Fatwa ID: 07335
Answered by: Alimah Saniyah bint Asrar
Question:
I do not know if the medicine course at the University of Edinburgh teaches any kufr content like man made laws or ethical topics like euthanasia.
Should I withdraw my application from the university of Edinburgh?
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer:
The Prophet (saw) said: “Seeking knowledge is compulsory upon every believer” (Sunan Ibn Majah).
From the above Hadith, we learn that Islam promotes the pursuit of beneficial education. It is obligatory (Fardh) for both men and women to attain enough knowledge to properly fulfill their religious duties and to help them avoid forbidden (Haraam) actions. Beyond that as well, Muslims are encouraged to seek beneficial knowledge wherever they can.
Studying medical law and ethics at a secular university such as University of Edinburgh may come along with topics such as medical law and ethical topics such as euthanasia.
However, studying these things aren’t forbidden as they are a part and parcel of today’s medical society. We need Muslims who are educated in these realms who may then be able to assist Muslim scholars when they are asked questions regarding the Islamic stance on such matters.
Learning about these topics doesn’t necessarily mean you may practice it, especially if it clearly goes against the Shari’ah, but having knowledge about what is impermissible is also beneficial so that one may stay away from it.
٢٨٦٥٢- «طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم، وواضع العلم عند غير أهله كمقلد الخنازير الجوهر واللؤلؤ والذهب». «هـ» عن أنس١.
روي أن النبي ﷺ قال: «طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم».
وقال ﷺ: «اطلبوا العلم وإن كان بالصين».
وأن طلب العلم فريضة على كل مسلم.
وقال ﷺ: «من يرد الله به خيرا يفقه في الدين».
وقال عمر ﵁: تعلموا العلم وعلموه الناس، وتعلموا الوقار والسكينة، وتواضعوا لمن تعلمونه العلم، ولا تكونوا جبابرة العلماء، فلا يقوم علمكم بجهلكم.
Only Allah (عز و جل) knows best.
Written by Alimah Saniyah bint Asrar
Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah
Darul Ifta Birmingham
