Why Are Many Muslim Men Moving Away from University Education?

As-salamu alaykum, brothers and sisters. I've been wondering if this is a North American thing, but why do so many Muslim men seem to leave their university studies and start working in trades or blue-collar jobs? Many don’t even complete a bachelor's degree. I want to clarify, this isn't about money; it's about respect and how our community is being perceived in North America. Throughout history, people of color were mistreated and experimented on without their knowledge-take the example of Teflon workers who developed serious illnesses because they didn’t understand the risks. They were exploited because they didn’t have the knowledge to protect themselves. This reflects the importance of holding space within the system, rather than accepting the lower rungs that some want us to stay in. The concern is that we’re giving up on rising to leadership positions. I’m not against trades-every job has its value and dignity. But education builds more than just income; it builds influence. This isn’t about who earns more right now; it’s about who shapes decisions in the future. When Muslims and other minorities step back from education, we lose our voice in law, policy, healthcare, media, and academia-the very places that determine how we’re treated. Look at history: groups like the Teflon workers, Indigenous peoples, and many others were not weak-they were kept uninformed through limited access to education. When knowledge becomes optional, the goal is to keep our community behind while others control the narrative. This is about gaining leverage, safety, and long-term respect for our Ummah.