Demythologizing Muhammad, Literacy, and the Revelation of the Quran

For centuries, the concept of illiteracy has often been conflated with incoherence and intellectual incapability. However, this perception is anachronistic and does not accurately represent the abilities of ancient figures like the Prophet Muhammad. The question ldquo;If Muhammad was illiterate, how did he recite the Quran?rdquo; has long been a point of contention and misunderstanding. In this piece, we aim to demystify this concept and provide a more nuanced understanding of how Muhammad received and transmitted the Quranic revelations.

Understanding the Concept of Illiteracy in Seventh-Century Arabia

In the 7th century, the majority of people in Arabia were illiterate, especially in the absence of a printing press and widespread education. This, however, did not equate to an inability to comprehend or transmit knowledge. Instead, oral traditions and memorization played a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of cultural and religious texts. This is evident in how the Quran was handed down through generations. As the prophet, Muhammad, received revelations, his followers recorded them, and many of these followers were literate. The ability to write and read was not evenly distributed, as seen among the Arab youth who lived in foster families in the desert and were taught the spoken language and poetry.

The Role of Gabriel and the Archangel's Guidance

The Quran is attributed to the revelations received by Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. According to Islamic tradition, Gabriel was the intermediary who communicated these revelations to Muhammad. It is believed that Muhammad memorized and repeated these messages, trusting in his ability to recall and convey divine messages accurately. The Quran itself emphasizes this point, as seen in verse 96:4, which states, ldquo;Are the kalam [speech, words] in the heavens and the earth the same?rdquo; This verse suggests that the content of the revelations was consistent with the knowledge present in the natural world, indicating a harmony between the divine and earthly knowledge.

Illiteracy and Intelligence: A Misunderstanding in Historical Context

The illiteracy of Muhammad and his followers does not diminish their intellectual capabilities. In fact, many individuals, including prophets like Muhammad, relied on oral traditions and memorization for knowledge transmission. This method was efficient and reliable, as it allowed for the preservation of important texts and messages. Muhammad, as a smart and educated individual in his own right, understood the importance of memorization and recitation. This is evident in the instruction provided in Quran verse 10:94, which encourages the Prophet to seek understanding from those who read the scriptures before him.

Did Muhammad Repeat or Author the Quran Himself?

One of the most persistent questions about the Quran is whether Muhammad authored it or simply recited it as a revealed text. The Quran itself suggests that Muhammad relied on the guidance of the angel Gabriel to convey the messages accurately. This is further supported by the verse 4:163, which states that the ability to convey divine messages is not something easily obtained by mere mortals. The revelations were not classroom lectures but divine communication.

Conclusion

The apprehension about Muhammad's illiteracy and his ability to recite the Quran is a product of anachronistic judgments. The understanding of literacy in the 7th century was different from what we know today. Muhammad's literacy was the ability to memorize, recite, and understand the divine messages he received. The absence of a written document does not negate his intelligence and the profound impact of his teachings. The story of Muhammad and the Quran is a testament to the power of oral tradition, memory, and divine revelation.