Introduction

It is a common misconception that Muhammad was illiterate. This article aims to clarify this issue and provide accurate information based on historical and textual evidence, addressing the truth about Muhammad's literacy and the manner in which he received and recorded the Quran.

Was Muhammad Illiterate? Debunking the Myth

The claim that Muhammad was illiterate has been a source of much discussion and even controversy. However, modern scholarship and analysis of primary sources offer clear evidence that this was not the case. The Quran, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to Muhammad over a period of 23 years, with the Prophet playing a significant role in the process of receiving and passing on the revelations.

The Role of Revelation and Recitation

It is important to understand that Muhammad was not merely a mute channel for divine revelations. Instead, he was described as a mentally authoring the surahs of the Quran, attributing them to Allah. The process involved the following steps:

Revelations from Gabriel: According to accounts, Gabriel would reveal verses to Muhammad, who would then recite them to his companions. Transcription by Companions: Companions who were able to write would record the revelations as Muhammad recited them.

Memorization of the Quran

Even if Muhammad was illiterate, memorization is a remarkable cognitive ability. Today, millions of Muslims are able to recite the entire Quran by heart. If we consider the situation of Muhammad during his time, the process of memorization would have been even more significant considering the initial challenge of receiving and retaining divine revelations for an extended period.

Literacy During the Revelation Period

Historically, it is widely believed that Muhammad started receiving revelations towards the end of his life and was able to read Arabic, but not necessarily write it proficiently at first. Over time, he likely learned to write in a basic form, allowing him to dictate and verify the transcriptions.

Passage from Q 17:88

One of the most compelling evidences is the Quranic verse that explicitly addresses this claim:

Quran 17:88
Say:

This verse encourages the scrutiny and understanding of the Quran. By examining the historical context and the textual evidence, we can affirm that Muhammad was not illiterate but rather someone with the ability to memorize, recite, and pass on the revelations received.

Conclusion

The notion that Muhammad was illiterate is a misinterpretation based on incomplete information and historic biases. The detailed process of revelation, transcription, and memorization indicates a high level of engagement with the divine message. Understanding this truth can help in fostering a more accurate and respectful view of the Prophet Muhammad in the context of Islamic teachings.

Further Reading

To know the truth, it is recommended to read various scholarly works and primary sources. The Quran itself is the ultimate authority and a resource for understanding the process and context of its revelation.

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