I joined Preston with a preconceived notion that attending weekly Bayans & summer camps are sufficient to acquire Islamic knowledge, then why a B.A in Islamic Studies? After all, isn’t it just going to be the same Seerah and rules of Halal and Haraam for three years? I thought I knew it all.

But as I began studying, a humbling reality struck me. Spending months learning the Arabic alphabets, and even longer for grasping the grammar of a single letter like “ء”, quickly revealed how vast and endless Islamic knowledge truly is. The more a person learns, the more they recognize they know nothing! The depth, precision and beauty of this knowledge, the way the syllabus was planned were all far beyond my assumptions

Knowledge Breaks Arrogance, Builds Character

Another remarkable experience at Preston was that asking questions was welcomed, and the doubts were addressed with clarity. This approach fed my curiosity and gave me a perspective shift. The focus isn’t on who is right, but on understanding the truth. This nurtures humility and respect for scholarly differences. Hence a great life lesson- ‘the essence of true knowledge is not about winning arguments but about seeking truth with an open heart’.

It is from here, the seed of humility took root, a characteristic that Allah gives to those whom He loves, honours and draws closer to Him.

I still remember how our Shuyookh reminded us at the end of every year not to congratulate but to make us aware that we have been trained to say, ‘I don’t know’ not out of weakness, but out of sincerity and the responsibility that comes with knowledge. As true knowledge doesn’t inflate the ego, it only humbles the heart and increases a person’s fear and reverence of Allah and His religion.

The Transformative Power of Islamic Studies

May Allah bless our institute, teachers, and fellow students with beneficial knowledge and sincere hearts. Aameen

Think you know Islam? Discover how true knowledge humbles the soul—don’t miss the journey that transforms hearts at Preston.

Mahmooda (Batch 6)