Was Muhammad Illiterate?

Muslims often read “the unlettered prophet” in the Qur’an as a man who could not read or write, and they treat the Qur’an’s language as a sign for that reason. The Arabic word is also used for people without a scripture. A Sunni report of the treaty at Hudaybiyyah says he wrote or had the line written, and that he did not know a better writing. Christians do not treat either reading as proof that he was a prophet.

Key Points

• Qur’an 7:157Qur’an 7:157 · Saheeh InternationalThose who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written [i.e., described] in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and prohibits them from what is wrong and makes lawful for them what is good and forbids them from what is evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.Qur’an 7:157 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source and Qur’an 7:158Qur’an 7:158 · Saheeh InternationalSay, [O Muḥammad], "O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allāh to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death." So believe in Allāh and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allāh and His words, and follow him that you may be guided.Qur’an 7:158 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) call him “the unlettered prophet.” Qur’an 29:48Qur’an 29:48 · Saheeh InternationalAnd you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Then [i.e., otherwise] the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt.Qur’an 29:48 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says he did not recite any scripture before it or inscribe one with his right hand.
• Qur’an 62:2Qur’an 62:2 · Saheeh InternationalIt is He who has sent among the unlettered [Arabs] a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] and wisdom [i.e., the sunnah] - although they were before in clear error -Qur’an 62:2 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says he was sent among the unlettered, and the translator glosses that plural as Arabs. Qur’an 3:20Qur’an 3:20 · Saheeh InternationalSo if they argue with you, say, "I have submitted myself to Allāh [in Islām], and [so have] those who follow me." And say to those who were given the Scripture and [to] the unlearned, "Have you submitted yourselves?" And if they submit [in Islām], they are rightly guided; but if they turn away - then upon you is only the [duty of] notification. And Allāh is Seeing of [His] servants.Qur’an 3:20 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source and Qur’an 3:75Qur’an 3:75 · Saheeh InternationalAnd among the People of the Scripture is he who, if you entrust him with a great amount [of wealth], he will return it to you. And among them is he who, if you entrust him with a [single] coin, he will not return it to you unless you are constantly standing over him [demanding it]. That is because they say, "There is no blame upon us concerning the unlearned." And they speak untruth about Allāh while they know [it].Qur’an 3:75 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source use the same root and render it “unlearned.”
• Sahih al-Bukhari 3Sahih al-Bukhari 3 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated 'Aisha (the mother of the faithful believers): The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright daylight, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family. He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back to (his wife) Khadija to take his food likewise again till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "I do not know how to read." The Prophet (ﷺ) added, "The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, 'I do not know how to read.' Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, 'I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?' Thereupon he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said, 'Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists), created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous." (96.1, 96.2, 96.3) Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely. Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwailid and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" They covered him till his fear was over and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, "I fear that something may happen to me." Khadija replied, "Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones." Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the pre-Islamic Period became a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to Waraqa, "Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!" Waraqa asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) described whatever he had seen. Waraqa said, "This is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked, "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa replied in the affirmative and said, "Anyone (man) who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out then I would support you strongly." But after a few days Waraqa died and the Divine Inspiration was also paused for a while.Sahih al-Bukhari 3 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says the angel told him to read and he answered, “I do not know how to read,” three times, and then the angel spoke the opening of Qur’an 96:1–5Qur’an 96:1-5 · Saheeh International¹ Recite in the name of your Lord who created ² Created man from a clinging substance. ³ Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous - ⁴ Who taught by the pen ⁵ Taught man that which he knew not.Qur’an 96:1-5 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 4251Sahih al-Bukhari 4251 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated Al-Bara: When the Prophet (ﷺ) went out for the `Umra in the month of Dhal-Qa'da, the people of Mecca did not allow him to enter Mecca till he agreed to conclude a peace treaty with them by virtue of which he would stay in Mecca for three days only (in the following year). When the agreement was being written, the Muslims wrote: "This is the peace treaty, which Muhammad, Apostle of Allah has concluded." The infidels said (to the Prophet), "We do not agree with you on this, for if we knew that you are Apostle of Allah we would not have prevented you for anything (i.e. entering Mecca, etc.), but you are Muhammad, the son of `Abdullah." Then he said to `Ali, "Erase (the name of) 'Apostle of Allah'." `Ali said, "No, by Allah, I will never erase you (i.e. your name)." Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) took the writing sheet...and he did not know a better writing..and he wrote or got it the following written! "This is the peace treaty which Muhammad, the son of `Abdullah, has concluded: "Muhammad should not bring arms into Mecca except sheathed swords, and should not take with him any person of the people of Mecca even if such a person wanted to follow him, and if any of his companions wants to stay in Mecca, he should not forbid him." (In the next year) when the Prophet (ﷺ) entered Mecca and the allowed period of stay elapsed, the infidels came to `Ali and said "Tell your companion (Muhammad) to go out, as the allowed period of his stay has finished." So the Prophet (ﷺ) departed (from Mecca) and the daughter of Hamza followed him shouting "O Uncle, O Uncle!" `Ali took her by the hand and said to Fatima, "Take the daughter of your uncle." So she made her ride (on her horse). (When they reached Medina) `Ali, Zaid and Ja`far quarreled about her. `Ali said, "I took her for she is the daughter of my uncle." Ja`far said, "She is the daughter of my uncle and her aunt is my wife." Zaid said, "She is the daughter of my brother." On that, the Prophet (ﷺ) gave her to her aunt and said, "The aunt is of the same status as the mother." He then said to `Ali, "You are from me, and I am from you," and said to Ja`far, "You resemble me in appearance and character," and said to Zaid, "You are our brother and our freed slave." `Ali said to the Prophet 'Won't you marry the daughter of Hamza?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "She is the daughter of my foster brother."Sahih al-Bukhari 4251 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says that at Hudaybiyyah he took the sheet, “and he did not know a better writing,” and “he wrote or got it the following written.” The English keeps both possibilities.
• Qur’an 3:36Qur’an 3:36 · Saheeh InternationalBut when she delivered her, she said, "My Lord, I have delivered a female." And Allāh was most knowing of what she delivered, and the male is not like the female. "And I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge for her in You and [for] her descendants from Satan, the expelled [from the mercy of Allāh]."Qur’an 3:36 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source names Mary. Qur’an 24:11Qur’an 24:11 · Saheeh InternationalIndeed, those who came with falsehood are a group among you. Do not think it bad for you; rather, it is good for you. For every person among them is what [punishment] he has earned from the sin, and he who took upon himself the greater portion thereof - for him is a great punishment [i.e., Hellfire].Qur’an 24:11 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source speaks of a falsehood and does not print Aisha’s name. Fatima’s anger at Abu Bakr is Sahih al-Bukhari 4240Sahih al-Bukhari 4240 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated `Aisha: Fatima the daughter of the Prophet (ﷺ) sent someone to Abu Bakr (when he was a caliph), asking for her inheritance of what Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had left of the property bestowed on him by Allah from the Fai (i.e. booty gained without fighting) in Medina, and Fadak, and what remained of the Khumus of the Khaibar booty. On that, Abu Bakr said, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Our property is not inherited. Whatever we leave, is Sadaqa, but the family of (the Prophet) Muhammad can eat of this property.' By Allah, I will not make any change in the state of the Sadaqa of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and will leave it as it was during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), and will dispose of it as Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to do." So Abu Bakr refused to give anything of that to Fatima. So she became angry with Abu Bakr and kept away from him, and did not task to him till she died. She remained alive for six months after the death of the Prophet. When she died, her husband `Ali, buried her at night without informing Abu Bakr and he said the funeral prayer by himself. When Fatima was alive, the people used to respect `Ali much, but after her death, `Ali noticed a change in the people's attitude towards him. So `Ali sought reconciliation with Abu Bakr and gave him an oath of allegiance. `Ali had not given the oath of allegiance during those months (i.e. the period between the Prophet's death and Fatima's death). `Ali sent someone to Abu Bakr saying, "Come to us, but let nobody come with you," as he disliked that `Umar should come, `Umar said (to Abu Bakr), "No, by Allah, you shall not enter upon them alone " Abu Bakr said, "What do you think they will do to me? By Allah, I will go to them' So Abu Bakr entered upon them, and then `Ali uttered Tashah-hud and said (to Abu Bakr), "We know well your superiority and what Allah has given you, and we are not jealous of the good what Allah has bestowed upon you, but you did not consult us in the question of the rule and we thought that we have got a right in it because of our near relationship to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ." Thereupon Abu Bakr's eyes flowed with tears. And when Abu Bakr spoke, he said, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is to keep good relations with the relatives of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) is dearer to me than to keep good relations with my own relatives. But as for the trouble which arose between me and you about his property, I will do my best to spend it according to what is good, and will not leave any rule or regulation which I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) following, in disposing of it, but I will follow." On that `Ali said to Abu Bakr, "I promise to give you the oath of allegiance in this afternoon." So when Abu Bakr had offered the Zuhr prayer, he ascended the pulpit and uttered the Tashah-hud and then mentioned the story of `Ali and his failure to give the oath of allegiance, and excused him, accepting what excuses he had offered; Then `Ali (got up) and praying (to Allah) for forgiveness, he uttered Tashah-hud, praised Abu Bakr's right, and said, that he had not done what he had done because of jealousy of Abu Bakr or as a protest of what Allah had favored him with. `Ali added, "But we used to consider that we too had some right in this affair (of rulership) and that he (i.e. Abu Bakr) did not consult us in this matter, and therefore caused us to feel sorry." On that all the Muslims became happy and said, "You have done the right thing." The Muslims then became friendly with `Ali as he returned to what the people had done (i.e. giving the oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr)Sahih al-Bukhari 4240 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source, on What Is the History of Islam?.
• Christians confess the Word who was God (John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source). A claim about letters does not add a prophet after him. How Was the Qur’an Compiled?

