Was Prophet Muhammad Truly Illiterate, or Could He Read and Write?

The question of whether Prophet Muhammad was able to read and write has been a subject of much discussion and debate. Understanding this historical context is important for gaining a complete picture of his life and the Arabic language during the time of early Islam.

Prophet Muhammad and Literacy in His Society

Prophet Muhammad was born into a society where few people, especially the illiterate, could read and write. In this context, the term illiteracy refers to the inability to read and write the same language. However, his illiteracy does not diminish his status as a Messenger of God, as highlighted by the verse in Surah Al-Baqarah, where Allah states, 'Nor does he speak from [his own] desire. It is not but a revelation revealed.' (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:97-98).

The Importance of Literacy in Early Islam

Despite being illiterate, Prophet Muhammad was a strong promoter of literacy. He recognized the importance of being able to record his revelations and teachings accurately. This is evident in his encouragement to his companions to learn and write. According to historian Al-Waqidi, 'The Messenger of Allah sent amirs to collect Zakat, and if they found someone among those they collected from who was literate, they collected from him, and if not, they remained silent because of their inability to record the transaction accurately.' (Al-Waqidi, Maghazi, 2:310).

It is important to note that the term 'illiterate' here means that he could not read and write Arabic, not that he was completely ignorant. In a report from Al-Bukhari and Muslim, it is mentioned that a slave girl reported that she was once called to the Prophet. He asked her to read a letter for him (Al-Bukhari, Sahih, 3424; Muslim, Sahih, 2404). This shows that he could still use and understand the written word in Arabic, though he could not read and write it himself.

Recording Revelations

The recording of the revelations was primarily done by his companions, many of whom were literate. These companions would write down the revelations as they were revealed to Muhammad. However, it is important to understand the process. According to Abdullah ibn Umar, 'He saw that the Prophet was writing something and asked him to teach him how to write. The Prophet said, “I am not a scribe. I only memorize what is revealed to me, and do not return until these verses come before me.”' (Al-Hakim, Mustadrak, 3:166; Bayhaqi, Shuab, 9:75-76).

Additionally, there are instances where the Prophet relied on his companions for accuracy. For example, in the Surah Al-Nahl, verse 37, it is mentioned that the Prophet did not include a particular part of the revelation. Later, it was his scribe, Abd Allah ibn Sad ibn Abi al-Sarh, who added the missing sentence, 'So Blessed is Allah, the Best of Creators,' as a response to the revelation. This incident highlights the importance of having literate companions to ensure the accuracy of the revealed messages.

Conclusion

Prophet Muhammad, by the will of Allah, was able to understand and convey the revealed messages. His illiteracy, in the sense of not being able to read and write Arabic, does not negate his knowledge and insight. He received the revelations from Allah and through his companions, who were literate, were able to record and preserve these messages accurately for future generations.

Understanding the roles of both the illiterate and literate in early Islam provides a deeper appreciation of the complexities of literacy in the context of the Quran. It emphasizes the importance of faith and divine guidance over human limitations.