Honouring the Prophet PBUH: Understanding 'Ummi' Beyond the Label of Illiteracy

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 24 October 2024 Decoding 'Ummi': A Title of Honour, Not Illiteracy, for Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him In response to Mr. Ghulam Mohiyuddin's assertion that "our Prophet was illiterate," it is crucial to address the widespread misconceptions surrounding the term "Ummi." This article seeks not only to answer Mr. Mohiyuddin's comment but also to enlighten others who mistakenly translate "Ummi" into English as "illiterate." Such a translation reflects a significant oversight and indicates a lack of comprehension regarding the true meaning and implications of the term. Understanding the Term "Ummi" The misconception that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was "illiterate" stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the Arabic word "Ummi." Historically and linguistically, "Ummi" refers to someone who is unlettered, particularly in reading and writing. However, equating this with "illiterate" in the English context is a grave error that fails to capture the essence of the Prophet's profound knowledge and wisdom. This issue is not limited to a few individuals; it arises from a broader misunderstanding that prevails among those who, due to their own lack of knowledge, inadvertently adopt this flawed translation. Consequently, many begin to echo this erroneous interpretation without grasping its implications. It is essential to recognize that Allah Almighty describes the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as "Ummi," and this designation carries profound wisdom, acknowledged by scholars from the earliest days of Islam to the present. The Role of Modern Media in Misinterpretation In our contemporary era, the rise of the internet has facilitated the dissemination of translations that inaccurately render "Ummi" as "illiterate." Such misrepresentation does a disservice to the Prophet’s status and obscures the divine wisdom inherent in His designation as "Ummi." Numerous scholarly articles have outlined points that have been recognized and accepted by scholars for centuries, serving as a necessary response to those who incorrectly translate "Ummi" as "illiterate." The True Meaning of "Ummi": A Misunderstood Title of Honour The title "Ummi" ascribed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) carries profound meanings that highlight his unique status and the divine wisdom in his character. Here are some key points to consider: 1. Divine Designation: The title "Ummi" emphasizes that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not learn from any human teacher, ensuring the purity and authenticity of the revelations he received. This divine designation safeguards against any claims of human influence on his prophetic knowledge. 2. Unmatched Knowledge: Being "Ummi" enabled the Prophet (peace be upon him) to possess knowledge that was not acquired through traditional education. His understanding was a direct result of divine revelation, ensuring that his teachings were pure, devoid of any human error or misconception. 3. Authentic Revelation: The following articles illustrate how the Qur'an, revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him), remained unchanged despite the numerous times it was recited and shared, demonstrating the miraculous nature of his prophethood. His "Ummi" status signifies that he received this knowledge without any human intermediary. 4. Honour of Prophethood: The Prophet's (peace be upon him) lack of formal education is not a flaw but rather an exceptional characteristic that underscores his sacred role. It prevents any claims of worldly knowledge affecting the authenticity of his messages, reinforcing the notion that he was a direct messenger of God. 5. Implications of Misinterpretation: Translating "Ummi" as "illiterate" undermines the profound nature of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) teachings and his status as a divinely appointed messenger. This misinterpretation diminishes the honour associated with his title and neglects the spiritual depth it conveys. In conclusion, the title "Ummi" is a reflection of Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) unique role as a messenger of God, signifying purity, divine knowledge, and authority. Translating "Ummi" as "illiterate" is a significant misunderstanding that fails to capture the essence of this honoured title. Understanding its true meaning is crucial for appreciating the Prophet's (peace be upon him) extraordinary contribution to humanity and the divine wisdom behind his prophethood. Labelling the Prophet as "illiterate" diminishes the miraculous nature of his teachings and the divine guidance that shaped his life. Instead, we should embrace the title "Ummi" as a testament to the profound wisdom bestowed upon him by Allah, serving as an inspiration for all, regardless of their educational background. Through this lens, we can better appreciate