Seeking Knowledge. As it developed in the medieval period, Islamic culture placed major emphasis on education and learning. "Seek knowledge, even as far as China," said the Prophet, according to a well-known hadith. The intellectual elite, the ulama' who spent years acquiring knowledge in the religious sciences and then served as teachers, jurists, and bureaucrats in their communities, commanded great respect. Clad in distinctive robes and turbans, they derived their authority and prestige from their years of studying theology and law, along with other supporting subjects. Education was not the province of a small elite, however. All Muslims were encouraged to study in order to gain a basic familiarity with the Qur'an and the hadiths. In addition, every Muslim should seek and receive the education necessary for his or her station in life, in order to know what God required as well...