What is the ruling on combining Islamic sciences with worldly sciences, learning foreign languages, practicing sports, and traveling to non-Muslim countries to acquire worldly knowledge?
Religious sciences are preferred over other sciences, but this does not mean that all Muslims should devote themselves to them. Rather, they must learn other sciences necessary for their lives (such as medicine and crafts), as these are a communal obligation (fard kifaya). What is best for each person may differ according to their circumstances and society. There is no sin in speaking a language other than Arabic out of necessity, though it is preferable to limit speech to Arabic. It is permissible to wear Western clothes if they are not exclusive to disbelievers, though Arab attire is better. Traveling to non-Muslim countries is permissible under certain conditions: safety from temptation (fitna), ability to observe religious rituals, and pressing need, with the preference being not to travel there.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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