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Parents prohibit me from travelling

14 January 2025 • 3.3K views
Question: I am a 15 year old student of knowledge and I seek knowledge through my mobile phone. My father does not allow me to attend any centres of Ahlus-Sunnah, including the centre of our esteemed Sheikh Yahya, may Allah preserve him. I would like your advice for my father. Sheikh Yahya hafidhahullah responds (Paraphrased): I sincerely advise him, if he seeks goodness for himself and his son, to allow his son to seek knowledge and study Allāh’s Book. He will be crowned with honour incomparable to worldly possessions if his son memorises the Qur'ān. InshaAllāh, his some will become righteous, and he will reap the benefits after his death, as the Prophet ﷺ said: 'When a person dies, their deeds come to an end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for them.' Indeed, this life is a lesson! Some parents pave the way for their children to acquire knowledge, encouraging them to read, memorise, and learn. However, their children are not interested...On the other hand, there are children who want to seek knowledge, but their fathers hinder them, depriving them of opportunities to pursue religious knowledge despite their yearning for it. This yearning for knowledge is a gift from Allāh, bestowed upon whomever He wills. Fathers must fear Allāh and not obstruct this divine favour! Ironically, some parents would allow their children to travel to Western countries, among immoral temptations, to earn dollars and later boast in gatherings about their 'expatriate' children...They might even take pride in their daughters studying abroad, often alone or with minimal supervision, showing no shame in sending them far from the safety of home.. In contrast, if Allāh has blessed someone with a righteous son who seeks to learn the Qur'ān and serve his religion, they should be grateful and support him in this pursuit. Allāh promises: 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favour].' Supporting a child’s religious education is an act of gratitude for this blessing. As for the notion that pursuing religious knowledge leads to poverty and lack of worldly success, this is a baseless misconception. Many people with secular jobs and high degrees struggle with financial instability, unable to cover even basic expenses. On the other hand, a seeker of knowledge who sincerely calls upon Allāh will find his supplications answered. A student of knowledge, dedicated to prayer, Dhikr, and reliance on Allah, is often blessed in ways he could never foresee, including sustenance and marriage to a righteous spouse. This is a stark contrast to someone chasing worldly pleasures, who may end up with a partner who makes his life miserable. Allah promises: 'Whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer – We will surely grant them a good life.' Consider the example of Hushaym ibn Bashir, whose father was a restaurant owner. He initially prevented his son from pursuing knowledge, insisting he assist in the family business. Despite this, Hushaym would secretly attend the lessons of the scholar, the Qaḍhii of Wasit. Eventually, the Qaḍhi recognised his potential and interceded with his father, convincing him to allow Hushaym to study. Hushaym later became a great scholar, benefiting his family and the Muslim community. Many parents do not realise what is best for their children due to misconceptions or worldly distractions. However, with patience and perseverance, they often come to appreciate the fruits of their children’s dedication to knowledge. Therefore, I advise this young seeker of knowledge to persist respectfully in his pursuit, even if his father initially refuses. He should continue to pray and maintain good conduct towards his father, for Allah will guide his father’s heart in due course. He is not sinful for seeking knowledge, especially if his parents are not in need of him. He is not liable in the sight of Allāh, and with time, the father may come to see the immense value and blessings of this. ➡️@madrasatuna