***QUESTION NO:_1

***DiSCUSS COMPREHENSIVELY WITH TEXTUAL SUPPORT ON THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF MUSLIMS TO

THE WORLD CIVILIZATION ***

ABSTRACT

There are many sources for Islamic civilization process in the past and in the present. Some

sources are religious that emerged from Ketab and Sunnat, and some other came from

human science and experience. These sources in new Islamic world are very complicated so

that we cannot be sure about Islamic identity of our civilization process. Now the question

arises that what was and what is the grade and place of the Quran among various sources in

the history of Islamic civilization (in the precedent) and what class should be specified for the

Quran over these complicated many sources today? My thesis here is to declare that the

Quran can be in the center of the civilization only when it prevailed other civilization sources

in argument (theory) and in reality (practice). The unique way to keep the Quran in the

center of Islamic civilization process is tahaddi (that different nations throughout the history

are unable to create a word like the Quran and this indicates the miraculous characteristic of

the Quran.) in theory and social praxis. Otherwise, other sources will be dominated on

Islamic civilization and will change Muslim identity into nonIslamic civilization.

Keywords : Civilization, sources, Quran, thaddi,

INTRODUCTION

Civilization is the greatest system of interhuman communication that is based on humanity,

morality, and justice. Civilization is most complex and massive humanized communication

system that has potency to expand to other nations and lands. There are several components

in the essence of civilization:

1.Civilization consists of variety and diversity of religions, cultures, nations, and languages.

The plurality and variety is essential for construction of every civilization. The more constructive

plurality and variety exist in the civilization, the more perfection it could achieve. (Habibollah Babaei.

2014).

2.This variety and plurality requires comprehensive unit that should include all pieces to create

unique identity in civilization. This complexity and gigantic unit is not essentially on geographical
scale, rather its greatness could be on small scale in which deep communication system exist. To

make this clear, consider an extreme example of small civilization in Carthage (The city in Tunisia

that was once the centre of the ancient Carthaginian civilization) before Christ in Rom Empire age.

3.Civilization is not hard and physical matter, it is soft affair that occurs not between human

and nature but between human and human. Thus, evaluation of the civilization must be done by

human measures not by technological criteria. Based on this, I think the best term in the Quran for

civilization is neither City (‫()المدينه‬Yusuf: 30) nor land (‫( )بلد‬Ibrahim:35), nor Kingdom (‫( )ملک‬Sad:35) and
nor ability (‫( )تمکن‬Al-An’am: 6)it is Ummah (‫( )مت‬Al-Imran:110) that emphasizes on Muslim

system communication on huge scale.

4.The nature of civilization arises from the classification and priority system of needs, values

and sources. In other words the spirit of civilization depends on the “margin and center” system which

brings the identity of civilization. For example the center of Western civilization is money (Georg

Simmel’s theory) or science (Max Weber’s view point) so that other moral and cultural pieces must

be recognized in the light of money or science.

Based on above points I think civilization is not univocal (‫( متواطیء‬concept in the Logic

terminology, civilization is equivocal and hierarchical (‫( مشکک‬concept. Thus, there could be

several hierarchical civilizations which some is perfect and some others incomplete.
THE MEANING OF CIVILIZATION SOURCE

By "Civilization sources" I mean rational and traditional sources that create the material and

the form of civilization (material cause and formal cause of civilization). In other words,

civilization source is a source that each civilization depends on it. Based on these sources

every civilization can be founded and shaped. This kind of sources in Islamic civilization

differs from investigation sources (masader Ijtihad) that are for understanding of religious

rules and values. Conversely, the sources of Islamic civilization conclude both sources for

understanding and for implementation. By investigation sources we are looking for authority

and validity of religious verdicts, and by civilization sources we are looking not only for

validity but also for possibility in this time and place. In fact, normative and subjective

sources vary from objective sources. The normative sources insist on ideals and ultimate

goals (as a directing idea of civilization), but the objective sources consider spaciotemporal
realities.

Now several questions arise about various sources of Islamic civilization in the past. What

were the fundamentals of Islamic civilization? Were they Islamic, Quranic, and divine

sources or they were Arabian, Iranian, Indian or Greek sources on which Muslims founded

their civilization? If they (Muslims) employed both divine and nondivine sources in their

civilization process, then how they combined these different (or paradoxical) sources to

generate Islamic civilization?