The Unlettered Prophet

Qur’an 7:157Qur’an 7:157 · Saheeh InternationalThose who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written [i.e., described] in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and prohibits them from what is wrong and makes lawful for them what is good and forbids them from what is evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.Qur’an 7:157 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source (Saheeh International) says:

Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered prophet, whom they find written [i.e., described] in what they have of the Torah and the Gospel, who enjoins upon them what is right and prohibits them from what is wrong and makes lawful for them what is good and forbids them from what is evil and relieves them of their burden and the shackles which were upon them. So they who have believed in him, honored him, supported him and followed the light which was sent down with him - it is those who will be the successful.

Qur’an 7:157 · Saheeh International

Qur’an · accepted by Muslims

Qur’an 7:158Qur’an 7:158 · Saheeh InternationalSay, [O Muḥammad], "O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allāh to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death." So believe in Allāh and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allāh and His words, and follow him that you may be guided.Qur’an 7:158 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says “His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allah and His words.” Qur’an 29:48Qur’an 29:48 · Saheeh InternationalAnd you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Then [i.e., otherwise] the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt.Qur’an 29:48 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says: And you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Otherwise, it says, the falsifiers would have had cause for doubt.

Muslims read those lines as inability to read and write, and then as a miracle: a man who could not write produced the Qur’an. Qur’an 96:1–5Qur’an 96:1-5 · Saheeh International¹ Recite in the name of your Lord who created ² Created man from a clinging substance. ³ Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous - ⁴ Who taught by the pen ⁵ Taught man that which he knew not.Qur’an 96:1-5 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source begins “Recite in the name of your Lord who created” and says the Lord taught by the pen. The command is to recite. It does not say he held the pen.

Unlettered and Unlearned

The word behind “unlettered” is also the word Saheeh International renders in the plural.

