If your child decides to study deen (to become a scholar/imam)? Will you encourage him or discourage him? Why?
Re: Will you encourage or discourage?
I am not quite sure what I would do. I would encourage him to get a degree in a top school, even if in English or Socialogy & then persue a higher degree in Deen etc. I really don't know.
Re: Will you encourage or discourage?
I would love it if my child wanted to study deen and I would definately encourage it. However, I also believe that one should obtain knowledge outside the deen and there is nothing wrong with this. Allah has encouraged us to obtain success not only in the hereafter but in this worldly life as well.
If my child did not want to study anything other than the deen (i.e not go to uni or college) then I'd always feel as though he/she was missing out on being successful. Whether my thinking is right or wrong, I don't know, but it's just my opinion. I really want my child to hifz the Qur'an and to do that he will be behind in school at least 2 years. Although I know that it's worth it, I can't help but feel guilty for taking him out of school and delaying his graduation, etc.
Re: Will you encourage or discourage?
sure why not - I would definitely encourage it. But I would want it done through a degree in Islamic studies or something like that.
Imams these days need to have a grasp of effective communications, marketing and persuasion skills,- bilingual in multiple languages and I would want that to be reflected in coursework.
Re: Will you encourage or discourage?
I would encourage it for sure!
As long as the degree is from a recognized and reputable university that will allow him/her to get a well-paying job in the end.
If your child decides to study deen (to become a scholar/imam)? Will you encourage him or discourage him? Why?
If they truly feel it's their calling and want to dedicate their lives to it and get a supportive husband, then I have absolutely no problems. It's their choice and there's nothing wrong.
:k:
Re: Will you encourage or discourage?
Correct!
Re: Will you encourage or discourage?
100 %
I will definitely encourage it, but it depends on situation like if they are leaving high school to do it I will tell them to complete their high school and undergrad then they can do whatever they want.:)
The same cannot be said nor is it said with someone studying worldly knowledge right? Not saying it’s wrong to obtain knowledge outside of deen, many scholars I know are engineers, doctors, lawyers..etc but why is it that we regard knowledge of deen as 2nd after everything else. I noticed everyone saying “yes..but..”
Also, maybe some are not aware, the traditional darul ulooms in the west are obligated to teach complete high school by law. 
and IMO an Islamic Studies degree from some reputable university does not make one a scholar unless we’re talking about likes of Al-Azhar.
Just trying to learn why our thinking as Muslims today is the way it is,… not trying to cause some debate or offend anyone. and you’re all aware I’m not a parent.
Re: Will you encourage or discourage?
^Honestly, I don't know why I feel this way, but I just do. I feel as though if my child were to get a degree in Islamic Studies, that somehow he/she would have to struggle financially their whole lives. I honestly don't know how Imam's are paid or anything like that, but I'm guessing it's not much. Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely no comparison between becoming an engineer and obtaining vast knowledge about Islam because one will benefit you for eternity. I just don't want to have to see my child struggle financially or worry about paying bills, etc. I think all parents will agree with me on this. I know a lot of scholars are also doctors so I mean there must be a reason right? And that just goes to show that you can do both!
^ Yes of course, that is the ideal scenario where one can become successful in worldly matters at the same time for eternity. That requires a lot of sacrifice though both from the student and parents. It’s not that common.
Parents’ worries for the future of children is valid, fardh, must!
But let’s look at it from a point of view of the student of deen or the graduate; alim/scholar. He or she will automatically adopt the lifestyle which is prescribed by the sunnah (
). So, the mindset we have usually and the lifestyle we follow will not be the same mindset and lifestyle they will have. They will not have the same worry of their “financial well being” as we do since their ultimate goal will be completely different. I don’t know how to explain this. I’m a strong believer in “Allah provides” (not the desi style :D) but seriously, if someone struggles for the sake of Allah.. Allah makes this life and the next life easy for him … not forgetting the status of their parents in next life.
I guess it’s matter of upbringing, family background, how much focus on worldly education vs deeni..etc..
Re: Will you encourage or discourage?
What people need to understand that deen does not mean that you cut of with the world. I'll surly encourage him/her but I am sure kids can do both in parallel.