Muhammad enjoined اطلب العلم و لو كان بالضين "Seek knowledge even if thou hast to go for it to China"—(the farthest country known in his days).
Delve gems of Science divine Ev'n unto Cathay's mine.
He said that wisdom was the birthright of every Muslim who should seize it wherever he found it. He thus encouraged the learning of Science and the consequent acquirement of inventive capacity which is biologically as essential for human progress as co-operation and loyalty.
A study of animal life from the lowest animalcule to the highly civilized man, teaches us to know, feel and act, in a particular manner, viz.,
(a) to know our environment, i.e., to know the Laws of Nature in order to improve our general capacity for invention, manufacture and commerce, (Knowledge)
(b) to feel for our fellow-men in order to increase mutual good-will so necessary for co-operation, (Sympathy)
(c) and to act for the general good of our race under the guidance of our political and social leaders, (Loyalty).
"Knowledge, Sympathy and Loyalty" are thus the watchwords of the Science of to-day no less than of the Islam of our ancestors.[64]