In fact...

In fact, this was precisely the period which is known as the dark age of the West.[^11] The spread of Greek traditions was stifled in the West by the extreme Roman utilitarianism which was followed by the theological expediency and later by a theological domination which seemed for a long time to destroy every hope of genuine scientific revival. After the birth of Islam, the Arabs on the other hand were fired with the zeal for knowledge.

The following sayings of the Prophet exhibit the importance he attached to the seeking of knowledge:[^12] Seek ye knowledge from the cradle to the grave. To seek knowledge is the duty of every Muslim man and woman. Seek ye knowledge even if it be in China. The ink of the scholar is more holy than the blood of the martyr. He who leaveth his home in search of knowledge walketh in the path of God. He dieth not who seeketh knowledge. In…