أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ اللَّـهَ أَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً...
And of men and beasts and cattle are of various colours likewise; only those of His servants endowed with knowledge fear God; surely, God is Almighty and Forgiving. (35:27 28) Clearly, the word ibadihi al‑ulama' (His servants endowed with knowledge) occurring in the above verse refers to those who are aware of the laws and mysteries of nature and creation, and who acknowledge in all humility the greatness and majesty of God.
The following traditions of the Prophet (S) also point in the direction of the most general sense of the word “knowledge”. اطلبوا العلم و لو بالصين Seek knowledge by even going to China.15 اعلم الناس من جمع علم الناس الى علمه The most learned of men is one who collects bits of knowledge from others and thus enhances his own knowledge.16 من اراد الدنيا فعليه بالعلم و من اراد الآخره فعليه بالعلم و من ارادهما معاً فعليه بالعلم Anyone who desires the good of present life should seek knowledge.
Anyone who desires the life of Hereafter should seek knowledge. And anyone who wants to do well in this life and in the next world should seek knowledge.17 و خذ الحكمة و لا يضرك من ايِّ وعاء خرجت Accept whatever adds to your wisdom, irrespective of the nature of the source.18 From these sayings of the great Prophet of Islam and similar traditions which have been narrated from the Ahl al‑Bayt19 (the spiritual successors of the Prophet) the truth emerges that such recommendations for acquisition of knowledge are not confined to the knowledge of the principles and laws of the Shariah; because, as is obvious, China was not a centre of theological studies in those days but was famous for its crafts and industry.
Moreover, it is clear that the laws of Shari ah and Islamic doctrines cannot be learnt from polytheists and infidels.