The most important question is about contemporary pluralistic context that makes it difficult

to insist on one source and to leave others in social and civilizational process. There are too

many sources today to know, to think and to practice. Now what should be the source of

Islamic civilization in the pluralistic world such as ours? How is it possible to protect Islamic

identity whereas we face many modern sources including new humanities which are available

for every Muslim today? ...

*** PROMiNENT CONTRIBUTIONS OF MUSLIMS TO THE WORLD CIVILIZATION***

Few of us realize that the present day powerful and prosperous Europe passed through a long historic
period called the Dark Ages. It lasted for more than a thousand years of stagnation and backwardness
extending from the 5th century after Christ until Renaissance in the 18th Century.

It was during this period that the Islamic civilization started with the advent of Islam in 610 AC . This
period of Islamic history lasted until the beginning of the 20th century. The 7th to 15th century of this
period is called the Golden era of History. Muslim scientists, and other intellectuals ushered in this era
with accomplishments that were truly astounding with developments in all possible areas including
modern medicine, chemistry and algebra.

And in fact it is Islamic civilization that led Europe out of dark ages into the era of Enlightenment and
gave rise to its Renaissance. So far unacknowledged, this missing link is now being told in a multifaceted
exhibition called "1001 Inventions" initiated in 2008 in the United Kingdom in partnership with the
Foundation of Science, Technology and Civilization, a British-based non-profit organization. This
exhibition has been shown in many locations around the world.

Prevailing Amnesia

Unfortunately most Western historians ignore or downplay this historic Islamic period. On the contrary,
the current media promotes and general public holds the view that Muslims have nothing to give except
terrorism. The colleges and universities here teach that the greatness of the West has its intellectual
roots in Greece and Rome, and that after a thousand-year sleep in the Dark Ages, Europe miraculously
reawakened to its Greco-Roman heritage. And it was this re-discovery which led them to Enlightenment
and Renaissance, and the subsequent scientific and industrial revolutions.

If there is any mention of the Muslim world, it is only as a footnote that they merely saved the heritage
of Greek philosophers to pass it on to the West.

However, it is gratifying to know that in this post 9/11 climate of prejudice and negative stereotyping of
Islam and Muslims, there are a quite few courageous writers to tell the true story of Muslim
accomplishments.

Among these is Michael Morgan of the National Geographic who wrote "Lost History: The Enduring
Legacy of Muslim Scientists, Thinkers and Artists." He named his book Lost History because this period of
history is as if it is lost and not acknowledged by the Western historians.

However, Morgan was astonished that it is not only Westerners but also Muslims, including the
American Muslims who do not know this part of history. Many Muslims wrote and thanked him for his
effort.

Some Significant Muslim Achievements

In this article, we will go over some of the significant achievements of prominent Muslims of this Golden
era that we should all know and be proud of.

Hygiene

The fact is that Europeans learnt the very basics of hygiene and cleanliness from Muslims. Because of
the cold weather bathing was a rarity even among the royalty in Europe and the stench of European
cities was unbearable. Cleanliness is incumbent on Muslims, and the five daily obligatory prayers cannot
be said without washing and being clean.

And an Andalusian, Abu al-Hasan Ali ibn Nafi introduced underarm deodorants and improved detergents
for washing clothes.

Wheal and Water Pump

The Persian wheal and water pump are both Muslim inventions. Water drawn flowing through canals for
irrigation and other uses was introduced in Al-Andalus, the present day Spain, by Muslims. As well as the
hamams, bathrooms with hot and cold running water for washing and taking baths.
Food Antiquate

A talented Musician, Ibn Nafi turned out to be quite a social dynamo. He reformed the Andalusian
cuisine and suggested covering of tables with washable clothes. And chose an order for food to be
served - first the soup and sauces, next the meats and last the deserts. This multi-course serving became
the standard not only in Islamic Spain but in the entire West. He even replaced the ostentatious gold
and silver goblets with crystal glasses. Thus teaching Europeans how to live with style and elegance.

Education

Aside from such essential trivia, as you know learning and pursuing education are an integral part of
Islam.

Complying with the revelations of Qur'an, which started with the word Iqra - read or recite, the Prophet
sallil Allahu alayhe wa Sallam made it compulsory for Muslims to get educated. Thus alongside masajid,
Muslims established madrassas to teach children and grown-ups alike. And learning and teaching
became so widespread among Muslims that they became its torch-bearers for the rest of world.

Great centers of learning were founded in Baghdad, Damascus, Cairo and Cordoba. These academia
later on served as models for the European universities.

