BENEFIT 264: Why do I sense a feeling of discomfort when Madinah University and the likes are criticised?!

NOTE: Madinah is indeed a blessed land; however, this blessing does not extend to everything and everyone within it. Imam Malik reported in "Al-Muwatta" (4/1117) from Yahya ibn Sa'eed, who narrated that Abu Darda wrote to Salman Al-Farsi, saying: "Come to the holy land." Salman replied: ((إن الأرض لا تقدس أحدا وإنما يقدس الإنسان عمله)) "The land does not sanctify anyone; rather, it is a person's deeds that sanctify him." To proceed: This advice, which I have no input except highlighting the statements of this esteemed scholar, is intended for: 1. Individuals who speak negatively about our scholars for discouraging students from enrolling in such universities. 2. Those contemplating enrollment in these universities. 3. Current students at these universities. 4. Reminding the advocates of these universities to caution others from these mistakes ___ Madinah University is not like how it once was | Excerpted from the article of Sheikh ’AbdulMuhsin ’Al-Abbād ḥafidhahullāh (dated 20/6/1431) "...More than twenty years after the establishment of the Islamic University, one of its officials sought to introduce secular colleges into its system. Fortunately, however, King Fahd (may he rest in peace) did not approve this initiative. The Council of Ministers decided that the Islamic University should remain focused solely on its religious specialisation and publicly announced this decision in its reports in 1402 AH (1981 AD). For half a century after its founding, the university continued to operate with its five Shariah (Islamic law) colleges. Recently, under its new administration, the university has pursued the establishment of secular colleges, which could lead to a dilution of its original focus, similar to what happened with Al-Azhar University half a century ago.... ...As for the study of sciences and engineering, although it offers certain worldly benefits, it does not align with the objectives for which the university was founded. The primary purpose of the university is to deepen Muslims’ understanding of their religion, enabling them to return to their countries as callers of truth and guidance, enlightening others in matters of religion. These fields of study teach professions and trades that do not align with the university's foundational mission. Moreover, this type of education is available in many other countries, and it would suffice to direct Saudi students to the Kingdom's universities that already include such colleges, which now exceed twenty in number.... ...One of the most peculiar and astonishing decisions made by the Council of Higher Education is the approval for the establishment of a Shari'ah department within the College of Law at Al-Jouf University, along with the amendment of the college's name to the College of Sharia and (man-made) Law (قوانين). How can a college of (man-made) law be established in the land of the two Holy sanctuaries, followed by the creation of a Shari‘ah department within it, and then be renamed the College of Shari'ah and (man-made) Law? The land of the two Holy sanctuaries is where divine revelation descended and where Islam emerged, and the Saudi state was founded on the principles of Shari'a. Man-made laws contradict Shari'ah; therefore, why establish a college of (man-made) Law and then attach a Shari'ah department, renaming it the College of Shari'ah and Law? This designation is akin to calling it the “College of Truth and Falsehood.” The distinction between the elevated Islamic Sharia and the inferior man-made laws is as vast as that between the Creator and the created, for Sharia is divine revelation from the Creator, while man-made law is a product of human creation....