How can religious commitment and academic weakness be reconciled to achieve excellence that demonstrates Islam to be a religion of excellence, not ignorance?

Do not despair, and be of high resolve. Know that Allah is over all things competent. Striving opens the doors to knowledge and excellence, as confirmed by His saying, the Almighty: "And those who strive for Us – We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good." [Al-Ankabut: 69]. Let your goal in achieving excellence be the pleasure of Allah, not the praise of people. The excellence of disbelievers in worldly sciences and industries does not signify the weakness of religion. Rather, they devoted their efforts to these while they are heedless of the Hereafter, as He, the Almighty, said: "They know what is apparent of worldly life, but they are of the Hereafter heedless." [Ar-Rum: 7]. Indeed, Muslims are more deserving of engaging in what brings them progress and victory.