Baghdad was founded by the Abbasid Caliph al-Mansur in 762 and in 790 it became a center of learning
under Caliph Harun al-Rashid. He invited persons from different countries with various backgrounds for
dialog and learning from each other. His son, al-Mamun founded bayt al-Hikma or House of Wisdom
which was devoted to translating philosophical and scientific works from the Greek and other languages
and served as public library.

It needs to be pointed out that bayt al-Hikma did not only serve to keep the Greek originals from
extinction, as is generally acknowledged, but also as the meeting place for scholarly dialogue,
interactions, and discourses. Many original publications in a variety of areas came out from Bayt al-
Hikma. And it continued to serve as such until sacked by Mongols in 1258.

Throughout the Golden era Arabic became the language of science, and advancement. For example,
Maimonides the great Jewish scholar, a student of the famous Andalusian al-Rushd, wrote his most
significant work in the Arabic language.
The first and one of the greatest universities was Al-Zaytuna in Tunis, Tunisia, and many Muslim scholars
graduated from it. It was the earliest university in the world built around 703. The Islamic party Al-
Nahda is currently engaged in reviving its world status.

Then in 859 Princess Fatima al-Firhi, daughter of a wealthy businessman founded the first degree
university in Fez, Morocco, and her sister Miriam founded the adjacent mosque. The complex became
known as the al-Qarawiyyin mosque and university.

Another great intellectual center, the Al-Azhar was founded in 970 in Cairo. It started as a mosque and
became the largest academe in the Islamic world. It is named after Fatima, the daughter of Prophet sallil
Allahu alayhe wa Sallam. She was also called as al-Zahra -the luminous. So Al-Azhar means the
illuminated one, a deserving name for this great institution.

Hospitals

Another priority of Muslims was establishing hospitals to take care of the sick and needy. These
hospitals were several centuries in advance of the Europeans. Europeans took their cue from these
institutions and their teaching methods as standard for students in medical schools. Even adopted
practices such as taking students on ward rounds in hospitals attached to schools. These Muslim
hospitals provided free treatment and care to anyone in need, a quality that is sorely missing in the
United States. The policy was based on the Muslim tradition of caring for the sick and needy.

Pharmacology

In pharmacology also Muslim physicians made their lasting contributions. They not only discovered
many herbal medicines but also perfected techniques of chemical extractions that are employed today.
The first official pharmacy was established in Baghdad by Haurn al-Rashid and by the times of al-
Mamum it employed highly qualified pharmacists who were licensed and inspected by the state.

Medicine

There were many illustrious Muslim physicians. The foremost among these are such famous
personalities as Al-Razi and Abu Ali Sina. The Europeans knew them by their Latinized names Razes and
Avicenna respectively.

Both wrote masterpieces that were considered authority in medical universities in Europe until the 18th
century. Muhammad Al-Razi's al-Judari wal Hasba, on smallpox, measles and chickenpox represented
the first accurate clinical study of infectious diseases. His other book, called al-Hawi or the
Comprehensive Book, included all that was known in medicine along with accounts of his own
experiments and observations.
Abu Ali Sina is called the prince of physicians, since he authored the most influential medical text book
called al-Qanun fi al-Tib or the Canon of Medicine that summed up all existing medical knowledge. In it,
he introduced the contagious nature of infectious diseases, the use of quarantine to curb spread of
infections, neuropsychiatric conditions such as epilepsy, stroke and dementia, and complications of
diabetes.

He suggested that all new medicines should be tested for their efficacy on animals and humans in clinical
trials to determine any harmful side effects before they are widely used, as the US Food and Drug
Administration does now. The French honor Al-Razi and Abu Ali Sina by commemorating them at the
University of Paris.

It was around 1,000 AC that Qasim al-Zahrawi published his renowned 1,500 page illustrated
encyclopedia of surgery. It was used as a reference in Europe for the next 500 years. He is credited for
developing new treatment methods ranging from dentistry to childbirth. Among his inventions was use
of the dissolving cat gut to stich wounds. He also performed the first caesarian operation. He surgical
tools such as scalpels, bone saws, and forceps are still used in hospitals.

Modern Sciences

Qur'an constantly tells us to observe and reflect. Following this injunction, Muslims laid down the
foundations of modern sciences - based on experimentation rather than mere speculation. For example,
Aristotle who is much admired in the West wrongly concluded that women have fewer ribs than men.
He came up with this conclusion from his methodology of deduction in noting that women have shorter
statures than men - instead of actual observation.

