What are the advantages and disadvantages of studying Islam at a Hawza as compared to a university?
This will depend on your personal circumstances and what you seek from that knowledge of Islam. Studying at a university might be possible without migrating to a foreign country or quitting your job whilst migrating to Iran, Syria or Iraq for hawza studies could mean a radical shift in lifestyle but with the advantage of greater acquaintance with Islamic languages and culture. But that difference is just the start. A hawza environment will focus not only on studying classic texts but also on self-development and personal spiritual growth. A university, on the other hand, will only offer a degree (that is perhaps more relevant in the West as a career is Islam). The issue of asceticism, non-materialistic simplicity of life, living in a spiritually purer environment or serving the Muslim community is more present in a hawza. At a university, research and study, writing and lecturing are more the focus. It goes without saying, the teachers will usually be of a very different mindset (unles
