. Al-Azhari’s full talk on this important topic to gain deeper insights into the significance of proper religious education!