The Fourth Caliph, Ali bin Abi Talib (656 - 661 A.D.) had remarked:
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" The land where books were first written and from where wisdom and knowledge sprang is India."
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Many Islamic traditions support the high standing of Indian culture with the Arabs. This shows the affection and respect of early Muslims had for India. In any case, Caliph Umar, was opposed to attacking India, even when he was told that "Indian rivers are pearls, her mountains rubies, her trees perfumes," for he regarded India as a country of complete freedom of thought and belief where Muslims and others were free to practice their faith.