the depth of the Prophet's message and the importance of recognizing "Ummi" as a title of distinction rather than deficiency. Let us honour the profound wisdom of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and reject simplistic interpretations that fail to reflect his true status as a messenger of God. I have provided below two informative Urdu articles translated into English to assist readers in understanding the nuanced meaning of the term "Ummi" and refrain from mistakenly interpreting it as "illiterate." First of them is the English rendition of the original Urdu piece penned by Muhammad Hussain Bashir Hanafi Faridi and titled Ummī Laqab Ka Ma'ānī Aur Is Ki Hikmatain, delving into the significances and wisdom behind the title "Ummi laqab." The Meaning of the Title "Ummi" and Its Wisdom In Arab culture, there is a tradition of giving multiple names to an object or a personality. It is well-known that the more names a person has, the more revered and honoured they are considered. These additional names are often referred to as titles or attributes. For example, the personal name of Allah is "Allah," but He has many attributive names. In the Indian subcontinent, 99 names of Allah are commonly known. Similarly, the personal names of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) are "Muhammad" and "Ahmad," while he also has many attributive names. Islamic scholars have written numerous books and treatises on these topics, discussing the reasons and wisdom behind the attributive names. In this article, we will also explore the meaning and wisdom behind one of the attributive names of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The Literal Meaning of the Word "Ummi": One of the attributive names of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is "Ummi." Since this is an Arabic word, let's first look at its meaning from the Arabic lexicons: • "Ummi" is derived from the word "Umm," which means origin or source. • One meaning of "Ummi" is someone who remains in their original state, just as they were born, meaning someone who has not learned to read or write. • Another meaning of "Ummi" refers to "Umm al-Qura," which is one of the names for Makkah. • It also means someone who does not know how to read or write. (References: Qamoos, Taj al-Arus, Al-Sihah, and others) The Use of the Word "Ummi" in the Holy Quran The word "Ummi" is used in the Holy Quran in various contexts, with different meanings depending on the situation. For example: In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 78, it is stated: "And among them are unlettered ones who do not know the Book except through wishful thinking, and they are only assuming." In this verse, "Ummi-yoon" refers to those who are unlettered and do not have knowledge of the scripture but rely on their assumptions and recitations from memory. Similarly, in Surah Al-Jumu’ah, verse 2, it is said: "It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses." Here, "Ummi" refers to the unlettered people among whom the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent as a messenger, who would recite the verses of Allah to them. In two places in Surah Al-A'raf, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is given the title "Ummi": In verse 157: "Those who follow the (Esteemed) Messenger, the Ummi (unlettered) Prophet, whose (description) they find written in the Torah and the Injil (Gospel)." This refers to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as the "Ummi" Prophet, prophesied in the earlier scriptures of the Torah and the Gospel. And in the very next verse, verse 158: "So, believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Ummi (unlettered) Prophet, who believes in Allah and (all) His words. And follow him so that you may be rightly guided." In this verse, the word "Ummi" is again used to describe the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as unlettered, emphasizing that he received divine guidance directly from Allah despite not being taught by human means. This reinforces the call to believe in Allah, His Messenger, and the divine revelations. The Use of the Word "Ummi" in Hadith The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) himself explained the meaning of the word "Ummi" in his sayings. Imam Bukhari narrated a hadith from Abdullah ibn Umar, where the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "We are an unlettered (Ummi) nation; we neither write nor calculate." (Sahih Bukhari, 1/631, Hadith: 1913, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) In another hadith, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated: "I have been sent to an unlettered (Ummi) nation." (Sahih Ibn Hibban, 3/14, Hadith: 739, Mu'assasat al-Risalah, Beirut) The Explanation of Scholars Commenting on these hadiths, Imam Abu al-Sa'adat Mubarak bin Muhammad Jazari (may Allah have mercy on him) wrote: "The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) meant that they (the Arabs) were on their original, natural state as they were