And of men and beasts and cattle are of various colours likewise...

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". Seek knowledge by even going to China. [^15] The most learned of men is one who collects bits of knowledge from others and thus enhances his own knowledge. [^16] 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] 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 [^19] (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 Shari`ah; 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. Another reason for not considering "desirable" knowledge to be limited to the religious and theological studies is the precious heritage left by the Muslim scholars of the first several centuries of Islamic civilization and that has come down to our own time.

As is also confirmed by modern historians, Muslim scholars were at the vanguard of the scientific tradition for centuries and their books were used as text-books in Europe for several hundred years.

In fact the major reason why Muslim scholars rejected the intellec­tual traditions of other countries was that they did not see any separation between the goal of religion and the ends of knowledge and were convinced that both religion and knowledge were aimed at illuminating the unity of nature and as a result the oneness of the Creator.