Islam and Human Rights — Page 168
Isl am and Hum an R ights 168 those who know not? Verily, only those endowed with understanding will take heed” (39:10). The Prophet has said: “The seeking of knowledge is a duty laid upon every Muslim, man and woman”. 73 He exhorted: “Go forth in search of knowledge to farthest Cathay”. 74 It is somewhat paradoxical, however, that while the Declaration sets forth the freedom “to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and re gardless of frontiers”, it does not seek to promote the free dom of travel, without let or hindrance, across frontiers in search of knowledge, information and ideas-a freedom that mankind had enjoyed for centuries and which has been seriously hindered in the present generation, with the con sequent restriction of a fruitful source of knowledge and understanding. Article 20 This article is designed to secure the right of free peaceful association which is, in fact, consequent upon the right to freedom of thought, opinion and 73 Ibn Maja I, Ch. :Dignity of the Learned. 74 Baihiqi, on the authority of As-Sayuti I, under letter a, p. 37.