born, and one of the meanings of 'Ummi' is someone who does not write. He further explained that here, 'Ummi' refers to the Arabs, as writing was very rare or almost non-existent among them." (Al-Nihayah fi Gharib al-Hadith, 1/69, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) Sheikh Imam Abd al-Rahman Jowzi (may Allah have mercy on him), commenting on the second hadith, said: "The term 'Ummi' refers to a nation that does not know how to write." (Gharib al-Hadith by Ibn Jowzi, 1/41, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) The Meaning of "Ummi" Filled with Love and Devotion One of the meanings of the word "Ummi" is "origin" or "source." In this context, it becomes clear that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was sent as the foundation of this universe, and everything else—whether it be his descendants, his followers, or his community—exists because of him. They are all extensions or branches of him, stemming from his presence. Similarly, the word "Imam" has the same root. An "Imam" is someone towards whom the followers turn, whose signals they obey, and who is the guide and leader in all matters. The Imam of Love and Devotion, the Imam of Ahl al-Sunnah, Sayyidi Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Qadiri (may Allah have mercy on him), beautifully expressed this concept in his poetry: Sabīt Hua Ke Jumla Faraa'idh Furoo' Hain Asl Al-Usool Bandagi Is Tajwar Ki Hai. Translation: "It is proven that all obligations are secondary, The primary foundation is servitude to this crown-bearer (the Prophet)." (Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish, p. 206, Maktaba al-Madinah) Point of Focus From the discussion so far, it has been established that "Ummi" refers to someone who does not know how to read or write. However, a misunderstanding has arisen from taking this meaning too broadly, leading to the false belief, God forbid, that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) remained uneducated or illiterate throughout his life. This is entirely contrary to the truth. Those who interpret the term "Ummi" incorrectly fail to grasp its true meaning. The word, which the Holy Quran uses as a praiseworthy attribute, is misinterpreted by some to imply something negative about the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). In fact, the reason for the Prophet's title of "Ummi" is that he did not learn to read or write from any human teacher. This does not mean that Allah left him in such a state. On the contrary, Allah, in His divine wisdom, bestowed upon His beloved Prophet immense knowledge and wisdom, as He says: "And Allah has sent down to you the Book and wisdom and has taught you that which you did not know, and ever has the bounty of Allah upon you been great." (Surah An-Nisa, 4:113) Regarding this verse, Sadr al-Afazil Mufti Syed Muhammad Naeemuddin Muradabadi, in his commentary Khazain-ul-Irfan, writes: "This verse proves that Allah Almighty granted His Beloved Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) knowledge of all the sciences of the universe and revealed the mysteries and truths of the Book and wisdom to him. This fact is supported by numerous verses of the Quran and many hadiths." In another verse, Allah says: "And you (O Prophet) did not read any book before this, nor did you write anything with your hand. Otherwise, the people of falsehood would have doubted." (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:48) These verses clearly show that even before the revelation of the Quran, Allah had already granted the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) the knowledge. The Wisdom Behind the Prophet's Ummi Attribute Before the Revelation of the Quran One may wonder why the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was kept with the attribute of being "Ummi" (unlettered) before the revelation of the Quran. There are several profound wisdoms behind this, which can be explained as follows: Fulfilment of Prophecies: The verse previously mentioned contains a significant wisdom. If the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) had been able to read and write, the Jews would have surely denied his prophethood. This is because one of the signs of the final prophet mentioned in their scriptures was that he would be "Ummi." However, they could not raise any doubts because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) embodied this sign. Authenticity of Revelation: Another wisdom is that by keeping the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in the state of being "Ummi" before the Quran's revelation, no one could raise objections regarding his prophethood, the revelation of the Quran, or the divine nature of its message. If the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had known how to read and write beforehand, people might have claimed that the Quran was his own creation, written by him. Even the staunchest of his enemies never made such an accusation regarding the revelation, which implies that, deep down, they