Is a student of worldly knowledge considered to be on the path of God like a student of religious knowledge?

The study of worldly sciences upon which people's interests are based is a collective obligation (fard kifaya). A Muslim should learn these sciences with the intention of fulfilling this obligation. However, these sciences must not distract him from correcting his creed and learning the rulings of his worship. If specialization in these sciences is with the intention of fulfilling a collective obligation, without neglecting other duties, then the person will be rewarded and considered to be striving in the path of Allah. But if the intention is purely worldly or leads to neglecting duties, then there is no reward for him; rather, he may incur sin.