Qur’an 62:2Qur’an 62:2 · Saheeh InternationalIt is He who has sent among the unlettered [Arabs] a Messenger from themselves reciting to them His verses and purifying them and teaching them the Book [i.e., the Qur’ān] and wisdom [i.e., the sunnah] - although they were before in clear error -Qur’an 62:2 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says God sent among the unlettered a messenger from themselves. The translator’s bracket says “[Arabs].” Qur’an 3:20Qur’an 3:20 · Saheeh InternationalSo if they argue with you, say, "I have submitted myself to Allāh [in Islām], and [so have] those who follow me." And say to those who were given the Scripture and [to] the unlearned, "Have you submitted yourselves?" And if they submit [in Islām], they are rightly guided; but if they turn away - then upon you is only the [duty of] notification. And Allāh is Seeing of [His] servants.Qur’an 3:20 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source tells him to speak to those who were given the Scripture and to the unlearned. Qur’an 3:75Qur’an 3:75 · Saheeh InternationalAnd among the People of the Scripture is he who, if you entrust him with a great amount [of wealth], he will return it to you. And among them is he who, if you entrust him with a [single] coin, he will not return it to you unless you are constantly standing over him [demanding it]. That is because they say, "There is no blame upon us concerning the unlearned." And they speak untruth about Allāh while they know [it].Qur’an 3:75 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source reports people who say, “There is no blame upon us concerning the unlearned.”

“Unlettered prophet” in 7:157 and “unlearned” in 3:20 and 3:75 are the same root in this translation. One reading is “he could not read.” Another is “he was of the people who had no earlier scripture,” the way 62:2 glosses the group as Arabs. The Qur’an uses the word. It does not add a sentence that says “he could not spell his name.” The Islamic Dilemma is the separate argument about the Torah and the Gospel he is said to confirm.

I Do Not Know How to Read

Sahih al-Bukhari 3Sahih al-Bukhari 3 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated 'Aisha (the mother of the faithful believers): The commencement of the Divine Inspiration to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was in the form of good dreams which came true like bright daylight, and then the love of seclusion was bestowed upon him. He used to go in seclusion in the cave of Hira where he used to worship (Allah alone) continuously for many days before his desire to see his family. He used to take with him the journey food for the stay and then come back to (his wife) Khadija to take his food likewise again till suddenly the Truth descended upon him while he was in the cave of Hira. The angel came to him and asked him to read. The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "I do not know how to read." The Prophet (ﷺ) added, "The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, 'I do not know how to read.' Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time till I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, 'I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?' Thereupon he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said, 'Read in the name of your Lord, who has created (all that exists), created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous." (96.1, 96.2, 96.3) Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely. Then he went to Khadija bint Khuwailid and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" They covered him till his fear was over and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, "I fear that something may happen to me." Khadija replied, "Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your kith and kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones." Khadija then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqa bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul 'Uzza, who, during the pre-Islamic Period became a Christian and used to write the writing with Hebrew letters. He would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight. Khadija said to Waraqa, "Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!" Waraqa asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) described whatever he had seen. Waraqa said, "This is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked, "Will they drive me out?" Waraqa replied in the affirmative and said, "Anyone (man) who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility; and if I should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out then I would support you strongly." But after a few days Waraqa died and the Divine Inspiration was also paused for a while.Sahih al-Bukhari 3 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source (Muhammad Muhsin Khan) is the Sunni report of the cave of Hira. The angel tells him to read. He replies, “I do not know how to read.” The angel presses him and asks again. He gives the same answer a second time and a third, and the third reply in this translation is “I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?” Then the angel speaks the lines Muslims place at the start of the revelation, from Qur’an 96.

The parenthesis is in the English: read, or what shall I read. The report is also the scene with Waraqa ibn Nawfal, a Christian who says this is the same Namus sent to Moses. That sentence is Waraqa’s identification. It is not Muhammad accepting the Christian confession. Which Muslims Accept Which Hadith? A Shia reader still has 7:157, 7:158, and 29:48 in the Qur’an.

