For instance...

For instance, those who were authorities in theology also knew philosophy, narration and interpretation, while those who were authorities in narration and interpretation were knowledgeable about literature, poems and phrases explaining the meaning of the Qur'an. Not many people could be found in those times, who specialised in only one subject, because specialty came from an orderly discussion in a technical or scientific manner, which did not exist at that time.

The most popular discussions were about religious matters such as Qur'anic interpretation, narration and jurisprudence. Discussions were also often held about history,…