Chemistry

Only a hundred after the Prophet (s), Jabir ibn Hayyan initiated the science of chemistry. He invented
most of the chemical processes which are still used in science laboratories such as purification of
substances, oxidization, sublimation, liquefaction and crystallization. He also introduced improved
laboratory equipment such as water baths, furnaces, and systems for filtration and distillation.

Astronomy

It was al-Mamun who built first modern astronomical observatories in Baghdad and Palmyra (Syria) in
829. The Muslim astronomers discovered many stars as shown by their Arabic names such as Algol,
Aldebaran and others. Other observatories were built by Muslim pioneers as well as the relevant
instruments such as the quadrant and astrolabe used in astronomy and ocean navigation.
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Mathematics

A great mathematician Muhammad Al-Khwarizmi joined the Bayt al-Hikma in the early 9th century, and
is known as the most influential mathematician of all times. His book Hisab al-Jabar wal Muqabala,
Calculation of Integration and Equation changed mathematics forever. Algebra takes its name from the
title of the book. It became a standard text in Europe for 400 years. He also invented algorithm, a branch
of mathematics that derives its name from his home town of Khwarizm.

He wrote several mathematical works that were soon adopted throughout the Muslim world. For a long
time European were using the cumbersome Roman numbering system. They learnt their current
numbering called Arabic numerals from Muslims. The most astounding of his findings is Sifr or Zero
which is not a number but the lack of it. It helped solve many problems in mathematics.

At a meeting of her executives arranged just after 9/11, Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett Packard rightly
informed them that IT technology would not have been possible without these contributions. Among
others, Morgan quoted above also reminds us of this, and other Muslim achievements.

Optics

Yet another Muslim genius, al-Hasan ibn al-Haytham founded the science of vision and optics and wrote
Kitab al-Manazir, or Book of Optics. Against speculations of Euclid and Ptolemy that light was emitted
from the eye, he concluded that light came from the objects that were capable of producing
illumination, and distinguished primary from secondary emissions.

He did countless experiments to support a number of his theories on refraction and the nature of
shadows. He did the first study of camera obscura to explain how the eye sees images upright due to
connection between the optic nerve and brain. He discovered the principle of inertia centuries before
Newton.

Engineering

Among other Muslim inventions is crankshaft, invented by Al-Razzaz al-Jazari to convert rotary to linear
motion, which enabled lifting of heavy objects easily. It led to a variety of other inventions that range
from bicycles to internal combustion engines. He also invented first mechanical clocks driven by water
and weights, as well as water pump to lift water. Among his 50 inventions is the combination lock.
Aviation

Muslims during this period even tried aviation. In 852 Armen Firman jumped off a tower in Cordoba with
attachment of wings and landed by parachute. Abbas ibn Firnas constructed the first glider and launched
himself from a mountain. The idea was pursued by Jawahari and Hadari Ahmed Shalabi.

For an account of numerous other achievements, please visit the exhibition called "1001 Inventions"
mentioned above, which works with world's leading academics. Among the literature associated with it
is a National Geographic publication entitled "1001 Inventions: The Enduring Legacy of Muslim
Civilization" edited by Salim Al-Hassani.

Reasons of Current Muslim Stagnation

With all of these illustrious personalities and their admirable pioneering, the question is what is the
cause of Muslim stagnation at present.

Most to blame are authoritarian regimes that are unfortunately backed by the Western powers. Their
only concern of these regimes is security and the intelligence services spying on their own people. These
countries where nominal democracies exist, the corrupt elite loot the public treasury.

There is meager spending on education and negligible on research. For example, oil rich monarchies of
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar whose economies are comparable to Western nations spend only 0.2%
of their GDP on science, less than a tenth of the 2.3% of the average of developed nations.

Under these circumstances, the educated and others who can, leave for the advanced West for a better
livelihood and provision of work facilities, causing brain drain.

