Am I committing a sin by not excelling in a difficult university major that requires focus on specific subjects and answering lengthy questions, or by memorizing some rules without understanding them? Does this affect the reward if the intention behind studying is for the sake of Allah? Is academic work done to avoid punishment Haram (forbidden) for reward? Is it permissible for me to choose a transportation engineering major despite the potential misuse of communication tools? Does the presence of the state emblem, which includes a lion's image, on examination papers necessitate changing my major?

Perfecting one's work is beloved by Allah, and it is a concept recognized in Islamic law as long as it is within one's capacity, for "So fear Allah as much as you are able." The reward is commensurate with the intention and the excellence [of the work], and the reward increases with the increase in hardship, provided that hardship is not blameworthy in the Sharīʿah. As for performing a duty out of fear of a teacher's punishment, there is no reward for it if that is the sole motive. Specializing in communications is permissible, and it is preferable to choose what is more beneficial for Muslims and further removed from dubious matters. There is no harm in the official emblems of states that have been widely afflicted [by tribulation].