The Treaty at Hudaybiyyah

Sahih al-Bukhari 4251Sahih al-Bukhari 4251 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated Al-Bara: When the Prophet (ﷺ) went out for the `Umra in the month of Dhal-Qa'da, the people of Mecca did not allow him to enter Mecca till he agreed to conclude a peace treaty with them by virtue of which he would stay in Mecca for three days only (in the following year). When the agreement was being written, the Muslims wrote: "This is the peace treaty, which Muhammad, Apostle of Allah has concluded." The infidels said (to the Prophet), "We do not agree with you on this, for if we knew that you are Apostle of Allah we would not have prevented you for anything (i.e. entering Mecca, etc.), but you are Muhammad, the son of `Abdullah." Then he said to `Ali, "Erase (the name of) 'Apostle of Allah'." `Ali said, "No, by Allah, I will never erase you (i.e. your name)." Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) took the writing sheet...and he did not know a better writing..and he wrote or got it the following written! "This is the peace treaty which Muhammad, the son of `Abdullah, has concluded: "Muhammad should not bring arms into Mecca except sheathed swords, and should not take with him any person of the people of Mecca even if such a person wanted to follow him, and if any of his companions wants to stay in Mecca, he should not forbid him." (In the next year) when the Prophet (ﷺ) entered Mecca and the allowed period of stay elapsed, the infidels came to `Ali and said "Tell your companion (Muhammad) to go out, as the allowed period of his stay has finished." So the Prophet (ﷺ) departed (from Mecca) and the daughter of Hamza followed him shouting "O Uncle, O Uncle!" `Ali took her by the hand and said to Fatima, "Take the daughter of your uncle." So she made her ride (on her horse). (When they reached Medina) `Ali, Zaid and Ja`far quarreled about her. `Ali said, "I took her for she is the daughter of my uncle." Ja`far said, "She is the daughter of my uncle and her aunt is my wife." Zaid said, "She is the daughter of my brother." On that, the Prophet (ﷺ) gave her to her aunt and said, "The aunt is of the same status as the mother." He then said to `Ali, "You are from me, and I am from you," and said to Ja`far, "You resemble me in appearance and character," and said to Zaid, "You are our brother and our freed slave." `Ali said to the Prophet 'Won't you marry the daughter of Hamza?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "She is the daughter of my foster brother."Sahih al-Bukhari 4251 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source (Muhammad Muhsin Khan) says the Muslims wrote “Muhammad, Apostle of Allah,” the Quraysh refused that title, and he told Ali to erase it. Ali refused. The English then says:

Then Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) took the writing sheet…and he did not know a better writing..and he wrote or got it the following written!

Sahih al-Bukhari 4251 · Muhammad Muhsin Khan

Sunni hadith

The translator’s own line keeps two acts: he wrote, or he got it written. It also says he did not know a better writing. The report does not settle the question by itself. Readers who say he was illiterate stress “did not know a better writing” and “got it written.” Readers who say he could write stress the word “wrote.” The page leaves the English as the collection prints it. What Is the History of Islam?

The Christian Claim

Whether Muhammad could write is a question about a man. Qur’an 33:40Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalMuḥammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allāh and seal [i.e., last] of the prophets. And ever is Allāh, of all things, Knowing.Qur’an 33:40 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source calls him the seal of the prophets either way. Christians say the Word was already God (John 1:1John 1:1 · King James VersionIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.John 1:1 · King James VersionOpen source), and they do not add a messenger, lettered or unlettered, after the crucified and risen Jesus. What Do Christians Believe About Muhammad? Who Was Muhammad?

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Only Female Name in the Qur’an?

Qur’an 3:36Qur’an 3:36 · Saheeh InternationalBut when she delivered her, she said, "My Lord, I have delivered a female." And Allāh was most knowing of what she delivered, and the male is not like the female. "And I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge for her in You and [for] her descendants from Satan, the expelled [from the mercy of Allāh]."Qur’an 3:36 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source has a mother say, “I have named her Mary.” Qur’an 3:42Qur’an 3:42 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [mention] when the angels said, "O Mary, indeed Allāh has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds.Qur’an 3:42 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source and Qur’an 66:12Qur’an 66:12 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [the example of] Mary, the daughter of ʿImrān, who guarded her chastity, so We blew into [her garment] through Our angel [i.e., Gabriel], and she believed in the words of her Lord and His scriptures and was of the devoutly obedient.Qur’an 66:12 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source name Mary again. This page does not claim a census of every proper name in the book. In the verses quoted here, Mary is the woman named, and other women are described by a relation.