*****

*** QUESTION NO"_2

***DISCUSS EITHER IN SUPPORT OR AGAINST THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING IN ISLAM AS A TOOl FOR
CIVILIZATION ***

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The Pleasures of Seeking Knowledge

BY: IBRAHIM BIJLI SYED SOURCE: ISLAMICITY FEB 19, 2019 30 COMMENTS

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The rise of Muslims to the zenith of civilization in a period of four decades was based on lslam's
emphasis on learning. This is obvious when one takes a look at the Qur'an and the traditions of Prophet
Muhammad which are filled with references to learning, education, observation, and the use of reason.
The very first verse of the Qur'an revealed to the Prophet of Islam on the night of 27th of Ramadan in
611 AD reads:

"Recite: In the name of thy Lord who created man from a clot. Recite: And thy Lord is the Most
Generous Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not." (Quran, 96:1-5)

"And they shall say had we but listened or used reason, we would not be among the inmates of the
burning fire." (Quran, 67:10)

"Are those who have knowledge and those who have no knowledge alike? Only the men of
understanding are mindful. " (Quran, 39:9)

The Qur'an encourages people towards scientific research:.

"And whoso brings the truth and believes therein such are the dutiful." (Quran, 39:33)

Every Muslim man's and every Muslim woman's prayer should be:

"My Lord! Enrich me with knowledge.." (Quran, 20:114)

The pursuit of knowledge and the use of reason, based on sense and observation is made obligatory on
all believers.

The following traditions of the Prophet supplement the foregoing teachings of the Qur'an in the
following way:

Seek knowledge "even though it be in China."

"The acquisition of knowledge is compulsory for every Muslim, whether male or female."

"The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr."

"Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave."

"God has revealed to me, 'Whoever walks in the pursuit of knowledge I facilitate for him the way to
heaven.'

"The best form of worship is the pursuit of knowledge."

"Scholars should endeavor to spread knowledge and provide education to people who have been
deprived of it. For, where knowledge is hidden it disappears."

Some one asked the Prophet : "Who is the biggest scholar?" He replied: "He who is constantly trying to
learn from others, for a scholar is ever hungry for more knowledge."

"Seek knowledge and wisdom, or whatever the vessel from which it flows, you will never be the loser."

"Contemplating deeply for one hour (with sincerity) is better than 70 years of (mechanical) worship."

"To listen to the words of the learned and to instill unto others the lessons of science is better than
religious exercises."
"Acquire knowledge: it enables its possessor to distinguish right from the wrong, it lights the way to
heaven; it is our friend in the desert, our society in solitude, our companion when friendless - it guides
us to happiness; it sustains us in misery; it is an ornament among friends and an armor against
enemies."

The Islamic Empire for more than 1,000 years remained the most advanced civilization in the world. The
main reasons for this was that Islam stressed the importance and respect of learning, forbade
destruction, cultivated a respect for authority, discipline, and tolerance for other religions. The teachings
of Qur'an and Sunnah inspired many Muslims to their accomplishments in science and medicine.

By the tenth century their zeal and enthusiasms for learning resulted in all essential Greek medical and
scientific writings being translated into Arabic in Damascus, Cairo, and Baghdad. Arabic became the
international language of learning and diplomacy. The center of scientific knowledge and activity shifted
eastward, and Baghdad emerged as the capitol of the scientific world. The Muslims became scientific
innovators with originality and productivity.

For example Islamic medicine is one of the most famous and best known facets of Islamic civilization in
which the Muslims excelled. The Muslims were the great torchbearers of international scientific
research. Some of the best and most eloquent praises of science came from the pens of Muslim
scientists who considered their work to be acts of worship. The same motives led to the establishment
of Al-Azhar (800 AD) the first university in the world. They hit the "source ball of knowledge" over the
fence to Europe. In the words of Campbell, "The European medical system is Arabian not only in origin
but also in its structure. The Arabs are the intellectual forbearers of the Europeans."

Learning is a natural pleasure. This pleasure is inborn and instinctive. The pleasure of learning is one of
the essential pleasures of the human race. Without learning, survival itself is threatened.

The process of learning starts right after birth. It is true that babies who can barely talk investigate
problems with all the zeal and excitement of explorers, make discoveries with the passion and
absorption of dedicated scientists. At the end of each successful investigation, one can see on the tiny
face an expression of innocent and pure heartfelt pleasure. The process of physical growth stops when a
boy or girl reaches puberty, that is with the on set of menarche in the girls and with the change in the
voice and growth of moustache and beard in boys. After puberty it is impossible to increase the height
both in boys and girls.
On the other hand the mental faculties grow from birth until death. At some point in our lifetime, the
physical body becomes sick or ill and gradually dies; even the emotions become duller. But the mind
continues to live, and even grows more lively and active, enjoys itself more, works and plays with more
expansion and delight. I have seen grandparents obtaining Bachelors, Masters and Ph. D. degrees at the
ages of 70, 80 or 90.

