In Pursuit of Knowledge with Dr. Ahmed Khater

6,622 views·Jul 29, 2026

In Pursuit of Knowledge: Real Study Begins After Graduation In this episode, Abdulwahid is joined by Dr. Ahmed Khater (Assistant Professor of Islamic Studies, AMJA Mufti, and founder of Zidi Islamic Institute) on his visit to Madinah College, London. In a wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Khater shares his journey studying at UC Berkeley and Al-Azhar University, the reality of seeking knowledge beyond a degree, and how students can navigate modern challenges facing Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh) and creed (Aqeedah). Who are we? Madinah College is a London-based Islamic institute dedicated to teaching Qur’an, Arabic, and Islamic studies to adults and young people. Our mission is to provide authentic knowledge from the Qur’an and Sunnah, taught by qualified teachers, in a way that is accessible and relevant for Muslims living in the West. With on-site classes, online courses, and resources through our MCL Portal, we aim to nurture faith, strengthen understanding, and help Muslims apply their religion in everyday life. Join the community Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/madinahcollege/ Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/madinahcollegelondon/ Telegram → https://t.me/madinahcollegelondon Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@madinah.college/ Study with us Online (Free 7 Day Trial) → https://www.mclportal.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=description On-site → https://www.madinahcollege.uk/ __________ Video Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 1:43 His background, Berkeley, Al-Azhar, MA/PhD in Sharia 3:21 Vision of unity between scholars and institutes 4:56 Studying at Al-Azhar as a "non-Egyptian" + distance learning 9:11 Advice: real knowledge starts after graduation 14:07 How he received ijazah — the Sheikh Waliyy story 19:04 Where beginners should start studying fiqh 23:03 The balanced approach to studying a madhab 31:14 History of ijtihad and taqlid from the Sahaba onward 39:14 Collective ijtihad & the Bradford zakat symposium 44:06 His two papers, zakat for political campaigns/lobbying 48:39 Credentials vs. real knowledge 52:08 Addressing theological relativism 1:03:22 Are these "new" doubts really new? 1:07:34 Final advice to students 1:10:58 Closing remarks __________ "When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah; a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous descendant who prays for him (for the deceased)." (Muslim) Support us → https://www.madinahcollege.uk/donate/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=description Subscribe for videos with the scholars and students of knowledge.