Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
7. The Importance of Education in Islam
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settle in Muslim cities and help in these activities. They even bought
some books by paying for them in gold equivalent to their weight.
This generous appreciation and support of the State
accelerated research work, and cultural exchange through
translation, which reflected on the general progress and
development of the entire Muslim world at that time. Spain, under
Muslim rule, witnessed a similar progressive and developmental
process. A number of world renowned historians of science and
civilization. (e.g. Hughman) have pointed out that Muslims’
contribution in the development of natural sciences and philosophy
were not merely confined to translations from Greek, Persian,
Indian, etc. For in view of their inquisitive and critical mind-set, it
were not possible for them to accept Greek philosophy or any
other sciences without an objective analysis. The fervour shown in
authentification of the Prophet’s words was also in action in the
field of natural science. Therefore Muslim scientists, doctors and
other experts were able to remove so many superstitious notions
about nature and life that prevailed among the Greek philosophers.
On the other hand they proved to be creative and innovative in the
widest sense of the term. They sent missions for exploring new
lands. They established observatories. They corrected many false
concepts in astronomy, medicine, chemistry and physics. It was the
legacy of the Islamic civilization that reached Europe via Spain after
the fall of Granada in 1492 A.H., which laid the foundation of the
Renaissance in the West.
Islam attaches such great importance to learning that the Quran
has this to say:
