Is a person considered ignorant if he has not obtained a university degree, despite having memorized parts of the Quran, read religious books, and possessed religious knowledge?
The knowledge favored by the verses and is knowledge of what the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, brought, and what the scholars unanimously agreed upon or deduced from the two revelations (Qur'an and ). This includes Allah Almighty's saying: "Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees" [Qur'an 58:11], and His saying: "Say, 'Are those who know equal to those who do not know?'" [Qur'an 39:9].
As for worldly sciences, knowledge of them is better than ignorance. One who is ignorant of them is called ignorant of them, not absolutely ignorant. Knowledge and ignorance are attributed to a person according to what predominantly characterizes their state. A knowledgeable person may be ignorant of some things, and an ignorant person may know some things. These appellations are deserved based on the predominant state.
Secondary and university studies are not a prerequisite for acquiring knowledge. It is recommended to strive to complete memorization of the Qur'an, to frequently study books of hadith, and to endeavor to teach children and neighbors, with patience and avoiding argumentation.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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