acknowledged that the Quran was indeed the Word of Allah and not the work of a human being. Though some later orientalists, out of prejudice, have tried to claim that the Prophet had human teachers, these baseless objections hold no merit. If even the fiercest enemies of the Prophet during his lifetime—who would not hesitate to level any accusation against him—did not raise such an objection, then the speculations and investigations of later critics carry no real weight. Thus, the Prophet's "Ummi" status was a divine wisdom meant to confirm his authenticity and fulfil the prophecies, making it clear to all that the Quran was indeed the Word of Allah. Summary The essence of the entire discussion is that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was "Ummi," but in the sense that he had no worldly teacher. All knowledge was granted to him by his Most Generous Lord. Secondly, it has been established that there are many profound wisdoms hidden in the title "Ummi." Thirdly, it has become clear that being "Ummi" is a praiseworthy attribute of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). Imam Ahmad Raza Khan beautifully expresses this: Aisa Ummi Kis Liye Minnat Kash-E-Ustad Ho Kya Kifaayat Is Ko Iqra Wa Rabbuka Al-Akram Nahi Translation: "Why would such an Ummi be indebted to a teacher? Isn’t 'Read, and your Lord is Most Generous' enough for him?" (Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish, p. 106) (End of the article. Translated by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi.) ……………….. The following article is an English translation of the Urdu article written by Dr. Masood Ahmad Mujahid and titled “Rasulullah (Peace Be Upon Him) Ke Laqab "Ummi" Ke Haqaiq Aur Ma'arif”. The Realities and Insights of the Title "Ummi" of Messenger of Allah The Teacher of Humanity, the Guide and Leader of the Universe, Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), was sent by Allah as a fountain of guidance and direction for mankind. His blessed life remains a perfect example for all time. His teachings are the radiant light through which lost humanity continues to find guidance and illumination. Thanks to his teachings, the society that was entangled in racial, linguistic, class, and geographical chains and was stagnant has become a bearer of the highest values of humanity. People who were drowning in misguidance, unaware of consciousness and the purpose of life, became exemplary for the entire world through the grace of Muhammad (peace be upon him). One significant aspect of the blessed life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is that Allah, the Exalted, sent him with the attribute of being "Ummi." The term "Ummi" has numerous meanings, one of which refers to a personality who has not learned from anyone but possesses knowledge of the entire world. This is the meaning that applies to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which is why he is referred to as "Ummi." He never received education from anyone nor did he sit in the presence of a teacher. His entire life is free from the influence of any individual’s tutelage, thus his being "Ummi" is a significant proof of the truth of his prophethood. He acquired knowledge solely from Allah, and it was from Him alone that he received enlightenment. Allah, the Exalted, granted him direct knowledge of everything pertaining to this world and the Hereafter from His own Presence. Linguistic and Terminological Meaning and Concept of "Ummi" "Ummi" is a title of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that appears twice in the Holy Quran. Scholars have presented various interpretations regarding the origin of this title. Ibn Manzoor Al-Afriqi writes: "Ummi refers to one who cannot read or write. Al-Zajjaj states that Ummi is one who is fundamentally rooted in his creation and does not know how to write. In 'Al-Tanzil Al-Aziz,' it is said that Ummi refers to those who cannot write." (Lisan Al-Arab, Vol. 1, p. 34) Allama Tusi elaborates on the term "Ummi," stating: "Ummi is attributed to this community which is based on the original state, one who has not learned to write or read. Additionally, it is attributed to the mother, just as a child remains under the upbringing of his mother, knowing only what she teaches him." (Abu Ja'far Muhammad Al-Tusi, Tahdhib Al-Ahkam, Vol. 1, p. 95) Thus, the word "Ummi" is derived from "Um," which in Arabic literature has two meanings: 1. Origin and Root 2. Mother. Below is an explanation of these meanings: 1. Um as Meaning of Origin If the word "Um" is used in the context of origin, its meaning will be that the being who is established on its root. The origin and root refer to the nature on which the Lord of the Universe creates mankind. Allah says: “This is Allah's creation; now show me what those besides Him have created.” (Al-Rum, 30:30) The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: "Every child is born on the fitrah (natural disposition), and his parents may make him a Jew or a Christian or a Magian." