Question : A question was asked regarding the ruling of those busy themselves with the sciences of mathematics, physics, and so. Should this time be spent on studying the science of Islamic law instead?

Fatwa in Brief: Muslims who worry that busying themselves with the sciences of mathematics, physics, and so on, should leave the study of these sciences. Rather, they should concern themselves with the study of the law, as this is more important and beneficial.

The Permanent Committee, 12/102-103

Response:

Studying new sciences, such as medicine, engineering, astronomy, chemistry and so on, is obligatory for the Muslim peoples. An insufficient interest in doing so is the reason that they Umma currently suffers from backwardness and weakness.

Commentary:

God said:

“Hast thou you not seen that Allah causeth water to fall from the sky and We produce therewith fruit of diverse hues; and among the hills are streaks white and red of diverse hues, and others are raven black; and of men and beasts and cattle, in like manner, diverse hues? The erudite among His bondsmen fear Allah alone”. (Q. 35: 27-8)

According to what is mentioned in this verse, those who fear God are scholars of astronomy, natural sciences, chemistry, plants and geology, in addition to the scholars of history, psychology, medicine and, indeed, of every science connected to humans and to nature. By understanding the mechanisms of creation, such scholars will believe [in God], or [if they already believe] their belief will increase. Through their effort to understand, they will benefit, and so too will others.

Studying the new sciences is obligatory for the Islamic peoples. An insufficient interest in doing so is the reason that they Umma currently suffers from backwardness and weakness.[1]

In the Fatwa Centre, under the supervision of Dr. ‘Abdullah al-Faqih:

The study of the earthly sciences, such as engineering, medicine, mathematics, technology, physics, chemistry, mechanics and others, benefits humanity. For this reason, it is obligatory that a sufficient number of people specialize in their study. If Muslims neglect to do so, our societies will decay; and some acts of worship (‘ibadat) would be delayed.[2]

Dr. Yassir ‘Abd al-‘Azim