Did the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) Know How to Read and Write?

Understanding the Prophet’s Literacy: A Quranic Perspective

Question: Is there any hadith that proves the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) knew how to read and write after prophethood?

Answer: Allah has referred to the Prophet (ﷺ) as Ummi (illiterate) in several places in the Quran, meaning he was unlettered. The Quran explicitly clarifies that the Prophet (ﷺ) could neither read from a book nor write with his hand. Allah says in the Quran:

Neither did you (O Muhammad ﷺ) read any book before it (this Quran), nor did you write any book (whatsoever) with your right hand. In that case, indeed, the followers of falsehood might have doubted. (Al-Ankabut: 48).

This is why, during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, when the polytheists objected to the words “Messenger of Allah” written in the agreement, the Prophet (ﷺ) asked Ali to show him where those words were written. When it was pointed out to him, he erased them and told Ali to write “Muhammad, the son of Abdullah” instead. The Prophet (ﷺ) appointed several companions to transcribe the Quran and also commanded them to write down the hadith. In conclusion, the Prophet (ﷺ) did not know how to read or write, either before or after prophethood.

Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah

Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia  

Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail

Author: IslamicHelper

IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

The Crisis of Delayed Marriage in Society

In an era of profound social change, the age of marriage is steadily rising, creating silent fractures in our communities.… Read More

4 days ago

Buffalo Sacrifice: Salaf View vs. Ijma Claims

Explore the early Islamic view (Salaf) on buffalo sacrifice. This analysis refutes claims of scholarly consensus (Ijma'), showing how Zakat… Read More

4 days ago

Intimacy in Islam: Guide for Couples in Their 30s

Explore how Islamic teachings can deepen intimacy in your marriage as you enter your thirties. Discover practical tips, Sunnah practices,… Read More

6 days ago

Free Sahih Bukhari PDF Download: English, Urdu & More

Access the authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with our free Sahih Bukhari PDF downloads. Available in English, Urdu, French,… Read More

3 weeks ago

Hajj in Quran and Sunnah: A Comprehensive Guide with Key References

Discover the profound significance of Hajj, a pillar of Islam, through a comprehensive analysis of its primary references in the… Read More

1 month ago

Beware: Shaytan’s Seven Traps to Misguide You

Discover the seven cunning traps Shaytan uses to lead believers astray, as explained by Imam Ibn al-Qayyim. Learn how to… Read More

1 month ago