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 5:143, Hadith 127) Thus, every child, whether born to a Jew, a Christian, in a Muslim household, or in a Hindu family, inherently possesses the oneness and recognition of Allah. When a child opens their eyes, they first absorb the influence of their home environment. If their parents are Hindus, they will become Hindus; if they are Jews, the child will also be a Jew; and if they are Muslims, the child will likewise be a Muslim. A child's religious affiliation is generally passed down from their parents or influenced by their environment. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) lost his father before his birth, and his honourable mother passed away when he was only six years old. Moreover, the environment in which he opened his eyes was filled with disbelief, polytheism, and oppression. A study of the Prophet's childhood through his adolescence reveals a pleasant surprise: he was not influenced by the religious thoughts and beliefs of the Quraysh. He remained completely unaffected by the social values and external environment of idol worship and polytheism that surrounded him. The original nature of a child remained intact in the blessed personality of the Prophet (peace be upon him), without any degradation or corruption. The Prophet (peace be upon him) spent the first forty years of his sacred life in an environment where the sun, moon, and stars were worshipped. Inside the Kaaba, there were three hundred sixty idols, which people called upon for their needs and troubles. Moral values had deteriorated, and the human societies on Earth had become alarmingly close to animalistic behaviour. There were no laws or regulations; swords would be drawn over trivial matters, and the market for killing and slaughtering was ever-busy. Tribal rivalry manifested in cycles of revenge, marking life with the shedding of human blood. Lies, deceit, hypocrisy, and trickery deepened the darkness of life’s long night. It was in this profound darkness of polytheism and disbelief that the childhood and adolescence of the Prophet (peace be upon him) unfolded. Despite this environment, he exhibited such strength of character that the light of faith shone brightly in his words and actions, and his noble persona remained untouched by any form of immorality. It is evident that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remained pure and untainted in his nature, just as he was created by the Lord of the Universe. After witnessing the oppressive and soulless society for forty years, the Prophet's essence and authenticity remained intact. At the time of his declaration of Prophethood, he presented the fragrance of his character and the light of his personality as evidence of his Prophethood. (2) Um as Meaning of Mother If the term "Um" is used in the sense of "mother," then the meaning of "Ummi" would be that person who, despite having lived a full life, remains in the same state as when they were born from their mother's womb. When a child is born, they possess two fundamental qualities: one is that they are free from evil, sin, and impurities, and the other is that they are untouched by all acquired knowledge. This is because the process of acquiring knowledge begins after human birth, and once a person starts learning, there is a possibility for both good and evil to become a part of their character. In the Holy Quran, the Lord of the Universe has declared His Beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) to be "Ummi" because he remained innocent throughout his life, just as he was at the time of his birth. Not even a slight stain of the impurities of the environment could tarnish his pristine character. Due to this outward and inward purity and cleanliness, the Quran refers to him as "the Prophet, the Ummi." Allah Almighty says: "Those who follow the Messenger, the Prophet, the Ummi." (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:157) "(These are the people) who follow this Messenger (peace be upon him) who is the Ummi Prophet (meaning he informs people of unseen matters and knowledge of sustenance and the hereafter without having read from any human)." In another place, Allah says: "So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Prophet, the Ummi." (Surah Al-A'raf, 7:158) "It is clear from these verses that the Prophet (peace be upon him) is an Ummi Prophet. This is because he neither read from anyone nor learned from anyone except his Lord. The knowledge of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is bestowed (by Allah), not acquired, and the One who granted this knowledge is their Lord, the Sustainer of all worlds and the Creator of every being, whose absolute power encompasses every particle of the universe." The Prophethood among the Ummiyeen One reason for calling the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) "Ummi" is that his Prophethood was established in a society where people did not know how to read or write. In Arabia, the Jews and Christians were known as the "People of the Book," while those who did not claim to have any heavenly scripture were called "Ummiyeen." This terminology was used because the People of the Book addressed these people as distinct from themselves, as stated in Surah Al-Imran: "And say to those who were given the Scripture and to the unlettered: 'Have you submitted (to Allah)?'" (Surah Al-Imran, 3:20) Allah Almighty established a system of divine laws for the guidance of humanity, which continued through the prophets. The last link in this chain was the blessed figure of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He was sent among those who were called "Ummiyeen," meaning they were not ignorant or uneducated, but they did not possess any heavenly book prior to this. Thus, he established a system that allowed for the enhancement of their abilities and the development of their character. This truth is clearly articulated in the second verse of Surah Al-Jumu'ah: "It is He who has sent among the unlettered a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom, although they were before in clear error." (Surah Al-Jumu'ah, 62:2) From this, it becomes clear that "Ummiyeen" does not refer to a group of illiterates or the uneducated, but rather to those Arab inhabitants who, at that time, did not possess a scripture in comparison to the People of the Book. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was among these Ummiyeen. The Wisdoms Behind Calling the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) "Ummi" The title of "Ummi" for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is also considered a miracle. When Allah, the Exalted, called him "Ummi," it undoubtedly contained countless wisdoms, for the essence of Allah is the source of all wisdom and intelligence. Therefore, referring to the Prophet (peace be upon him) as "Ummi" cannot be without wisdom. Below are a few of these wisdoms: 1. The First Wisdom The King of the Universe (peace be upon him) neither knew how to read any book nor did he learn to write with his own hands. The answer to why Allah, the Exalted, adorned his blessed personality with this quality is given in the Quran: “And you (O Muhammad) did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you write it with your right hand; otherwise, the falsifiers would have certainly doubted." (Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:48) Allama Shihab al-Din Mahmood Alusi states: "In this, there is a divine wisdom that your superiority over any teacher should not be established, and also that the opponents do not attribute the words of Allah to your acquired knowledge and skills. Thus, being 'Ummi' is a commendable quality for you that does not apply to others." (Ruh al-Ma'ani, Vol. 9, p. 70) Thus, the first wisdom behind declaring the Prophet (peace be upon him) as "Ummi" is that if he had learned from any teacher or had received formal education in a school, or had learned to write and then announced his Prophethood, the envious and adversarial individuals would accuse him of claiming that these divine commandments were not from Allah but rather that he learned them from a certain book or a particular teacher. This would provide them with an opportunity to undermine his Prophethood and intensify their propaganda against the Islamic movement and its great leader. This point would be exploited in campaigns to malign the leadership of the Islamic movement, and attempts would be made to destabilize the confidence of Muslims in the truth and authenticity of Prophethood. This is why Allah, the Exalted, preserved the office of Prophethood from such accusations and rejected the possibility of any acquired knowledge by highlighting every moment of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) blessed life spanning forty years. 2. The Second Wisdom One key difference between acquired knowledge and bestowed (divine) knowledge is that acquired knowledge can become distorted when repeated, sometimes leading to minor differences in meaning. However, this is not the case with bestowed knowledge, where even repeated recitation does not alter a single word. This is why the possibility of any textual alteration in the Quran is non-existent. All the Huffaz (memorizers) of the Quran around the world, despite their different languages, cultures, and lifestyles, recite it without any discrepancies in pronunciation or diacritical marks. The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through divine revelation. Throughout his blessed life, he recited these verses hundreds of times, yet not a single word—or even a single letter—was ever altered. The Prophet (peace be upon him) did not memorize these verses in the way other Huffaz might; rather, each verse naturally flowed from his blessed tongue in its precise wording. The blessing of this enduring miracle will continue until the Day of Judgment because Allah, the Exalted, sent the Prophet (peace be upon him) with the status of "al-Nabi al-Ummi," purifying his blessed heart from all impurities of acquired knowledge. 