Sheikhs and my fellow students in my school think that having worldy knowledge is Jehad. In the light of Quran and hadith what do you say?

Jihaad literally means to sacrifice. Therefore, the Shaykhs opinion only in the literal sense is correct. The reward of that sacrifice depends on the good intention of the seeker of worldly knowledge, for example, contributing to the propagation of Islam. However, Jihaad includes physical and monetary sacrifice against the Kuffaar even to the extent of placing one's life at risk.

Generally, the Qur'aan and Ahaadith refers to the latter understanding of Jihaad.

And Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.