Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
7. The Importance of Education in Islam
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The revolution brought about by this learning explosion
ushered in a new age of highly developed culture and civilization
not only in Arabia but all over the world. This is a fact that has
been acknowledged by historians. For instance, Indian historian, T.
Rama Rao begins his biography of the Prophet of Islam with these
words:
When he appeared, Arabia was a desert—a nothing.
Out of nothing of the desert a new world was fashioned
by the mighty spirit of Muhammad. A new life, a new
culture, a new civilization, a new kingdom, which
extended from Morocco to India and influenced the
thought and life of three continents—Asia, Africa and
Europe (
Life of Muhammad
).
MERIT OF THE LEARNED AND LEARNERS
The Quran and Hadith both hold men of knowledge superior to
the ignorant. (39:9) The books of hadith have a whole lengthy
chapter devoted to the importance of knowledge, and the rewards
of teaching and learning.
For instance, there is a tradition that one who treads a path in
search of knowledge has his way paved to paradise by God as a
reward for this noble deed (Bukhari, Muslim)
In a tradition recorded by Tirmidhi, angels in heaven, fish in the
water and ants in their dwellings pray for the well-being of a seeker
of knowledge.
