Today, we study the tradition of Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny), who encouraged the acquisition of sciences and knowledge.

Science and knowledge maintain an especial status in mankind’s life, empowering him and serving him as a means for fulfillment of his demands. Today, everyone is aware of the importance and significance of knowledge in the view of mankind. All human schools of thought and divine and heavenly religions put emphasis on acquirement of knowledge, and consider progress in acquisition of knowledge as a source of honor. Meanwhile, without a shadow of a doubt, the sacred religion of Islam has treasured sciences more than any other religion and has urged man to learn and acquire knowledge. Dozens of ayahs of Holy Quran and hundreds of Hadiths cited from the Prophet of Islam’s Infallible Household (Peace be upon them) have attached significant importance on sciences and their elevated status. The Prophet of Islam highly encouraged Muslims in relation to acquisition of sciences, such that after the Battle of Badr, each one of the captives, who could teach ten of the residents of Medina how to read and write was freed. Also, upon the encouragement of the Prophet; Zaid son of Saabet learned Hebrew language. This encouragement led other disciples and followers of the Prophet of Islam to acquire knowledge with a unique pace and effort.

Muslims translated scientific books, wherever they were found and carried out research, creating one of the most glorious civilizations and cultures in the history of mankind, which is known as Islamic civilization and culture.

Prophet Mohammad used every raised opportunity to encourage Muslims to acquire knowledge.

According to an Islamic narration, one day the Prophet entered a mosque in Medina, in which there were two groups. One group of Muslims was praying; while the other group was engaged in scientific negotiations. The Prophet was gladdened by seeing both of these groups. Then, he told one of his disciples that both of these two groups were on the righteous path. The Prophet added that he had been sent to educate and alert people. Then, the Prophet of Islam approached the group of Muslims, who were learning and educating and sat within their circle.

Also, another narration says that a Muslim man from Medina approached the Prophet, noting Dear Prophet, let’s assume someone has passed away and his body should be buried. Concurrently, there is an underway scientific meeting. If we intend to attend both of these events we would not be able to do so. Now, which was one them does the Prophet prefers me to attend. The Prophet noted that if there are other individuals who could bury and hold a funeral for the deceased, the Muslim man should attend the scientific meeting.

In addition to Quranic and Islamic teachings, other sciences captured the attention of Muslims, later on. Some Muslims acquired the science of medicine. Gradually, the acquisition of any science which was necessary for people’s lives was attended by scientists. Certainly, no religion and prophet has honored science as much as the sacred religion of Islam and Prophet Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny). In fact, the Prophet of Islam has been cited on several occasions about the paramount importance of acquirement of sciences.

As attainment of an advanced and appropriate world is not possible without the acquisition of sciences; attainment of spiritual growth and perfection is also feasible via acquirement of knowledge.

Given the significant importance of science, the Prophet of Islam encouraged Muslims to acquire knowledge, wherever it is. A hadith has cited the Prophet of Islam as saying that acquire sciences even if they are based in China.

At that point in time, China was considered as one of the farthest countries in the world. The good tradition of acquirement of sciences was pursued by Muslims, who acquired knowledge, irrespective of the location of these sciences. In the initial AH centuries, Muslim scientists were not the only ones who were praised by Muslims, and even non-Muslims scientists were also honored. Meanwhile, the science of medicine was one of the most important sciences from the view of Prophet Mohammad. This was because the Prophet attached especial importance to health and well-being. The Prophet of Islam has also presented a number of instructions on how to eat, which highly contribute to personal health and hygiene. For instance the Prophet noted: Eat whenever you have an appetite and stop eating prior to losing your appetite.

The Prophet also honored skilled physicians and encouraged Muslims to refer to physicians at the time of illness. The Prophet believed that the spiritual health of people is tied to their physical health. This is because a healthy body sets the stage for the spiritual health of individuals, and enables them to further worship God Almighty.

MR/ME