There are many examples in the history of Art, Music and Science, of both men and women who
significantly contributed and lead mentally productive lives at their ripe old ages. Learning extends our
lives into new dimensions. It is cumulative. Instead of diminishing in time, like health and strength, its
dividends go on increasing, provided one continues to learn throughout life and integrate the thoughts
and make learning harmonious. One should make it a point to learn at least one piece of new
information each day.

The pleasure of learning is not confined to learning from textbooks, which are too often tedious. But it
does include learning from book magazines (periodicals), newspapers, movies, television, radio and
traveling.

When you stand in a big library in front of thousands of books do not think they are lumps of lifeless
paper, but minds alive on the shelves. Each has its own voice, which is as inaudible as the radiobroadcast
waves falling directly on ears. Just as one switches on the radio to listen, similarly a person needs to
open a book to hear the voice far distant in time and space. One can hear the voice speaking, mind to
mind, and heart to heart. Reading of books gives you two different delights. One is the pleasure of
understanding the unknown and the unexpected. The other pleasure is of deepening one's knowledge
of a specified field.

Apart from books, learning means keeping the mind open and active to receive all kinds of experience.
As pointed out earlier there is great emphasis on learning and seeking knowledge in Islam. The Prophet
Mohammed ordered Muslims to be active in their search for learning, crossing oceans and continents if
necessary. " Seek knowledge even in China" he said. Learning also means learning to practice one' s own
professional skills - that of a physician, engineer, musician or craftsman.

Crafts and hobbies lead you into fresh fields of enjoyment and give you relaxation and activity without
tension. One should know that tension is the prime cause of heart attacks, ulcers, hypertension, and
most of the human diseases.

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Traveling is an important activity in the pleasures of learning. There are many examples of exceptionally
informed people who never read books and newspapers, but acquire knowledge through traveling. One
should travel with an open mind, an alert eye and a wish to understand other people and other places.

A saying of Prophet Muhammad is ... With knowledge man rises to the heights of goodness and to a
noble position, associated with sovereigns in this world, and attains the perfection of happiness in the
next.

It is fitting here to mention the story of Diogenes, the great Greek philosopher who lived during the time
of Alexander the Great. Diogenes was a very learned man who shunned both power and wealth. He was
known to have wandered around searching for an honest man carrying a lantern during day and night.
He gave up everything he possessed, except a coconut shell for drinking water. One day he saw a man
drinking water forming a cup with his hand. After seeing this Diogenes threw away his last possession,
the coconut shell.

The name of Diogenes spread throughout Greece. Alexander the Great heard about Diogenes and one
day decided to see him. Mounted on horseback, Alexander the Great went to Diogenes who was sitting
on the ground. Alexander said ' Oh Diogenes, I have heard a great deal about you and your life. I am very
much impressed by your life and it is my earnest desire to help you in whatever way I can. Please let me
know your desires so that I can fulfill them". To which Diogenes replied "Your Excellency my only
request is that you get aside and allow the sun's rays to fall on my body." Alexander the Great was
deeply moved by Diogenes's reply and said "If I were not Alexander the Great. I would be Diogenes."
Now the point I want to make here is that Diogenes never went to Alexander the Great, but that
Alexander the Great came to Diogenes for he was such a learned philosopher.

There are many people in this world who have played themselves to death, or eaten and drunk
themselves to death. Nobody ever died because of thinking or learning. People who avoid learning, or
abandon it, find no joy in life, find that life is dry. No learner has ever run short of subjects to explore.
The pleasures of learning lead to happiness. One can live a long, healthy and rewarding life by attaining
and preserving the happiness of learning. Learning is everyone's birthright. Everyone - young or old, rich
or poor, male or female, has access to learning. Exercise your birthright. Remember what you have
learned cannot be taken away by others.

***REFERENCES***

Siraj Islam Mufti, Ph.D. is a writer and author. This article resulted from his Friday Khutba at the Muslim
Community Center in Tucson, and is part of his upcoming book on Family in Islamic Civilization due in
October 2015
 *Ibrahim B. Syed, Ph. D. is President of Islamic Research Foundation International, Inc. He received his
B.Sc. in physics in 1960. He obtained the B.Sc. as well as his M.Sc. degree in nuclear physics from the
University of Mysore in India. In 1972, he obtained a D.Sc. in radiological sciences from Johns Hopkins
University. In 1984, he was awarded an honorary Ph.D. from the International University in Malta.