One of the most recurring questions I receive from recent pre-university madrasah graduates having interest in furthering their studies in Jordan is, “Should I pick Yarmouk University or University of Jordan?” Vacillating between these two universities is a common dilemma, and they are not to be blamed at all. In fact, I too had a tough time choosing between these two institutions back then. While most of my peers would settle down and be contented with answers such as “Go to x university, it’s relatively cheaper.”, or “Go to y university, it’s located in the capital of Jordan.”, I feel that those reasonings were rather unconvincing and subjective. Hence, I decided to put those thoughts aside and ponder upon other factors which would assist me in making the right decision.

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Moving on, I consulted my teachers in Madrasah Wak Tanjong, as well as those whom I learn from in mosques and Islamic centres to hear their input on this dilemma. The advice received were various, but one stood out from the rest. “Benefit from the scholars of Jordan.” I reflected and pondered deeply on the said advice, and I told myself that this is exactly what I needed. Who knew a simple statement would become a determining factor on which institution I should pick? 

 

When it comes to attending durus (classes in mosques and Islamic centres) and sittings of knowledge, it’s obvious that such an objective is only achievable when the scholars are accessible. Hence, I decided to choose the university located where most scholars are. Moving forward, I started doing research and asked around to gather information regarding the scholars in Jordan, where most of their classes were held. Unfortunately, the information I managed to gather was really very limited. That was when, I stumbled upon the Facebook page of Markaz Imām Nāṣir al-Dīn al-Albānī, an institution that exists in no other place except in Amman, Jordan. The centre is funded by the government and is established by his closest students aimed to provide students of knowledge a gradual and systematic approach in learning the different Islamic sciences.

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So, I told myself that no further questions should be asked. If this is what I desire – to learn under a systematic traditional curriculum with teachers qualified for its delivery – then common concerns such as money should not be a problem. I prayed istikharah, got my parent’s consent, registered my enrollment to the University of Jordan located in Amman, and Alḥamdulillāh the rest is history. I am contented and grateful to be where I am now, and I thank Allāh the Al-ʿAlīm (The All-Knowing) for it.

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On a side note, one piece of advice that I keep repeating to my peers is that – Wallahi if we were to actively cultivate the virtue of sincerity in our worship and deeds and strive to earn the pleasure of Allāh, He will ease everything and grant you tawfiq (guidance). Be faithful to Him, do what He commands and abstain from what He prohibits, then He will show you the way and ease your affairs. Allāh says:

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وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا (٢) وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَالِغُ أَمْرِهِ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا (٣)

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And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). (2) And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed, Allah has set a measure for all things. (3)

 

At-Talaq, Ayah 2-3

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Finally, I really hope this article gives the reader a sense of importance to learn with scholars. These are the people who dedicate their lives in the service of the religion. The traditional way of learning allows us – in shāʾ Allāh – to gradually progress to the level of being able to not just learn the contents of those texts and sciences but also to obtain a systematic and logical understanding of the foundations in different sciences, its interdisciplinary relationships and so on. May Allāh grant us sincerity, grant us knowledge and make us not be amongst those who waste the opportunity to learn under the al-Rāsikhūn (well-grounded in knowledge).

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