I am not saying that being a farmer or living a certain type...

I am not saying that being a farmer or living a certain type of lifestyle is bad and that one should become educated only to live comfortably. Actually, Allamah Tabataba’i identifies ahadith regarding the virtues of farming.[^2] For example, (peace be upon him and his family) said that “A Muslim who plants a tree or grows a crop of which people, birds and grazing animals eat receives the reward for almsgiving.”[^3] All I am saying is that education was able to benefit my family.

Even if you want to be a farmer, be an educated farmer. Why? Because knowledge will help you be a better farmer. For example, you may learn how to grow better crops or you may learn how to farm more efficiently. Or, you may truly appreciate farming and be thankful to God while some other farmers may still be stuck in their ignorance and superstitions. Acquiring education or knowledge does not only mean getting a degree ( e.g.

, students may sleep in their university classes and not study, but as long as they pay their money and get a piece a paper at the end, they apparently are qualified as educated). One can read, study, ponder, and learn without entering the business world of modern academics. You see, knowledge, as mentioned before, has many levels and types.

Knowledge can be used to benefit oneself and/or others in this material world, knowledge can help oneself to fight off superstition and ignorance, and knowledge can help one get closer to Allah (the Most High). No matter what you do, acquire knowledge. [^1]: Tabataba’i, Muhammad Husayn. Islamic Teachings: An Overview. Trans. R. Campbell. Alavi Foundation, 2000, page 158. 47 [^2]: See Tabataba’i, page 196. 48 [^3]: Tabataba’i, page 196. 49 Previous…