3. The Third Wisdom The third wisdom behind referring to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as "Ummi" lies in the distinction between bestowed knowledge and worldly knowledge, which is often uncertain. Worldly knowledge carries the potential for error and speculation. Allah, the Exalted, made His Beloved Prophet independent of worldly sciences and books so that the possibility of mistakes, doubts, or deficiencies would be entirely eliminated. The Prophet's (peace be upon him) heart was filled with certain knowledge, free from speculation or uncertainty. Certainty in belief is based on firm faith, which is usually a gift of bestowed knowledge rather than acquired knowledge, and it is devoid of flaws or errors. Since the knowledge of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was bestowed, he imparted to humanity not only faith but also the wealth of complete certainty. The Quran refers to this truth with the following words: “And you (O Muhammad) did not know what the Book was, nor what faith was.” (Surah Ash-Shura, 42: 52) The source and fountain of the knowledge of the Ummi Messenger (peace be upon him) was divine revelation, not worldly or acquired knowledge. In divine revelation, there is no possibility of error, doubt, or deficiency, making the knowledge obtained from it certain, definitive, and conclusive. The dust of scepticism cannot envelop this knowledge, nor can the human mind innovate within it. Acquired sciences can be subject to revisions, corrections, and additions at any moment, while bestowed knowledge is free from such imperfections. Therefore, apart from the Prophets and Messengers, no philosopher or scholar can claim that their writings are devoid of errors. Only the Prophets and Messengers (peace be upon them) possess a truth that is free from the potential for correction or addition until the Day of Judgment. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) is referred to as "Ummi," it signifies that his teacher is none other than the Lord of the universe, who is free from all defects and shortcomings; therefore, the Prophet’s statements are also purified from the flaws of speculative knowledge. 4. The Fourth Wisdom According to Arabic grammar, the word "Nabi" (Prophet) is derived from "Naba," which means to know or convey information about the unseen (غیب). In this regard, a Prophet is someone who not only possesses knowledge of the unseen but also informs others about it. Allah, the Exalted, stated: “This is from the news of the unseen, which We reveal to you.” (Surah Al-Imran, 3: 44) Since the definition of a Prophet is that he not only possesses knowledge of the unseen but also conveys this knowledge to others, it implies that all the knowledge of a Prophet is of a supernatural nature. If the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were not "Ummi," there would have been the possibility of someone being his teacher. However, Allah did not allow such a situation, as it would be unacceptable for our beloved Prophet to have a common individual as his instructor. This would contradict the essence of Prophethood. Consequently, Allah closed all avenues of acquired knowledge, affirming that He teaches and instructs the Prophet through divine revelation. Thus, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would be recognized as the teacher for all of humanity across all times. He would be the city of knowledge, and the entire world would seek the blessings of knowledge from him. Therefore, the designation of the Prophet (peace be upon him) as "Ummi" was deliberate, ensuring that no one could claim to be his teacher. This reinforces the idea that the source of his knowledge is divine, making him the ultimate guide for all humankind. Being "Ummi" as a Great Miracle of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led a rich life filled with social, cultural, familial, and communal engagements. From tending sheep to undertaking trade journeys to Syria, he made treaties with the disbelievers and polytheists, participated in battles, resolved disputes as an arbitrator, and carried out the duty of propagating Islam. Yet, he never harboured a desire to acquire worldly knowledge or sought learning from anyone, as doing so would have contradicted his esteemed status. The Prophet (peace be upon him) felt no need for acquired knowledge because he was informed that all treasures of knowledge lay at his feet. Consequently, these treasures unfolded to him in due time, revealing all realms of hidden knowledge. As noted by Allama Khazin in his commentary, “The Prophet's being 'Ummi' was not a coincidence; rather, it is a significant miracle that he never sat at anyone's feet as a student yet brought forth a book encompassing the knowledge of the past and future.” (Tafsir Khazin, 2: 138) The Miracle of the Prophet's Vast Knowledge The Almighty, who has power over all things, granted His beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) the keys to all knowledge. Nothing in the universe lies beyond his understanding. On the night of the Ascension (Mi'raj), all barriers were lifted, allowing him to witness the divine and to see all that was previously hidden from him. The Teacher of all knowledge set no limits on the extent of the Prophet’s understanding. The Quran beautifully articulates this: “And He taught you that which you did not know, and His favour upon you was great.