Did early Islam placed very little emphasis on education and learning

the answer is no. The earliest version of Islam promoted learning and exploration of new cultures and values. moreover, it promoted the cultural and religious tolerance as well.

However, by the end of the 16th and 17th centuries, the golden age of islam was over and the islamic nations fell under heavy pressure from invasions and economic declines. morover, struggles over power ensued among the islamic tribes. This eventually led to the alteration of the religion and many radical branches emerged that made many humans suffer, even to date.