Advice On Studying With Learning Difficulties
Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question:
Assalamu ‘alaykum.
I am struggling with a learning or intellectual disability which is not diagnosed whilst being in the Dars Un Nizami course. I am struggling to understand the concepts of Mantiq, whereas my classmates find it a breeze. I also struggle with other subjects like Fiqh in some rulings. Please can you advise me?
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
Take Practical Steps
It’s probably best to try and get the learning difficulties diagnosed by a professional. This may open doors to overcome these challenges more effectively.
You should also consult with your teachers. Express what you struggle with clearly, and ask them to help you find a solution. Perhaps it might be a good idea to slow the pace of the learning. After all, getting through a book is not the goal. Understanding it is the goal.
Face Facts
It’s worth bearing in mind that Allah creates people with different aptitudes. Some people find one science easier than others. It may be that a student struggles to learn every science, whilst others breeze through them.
In fact, it’s known that recognized masters in one field struggled with the basics of another field. The hadith master, Imam Ibn al Salah (d. 643 AH), struggled to learn Logic despite his brilliance in the Hadith sciences. Imam al Nawawi also tried learning it without much success.
Perhaps Allah is directing you to excel in a particular avenue of learning. You should, however, aim to be competent in what you study especially Fiqh. It might require more effort, but always try to keep the goal in mind.
The Goal of Learning
The goal of learning is not the certificate nor a title. It’s not a race to absorb as much religious knowledge as possible before you die, and it’s not about how many books you write. It’s not about the fruits of our efforts. They are in Allah’s hands.
Rather, the goal is to please Allah. To live in this world and to leave this world with Allah pleased with one. This comes through learning and teaching that guidance as a service to the Umma of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). It comes through applying what you can of that knowledge and constantly working to improve on the areas that need work. This is the goal. This leads to salvation.
Keep working. Allah sees your struggles. Make your intention and goal the above, and you’ll see much good from Allah. Don’t give up.
May Allah facilitate everything for you.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat began his studies in Arabic Grammar and Morphology in 2005. After graduating with a degree in English and History, he moved to Damascus in 2007, where, for 18 months, he studied with many erudite scholars. In late 2008 he moved to Amman, Jordan, where he continued his studies for the next six years in Sacred Law (fiqh), legal theory (Usul al-fiqh), theology, hadith methodology, hadith commentary, and Logic. He was also given licenses of mastery in the science of Quranic recital. He was able to study an extensive curriculum of Quranic sciences, tafsir, Arabic grammar, and Arabic eloquence.
