Stories from Early Islam — Page 187
Islam on the March The Holy Prophet saw of Islam died, but he left behind him: The Holy Qur’an—a complete guidance for man kind. His example and sayings. The faithful Companions—who carried the banner of Islam to the four corners of the world. The Holy Prophet saw, himself an unlettered person, had great respect for knowledge. He is reported to have said, ‘It is the duty of every Muslim, male or female, to seek knowledge’, and that ‘The best charity on the part of a Muslim is to acquire knowledge and to impart it to others’. Thus inspired, Muslims devoted themselves to learning and imparting knowledge with marked success. Throughout the Middle Ages, the Muslim universities and schools ranked best and scholars flocked to them from all parts of the world. They carried out research in almost every field. The doors of these universities were open to all, rich and poor, native and foreign. The poor were encouraged and financed by the State or by the wealthy. In their zeal for knowledge, the Muslim scholars trans lated most of the writings of the Greek philosophers into Arabic. It would not be out of place to mention that the Greek works of great importance were preserved only through the efforts of these Muslim scholars. The Muslim artists and painters excelled others in the art of artistic carving, design and specially in the