The main reason behind the success of early Muslims rested in their seeking knowledge where it was evident and also from places where it was hidden. As true sons of Islam, they understood the meaning of the Prophetic Traditions (Sallellahu Alayhi Wa Sallam):
“A Muslim is never satiated in his quest for good (knowledge) till it ends in paradise.”
[Tirmizi: narrated by Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (RA)]
“A person who goes (out of his house) in search of knowledge, he is on Allah’s way and he remains so till he returns.”
[Tirmizi: Anas (RA)]
“One who treads a path in search of knowledge has his path to Paradise made easy by Allah thereby.”
[Muslim: Abu Hurayrah (RA)]
“To seek knowledge for one hour at night is better than keeping it (night) awake.”
[Darimi: Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA)]
They did not shy away from translating and learning from others in the best of the Prophetic Traditions (Sallellahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) :
“The word of wisdom is [like] the lost property of a wise man. So wherever he finds it, he is entitled to it.”
[Tirmizi: Abu Hurayrah (RA)]
When others were hesitant to do experiments to check their hypotheses, they courageously filled the vacuum.
In that they were true to the Prophetic dictate (Sallellahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) :
“Knowledge is a treasure house whose keys are queries.”
[Mishkat and Abu Na’im: Ali (RA)]
Muslims should also ponder over the statement made by Mu’adh ibn Jabal (RA):
“Acquire knowledge for the
pleasure of Allah, for learning engenders piety, reverence for one’s Lord and fear of wrongdoing. Seeking knowledge for Allah’s pleasure is an act of worship, studying it is a celebration of God’s glory (lit. Zikr), searching for it is a rewarding struggle (lit. Jihad), teaching it to someone who realizes its worth is a charity (lit. Sadaqa),, and applying it in one’s home strengthens family unity and kinship. …
Knowledge is a comforting friend in times of loneliness. It is the best companion to a traveler. It is the innermost friend who speaks to you in your privacy. Knowledge is your most effective sword against your foe, and finally, it is your most
dignifying raiment in the company of your close comrades.”
[Hilyat’ul Awliya Wa Tabaqat’ul Asfiya]
Similarly, Sharafuddin Maneri (RA) said:
“Knowledge is the fountainhead of all happiness, just as ignorance is the starting point of all wretchedness. Salvation comes from knowledge, destruction from ignorance.”
[Maktubat-i Sadi]