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4: 113) The knowledge of the Prophet (peace be upon him) is bestowed and not intrinsic. The source of this knowledge is the Creator of the universe. In this vibrant world, no one besides the Prophet (peace be upon him) can claim, “O people! What you do not know has been granted to me.” No one possesses access to all knowledge simultaneously; however, all knowledge is a testament to the footprint of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Allah, the Exalted, refers to the granting of all knowledge to His beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) as a great favor. The implication of this verse is that all realms and everything in the universe fall within the Prophet’s knowledge. Denying the Prophet's knowledge is tantamount to denying the knowledge of Allah. The disbelievers and polytheists mocked the Prophet (peace be upon him), saying he could not know their innermost feelings. In response, he ascended the pulpit and said: “Ask me about whatever you wish.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Book of Knowledge, 1: 162, Hadith 90) With this declaration, the Prophet (peace be upon him) addressed the objections regarding his knowledge of the unseen for all time. On another occasion, he remarked, “What will be the state of those who mock the expanse of my knowledge? Ask me whatever you wish, from this time until the Day of Resurrection.” (Tafsir al-Baghawi, 2: 381-382) Such confidence can only be claimed by one whom his Lord has informed about events until the Day of Judgment. Conclusion When a child is born from the womb, they come into this world as unlettered and illiterate. In this regard, in Arab culture, "Ummi" refers to a person who does not know how to read or write. Although this term is generally not considered a commendable attribute and is often seen as a flaw, for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), being "Ummi" became a significant mark of excellence due to his profound knowledge, wisdom, and unique characteristics. The ability of someone who has never studied under anyone to unleash a river of knowledge and to produce such priceless truths and unparalleled insights is an undeniable miracle that no adversary can refute. Especially when considering that the Prophet's (peace be upon him) blessed life spanned forty years in Makkah, where he did not read a single word or learn from anyone, and then at the completion of those forty years, the divine words flowed from his tongue. Even a single verse of the Quran has left the entire world in awe and unable to produce anything similar. In light of these circumstances, the Prophet's (peace be upon him) status as "Ummi" serves as a powerful testimony to his being a Messenger from Allah and the Quran being the Word of God. Thus, while being "Ummi" may not be seen as a virtue for others, it stands as a profound attribute of praise and perfection for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). (End of the article. Translated by Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi.) In summary, the essence of the discussion highlights that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was "Ummi" in the sense that he had no worldly teacher, with all knowledge granted to him by his Most Generous Lord. This title encompasses profound wisdom and serves as a praiseworthy attribute of the Prophet. While the term "Ummi" traditionally refers to someone who is unlettered or illiterate—characteristics often viewed negatively—this designation for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) becomes a mark of excellence due to his unmatched wisdom and knowledge. His ability to convey profound truths and insights without any formal education is an undeniable miracle that challenges any detractor. For forty years in Makkah, he did not read a single word or learn from anyone, yet he ultimately delivered divine revelations that continue to astonish the world. The miraculous nature of the Quran, with its unparalleled eloquence and wisdom, further attests to the Prophet's (peace be upon him) status as "Ummi" and a true Messenger of Allah. Thus, while "Ummi" may not be seen as a virtue for others, it stands as a profound attribute of praise and perfection for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). ….. A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not limited to deradicalisation strategies, the promotion of moderation within Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of combating Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism. 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