The rise of the Muslims to the zenith of civilization in a period of four decades was based on Al-Islam’s emphasis on learning. This is obvious when one takes a look at the Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) which are filled with references to learning, education, observation, and the use of Reason. The very first verse of the Qur’an revealed to the Prophet Of Al-Islam (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) on the night of power (Laylathul Qadr) in the month of Ramadan in 611 AD reads:
“Read: In the name of thy Lord who created man from a clot.
Read: And thy Lord is the Most Generous Who taught by the pen,
taught man that which he knew not.”
(Surah Al-Alaq, 96:1-5)
“And they shall say had we but listened or used reason, we would not be among the inmates of the burning fire.”
(Al Mulk, 67:10)
“Are those who have knowledge and those who have no knowledge alike? Only the men of understanding are mindful.”
(Al Zumar, 39:9)
The Qur’an Exhorts The Muslims To Do Scientific Research:
” And whoso bringeth the truth and believeth therein such are the dutiful.”
(Surah Al Zumar, 39:33)
Every Muslim man’s and every Muslim woman’s prayer should be:
“My Lord! Enrich me with knowledge.”
(Surah TA HA, 20:114)
The pursuit of knowledge and the use of reason, based on sense of observation is made obligatory on every Muslim man and woman.
The following traditions of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) supplement the foregoing teachings of the Qur’an in the following way:
(1) Seek knowledge “even though it be in China.”
(2) “The acquisition of knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, whether male or female.”
(3) “The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr.”
(4) “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”
(5) “Allah has revealed to me, ‘Whoever walks in the pursuit of knowledge I facilitate for him the way to heaven.’
(6) “The best form of worship is the pursuit of knowledge.”
(7) “Scholars should endeavor to spread knowledge and provide education to people who have been deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears.”
(8) Some one asked the Prophet (SallAllahu Alaihi Wa Sallam): “Who is the biggest scholar?”
He replied: “He who is constantly trying to learn from others, for a scholar is ever hungry for more knowledge.”
(9) “Seek for knowledge and wisdom, for whatever the vessel from which it flows, you will never be the loser.”
(10) “Thinking deep for one hour (with sincerity) is better than 70 years of (mechanical) worship.”
(11) “Worship without knowledge, has no goodness in it and knowledge without understanding has no goodness in it. And the recitation of the Qur’an, which is not thoughtful has no goodness in it.”
(12) “To listen to the words of the learned and to instill unto others the lessons of science is better than religious exercises.”
(13) “Acquire knowledge: it enables its possessor to distinguish right from the wrong, it lights the way to heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless; it guides us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is an ornament among friends and an armor against enemies.”