Study at the Holy City of Makkah Al-Mukarramah

As we all know, there are numerous types of education after graduating from high school. From formal to informal education (i.e. ready to work), diploma or bachelor degree, public or private school, in one’s country or abroad, free education (scholarships) or at our own expense. The fields of study that we are able to choose from is also becoming more diverse depending upon our interests and abilities.

I recently spoke with one of the expatriate Muslim woman students majoring in Shari’ah at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah named Sister Taqiyyah Arifin. I am interested in knowing about studying at Umm Al-Qura University as it is one of the oldest universities in Saudi Arabia and was founded in 1949 (1369H). In addition, Makkah Al-Mukarramah is the holy city and it is also rare that an expat Muslim woman is willing to go abroad to countries which most people say is ‘not friendly for women.’

This sister who is commonly called Sister Taqi originally entered Umm Al-Qura University at her father’s wish. But after pursuing study, she finally felt comfortable, since the University does not mix between women and men.

“[The] Campus for women is separated from men, so that Muslim women are free to express ourselves and to appreciate who we are,” Sister Taqi says.

The Campus atmosphere,” added Taqi, “Is very supportive. Its teaching staff is from the best graduates, generally they are doctoral students, majority from Saudis, but there are also those from Egypt, Sudan and other gulf countries. Library facilities are complete enough to support students during our studies.”

Umm Al-Qura University, which has Arabic language instruction (except the faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy with English language) do not charge any tuition fees for students, it’s completely free. Even the University gives every student pocket money per month for the cost of living. But if a Muslim man or woman has already married and he/she wants to bring his/her partner to stay together, of course, the cost is borne by those concerned.

The faculties and majors offered, in particular Islamic studies, are the faculty of Da’wah and Islamic Theology, Shari’a and Islamic Studies, and Arabic Language. It is important to learn the Holy Qur’an, Islam law, and Islamic culture as it is mentioned in the following hadith:

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it (Hadith narrated by Bukhari).

There are also general departments such as Medicine, Engineering, Computers, Islamic Architecture, and Pharmacy. Each faculty usually has 2 to 4 majors. The length of study for a bachelor degree is the same as other Universities i.e. 4-year, while the master degree requires a minimum of 3 and up to 5 years. The doctoral program requires at least 5 years to finish. Yet it must be remembered that the intention to study is not to boast, to argue with a fool, to look for human attention, or aiming to acquire the wealth of the world without seeking the blessing of Allah (SWT), because later he/she will not smell the fragrance of heaven if one does not have the right intention, as narrated by Tirmidzi, Abu Dawud, ibnu Majah, Achmad, and Ibnu Hibban. Naudzubillahi min dzalik.

Knowledgeable people are so precious in the sight of Allah the Almighty. According to a hadith:

Ibn Abbas (RA) said that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Whoever dies while studying then he will meet with Allah (SWT). There is no boundary between him and the prophets, but only degrees of prophecy. (Hadith narrated by Tabarani).

If you are interested to learn more about studying in Umm Al-Qura University click here.

Indeed Allah’s earth is spacious, we can study anywhere as long we seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT), as provision for our life in the world and the hereafter.

 Illustration by Google Image

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