The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page 138
Seal of the Prophets - Volume III 138 Upon seeing the uncontrollable state of Ḥaḍrat ‘Alī ra , the Holy Prophet sa said, “Alright, If you shall not erase it, give it here, I shall erase it myself. ” Then the Holy Prophet sa took the parchment (or whatever it was) of the treaty in his own hands and inquiring as to the whereabouts of the words ‘Messenger of Allāh’, erased them with his own hands and wrote the words “Ibn ‘Abdullāh” instead. 1 Please refer to the note given below. 2 1 * Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābul-Maghāzī, Bābu ‘Umratil-Qaḍā’i, Ḥadīth No. 4251 * Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābuṣ-Ṣulḥ, Bābu Kaifa Yuktabu Hādhā Mā Ṣālaḥa Fulān-ubnu Fulānin. . . , Ḥadīth No. 2699 * Ṣaḥīḥu Muslim, Kitābul-Jihādi Was-Siyar, Bābu Ṣulḥil-Ḥudaibiyyah, Ḥadīth No. 4631 2 Illiteracy of the Holy Prophet sa : In the text of this narration, where it has been mentioned that the Holy Prophet sa cut the words ‘Muhammad, the Messenger of Allāh’, and wrote ‘Muhammad bin ‘Abdullāh’ with his own hand, the thought may cross some people that if the Holy Prophet sa was illiterate, that is, if he was unable to read and write, as the Holy Qur’an itself uses the word ‘Ummi’ for the Holy Prophet sa , how is it then possible that the Holy Prophet sa cut the words ‘Muhammad, the Messenger of Allāh’ and wrote other words in its place. This shows that the Holy Prophet sa was either not illiterate or the above mentioned narration is false. Hence, with relevance to this allegation, a brief discussion has passed in Volume I of this book. That should be sufficient for our readers. The summary of this discussion is that undoubtedly, the Holy Prophet sa was illiterate and as proven by the consistent account of the Qur’an, Ḥadīth and history, the Holy Prophet sa was never schooled in reading and writing. However, on the other hand, it is also correct that despite being illiterate or unable to read and write, the Holy Prophet sa became somewhat familiar with certain characters. This is because letters, etc. were often received by the Holy Prophet sa in the prophetic era. Moreover, it is not a far-fetched idea that despite being unable to read or write, an intelligent individual can familiarise himself with certain letters on account of letters constantly being presented before him. It is obvious however, that despite this character recognition, no one can challenge the illiteracy of such a man. In any case, he shall still be considered one who is unable to read and write. Moreover, as mentioned in Volume I of this book, in Bukhārī, etc. , where it is mentioned that on this occasion, the Holy Prophet sa wrote the words Muhammad bin ‘Abdullāh, this could also mean, ‘to get written. ’ Sometimes, in general conversation, the word, ‘to write’ is also used in the sense, ‘to get written. ’ In such a case, the meaning would be that the words, ‘Messenger of Allāh’ were deleted by the Holy Prophet sa himself (and after receiving indication, even a man who is unable to read and write can erase a few written words). After that, however, the words “Ibn ‘Abdullāh” were written by the scribe. It is obvious that the actual indignation of Ḥaḍrat ‘Alī ra was in erasing the words, ‘Messenger of Allāh’, not in writing, “Ibn ‘Abdullāh” instead. Furthermore, even in the Ḥadīth, it is these very words which have been attributed to him, that, “By God, I shall not erase the words ‘Messenger of Allāh. ’” In any case, it is conclusively proven that the Holy Prophet sa was illiterate, and it is a magnificent academic and spiritual miracle of Islām that the light of God, made an illiterate man the teacher and tutor of all nations and all eras. Moreover, even in today’s academic era, when seas of knowledge have as if gushed out, at the time of every academic perplexity, the sights of every true searcher of truth, and researcher look towards the Holy Prophet sa. Furthermore, one does not find true satisfaction anywhere other than in the guidance of the Holy Prophet sa. ْ اَللّٰھُم َّ صَل ِّ عَلٰی مُحَمَّد ٍ وَبَارِك ْ وَسَلَّم [O Allāh, invoke blessings and salutations on the Holy Prophet. ] Moreover, it should also be remembered that in addition to meaning one who cannot read and write, in the Arabic language the word, ‘Ummī’ also means, ‘innocent,’ ‘pure,’ and ‘holy. ’ (Tājul- ‘Urūs) because, in actuality, the word ‘Ummī’ has been derived from ‘Umm’, (i. e. , mother). The intent is to be protected from sins and faults just like a newborn baby is protected and this description applies to the Holy Prophet sa as well.