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.
The process of learning starts right after birth. Physical growth stops when a boy or girl reaches puberty, but the mental faculties keep growing from birth until death. At some point in our lifetime, the physical body becomes sick or ill; 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.
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 new information each day. Now one can learn even during sleep. This is accomplished with headphones attached to the ears and repeats playing of phonographs or taped cassettes. This method of sleep-learning is found most useful in linguistics- to learn new languages.
The Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are indeed 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 611CE reads: “Read: In the name of thy Lord who created man from a clot. Read: And thy Lord is the Most Generous Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not.” (Qur’an, 96:1-5)
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, and movies. TV, radio and traveler 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 radio broadcast waves falling directly on tears. Just as one switches on the radio to hear. So does one just need 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.
As pointed out earlier there is great emphasis on learning and seeking knowledge in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) 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 surgeon, musician or craftsman.
Otherwise one can at least develop the ability I appreciate an art. Crafts and hobbies lead you into fresh fields of enjoyment and give you relaxation and activity without tension. You should know that tension is the prime cause of heart attacks, ulcers, hypertension, and most of the human diseases. Travel is an important part of the pleasures of learning.
There are many examples of best-informed people who never read books and newspapers, but acquired excellent knowledge through travelling. One should travel with an open mind, all alert eye and a wish to understand other people and other places.
Everybody knows ‘’knowledge is power” but now I can say “knowledge is wealth.” For the more learned you are, the more money you can earn. It is fitting here to tell you the story of Diogenes, the great Greek philosopher who lived during the time of Alexander the Great. Diogenes was a very learned man and he shunned both power and wealth. His name spread throughout Greece.
Alexander the Great heard about Diogenes and one day decided to see him. Mounted on horseback, the warrior went to Diogenes and asked: “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 fulfil them.” Diogenes replied, “Your Excellency my only request is that you get aside and allow the sun’s rays to fall on my body.”
Alexander was deeply moved by his reply and said: “If I were not Alexander. I would be Diogenes.” The point is Diogenes never went to Alexander, but that Alexander came to Diogenes for he was such a learned philosopher.
People who avoid learning, or abandon it, find no joy in life, find that life is drained dry. No learner has ever run short of subjects to explore. The pleasures of learning lead to happiness.
One can live longest and best and most rewardingly 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 stolen by others.
“And they shall say had we but listened or used reason, we would not be among the inmates of the burning fire.” (Qur’an, 67:10)

SOURCE:    http://www.arabnews.com/islam-perspective/news/790841
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