What is the ruling on studying ancient Egyptian religion with the intention of pursuing postgraduate studies?

Studying extinct religions as historical research is permissible, as it falls under worldly matters, not religious ones. The general principle regarding customs is permissibility unless forbidden by Islamic law, as mentioned by Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah.

However, for this study to remain permissible, it is stipulated that it should not waste time and effort without a legitimate benefit, and it should not cause harm to religion or lead the student into perdition, such as advocating for pre-Islamic tribal loyalties.

To avoid pitfalls, the student must engage in studying the religion of Allah to establish firmly within themselves the deviance of these polytheistic religions and to know that there is no common ground between them and Islam. No matter how advanced their sciences and arts, their deviation in beliefs and polytheistic worship will not intercede for them.

It is not permissible to glorify these polytheists merely due to geographical or national affiliation. The student must distinguish between guidance and deviation. If a matter becomes unclear, they must refer to people of knowledge.

Furthermore, the student should direct their research to serve Islam and Muslims by competing with the people of misguidance in this specialization through authorship and teaching, protecting the youth from destructive ideologies, and clarifying the deviance and deviation of those religions. If they cannot achieve any significant benefit, then they should choose another beneficial specialization.