Specializing in more than one branch of knowledge

5-3-2016 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalaamu alaykum. I heard that it is really hard to specialize in more that one subject for scholars. Is that true or can a scholar be a specialist in more than one field? Also, what advice can you give to someone who wants to become a student of knowledge?

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ʻalayhi wa sallam, is His slave and Messenger. 

There is no religious impediment to specializing in all the Islamic sciences and disciplines and any other fields of knowledge as well. Some scholars, especially in the early Muslim generations, mastered and excelled in different fields of knowledge and disciplines.

Given the extensive scope of knowledge and the limitedness of our lives, the Muslim should specialize in one discipline and strive in learning and mastering it while familiarizing himself with other fields of knowledge to the best of his ability. Indeed, people's ability to acquire knowledge differs according to their abilities and states.

We have previously mentioned advice for the seekers of knowledge in fataawa 85806, 88419 and 166265, so please refer to them.

Allaah knows best.