Wa `alaykum As-Salamu wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh

 

It would be wrong for her to leave her studies, especially at this stage. The reasons mentioned above are not legitimate.

 

For one thing, no one knows when the Hour is approaching.

 

It is the lesson that we learn from the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

 

Allah says:

 

“THEY WILL ASK you [O Prophet] about the Last Hour: “When will it come to pass?” Say: “Verily, knowledge thereof rests with my Sustainer alone. None but He will reveal it in its time. Heavily will it weigh on the heavens and the earth; [and] it will not fall upon you otherwise than of a sudden.” They will ask you – as if you could gain insight into this [mystery] by dint of persistent inquiry!  Say: “Knowledge thereof rests with my Sustainer alone; but [of this] most people are unaware.” (Al-A`raf 7:187)

 

When Angel Jibreel asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) about the hour, his answer was: Neither the one who is questioned about it nor the questioner knows any better.” (Abu Dawud and others)

 

Moreover, even if one were to witness the Hour coming, one is told to continue the work he or she is doing. The Prophet (peace be  upon him) said, “If the hour is coming and if one of you were trying to plant a seedling, let him not finish planting it.” (Al-Bukhari)

 

Therefore, no matter what work one is doing (whether it is strictly religious or otherwise), he or she will be rewarded as long as it is beneficial for humanity. Islam does not make a distinction between secular and religious sciences. So the sister is better off in completing her Ph.D. rather than starting out to go for Islamic studies. In fact, Muslims today are more in need of scientists more than those who pursue Islamic studies.

 

One of the eminent scholars who visited North America observed a strange trend among scientists walking away from it to turn to religious studies.  He said, “if this trend continues, Muslims will be deprived of good scientists, and end up with mediocre scholars.” That would be the case with her leaving her Ph.D. in preference to pursuing her study of Islam.

 

Therefore, my sincere advice to the sister is to continue pursuing her doctorate and focus on passing it with the highest distinction.

 

Almighty Allah knows best.