How can one combine academic study with the pursuit of Islamic knowledge? Is it necessary to abandon academic study for the sake of pursuing Islamic knowledge? And what Islamic books are recommended to begin with, given the constraints of limited time and demanding work?

The honor of knowledge is immense, especially knowledge of God and His religion. Sacred knowledge (ʿilm sharʿī) has great virtue and guides to Paradise. It is possible to combine it with university studies by dividing time, matching subjects, and asking God for success and avoidance of sins. Alternatively, one can postpone seeking knowledge until after completing university studies, while utilizing work hours to listen to lectures. It is not advisable to drop out of university for the sake of seeking sacred knowledge, as university education is mandatory, can be mastered, and provides a livelihood. Seeking sacred knowledge depends on sincerity, acting upon it, receiving knowledge from scholars, diligence and effort, and associating with students of knowledge. It is recommended to proceed gradually in seeking knowledge, starting with books of Tawhid (definition) (monotheism) and 'Aqeedah (creed) like "Al-Usul al-Thalathah" (The Three Fundamental Principles), then language sciences (grammar, morphology, and rhetoric) such as "Matn al-Ajrumiyyah", then Fiqh (jurisprudence) by choosing a school of thought and starting with foundational texts, then Hadith (definition) jurisprudence like "Al-Arba'in al-Nawawiyyah" (The Forty Hadith of al-Nawawi), then Hadith terminology like "Matn al-Bayquniyyah", and finally books of Tafsir (definition) (Qur'anic exegesis), history, and literature. One must be gentle with oneself in seeking knowledge and invest available time without compromising work.