Spending time with one's family while studying

· 26 Shawwal 1440 AH1 min readEnglish

Question

Seeking knowledge vs time with family.

I have two semesters left of a 4 year Arabic and Islamic studies program and I am also a 4th year student of the alim course program. I am in my early 30’s married and kids and also full time job. I have been a seeker of knowledge for a few years now and have completed certain ijazas in the past and now attempting to complete the Alim course InshaAllah.

My wife has always supported me, but sometimes I see (feel) that she might be somewhat fed up with me also being busy. I spend a significant amount of time in books research and still with a full time job, also assist a local masjid that is without an imam at times.

I do believe spending valuable time with my family, but I also am fully aware that between continuous studies and full time work (which is needed to support my family) my available time is always at minimal.

Lately a thought has creeped into my head that I should stop my studies and focus on family. Im not unsure if these are whispers of the shaytan or just me being over whelmed. I am thankful for the achievements Allâh swt has allowed for me but on the other hand I feel guilty because the majority of my time is being filtered elsewhere. This is just me venting and asking for advice.

How do I balance? Am I doing too much ?

Answer

Give more quality time to your family and you could space out your studies over several years.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Questions about this ruling, answered only from the archive with sources.

Where scholars differ, it’s safer to take the more cautious view.

Fatawa SA is an independent, read-only index of fatawa already published by Mufti Online — Madrasah Ta'leemuddeen. It is not a fatwa service. For your own situation, please ask a Mufti. Report an issue

For corrections or mistakes, please email us at fatawasa786@gmail.com.