What Was Aisha Falsely Accused Of?

Qur’an 24:11Qur’an 24:11 · Saheeh InternationalIndeed, those who came with falsehood are a group among you. Do not think it bad for you; rather, it is good for you. For every person among them is what [punishment] he has earned from the sin, and he who took upon himself the greater portion thereof - for him is a great punishment [i.e., Hellfire].Qur’an 24:11 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says those who came with falsehood are a group among you, and that it is good for the hearers rather than bad. The Saheeh International wording does not print Aisha’s name. Muslim teaching places the passage with an accusation against her. The verse as printed here says the accusers earned their sin. How Old Was Aisha When She Married Muhammad?

Why Did Fatima Not Like Abu Bakr?

Sahih al-Bukhari 4240Sahih al-Bukhari 4240 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanNarrated `Aisha: Fatima the daughter of the Prophet (ﷺ) sent someone to Abu Bakr (when he was a caliph), asking for her inheritance of what Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had left of the property bestowed on him by Allah from the Fai (i.e. booty gained without fighting) in Medina, and Fadak, and what remained of the Khumus of the Khaibar booty. On that, Abu Bakr said, "Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Our property is not inherited. Whatever we leave, is Sadaqa, but the family of (the Prophet) Muhammad can eat of this property.' By Allah, I will not make any change in the state of the Sadaqa of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and will leave it as it was during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), and will dispose of it as Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to do." So Abu Bakr refused to give anything of that to Fatima. So she became angry with Abu Bakr and kept away from him, and did not task to him till she died. She remained alive for six months after the death of the Prophet. When she died, her husband `Ali, buried her at night without informing Abu Bakr and he said the funeral prayer by himself. When Fatima was alive, the people used to respect `Ali much, but after her death, `Ali noticed a change in the people's attitude towards him. So `Ali sought reconciliation with Abu Bakr and gave him an oath of allegiance. `Ali had not given the oath of allegiance during those months (i.e. the period between the Prophet's death and Fatima's death). `Ali sent someone to Abu Bakr saying, "Come to us, but let nobody come with you," as he disliked that `Umar should come, `Umar said (to Abu Bakr), "No, by Allah, you shall not enter upon them alone " Abu Bakr said, "What do you think they will do to me? By Allah, I will go to them' So Abu Bakr entered upon them, and then `Ali uttered Tashah-hud and said (to Abu Bakr), "We know well your superiority and what Allah has given you, and we are not jealous of the good what Allah has bestowed upon you, but you did not consult us in the question of the rule and we thought that we have got a right in it because of our near relationship to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ." Thereupon Abu Bakr's eyes flowed with tears. And when Abu Bakr spoke, he said, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is to keep good relations with the relatives of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) is dearer to me than to keep good relations with my own relatives. But as for the trouble which arose between me and you about his property, I will do my best to spend it according to what is good, and will not leave any rule or regulation which I saw Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) following, in disposing of it, but I will follow." On that `Ali said to Abu Bakr, "I promise to give you the oath of allegiance in this afternoon." So when Abu Bakr had offered the Zuhr prayer, he ascended the pulpit and uttered the Tashah-hud and then mentioned the story of `Ali and his failure to give the oath of allegiance, and excused him, accepting what excuses he had offered; Then `Ali (got up) and praying (to Allah) for forgiveness, he uttered Tashah-hud, praised Abu Bakr's right, and said, that he had not done what he had done because of jealousy of Abu Bakr or as a protest of what Allah had favored him with. `Ali added, "But we used to consider that we too had some right in this affair (of rulership) and that he (i.e. Abu Bakr) did not consult us in this matter, and therefore caused us to feel sorry." On that all the Muslims became happy and said, "You have done the right thing." The Muslims then became friendly with `Ali as he returned to what the people had done (i.e. giving the oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr)Sahih al-Bukhari 4240 · Muhammad Muhsin KhanOpen source says Fatima asked for inheritance from Fadak and from the fifth of Khaybar, Abu Bakr refused because the messenger had said that what they leave is charity, and she became angry and kept away until she died, six months later. The report is quoted on What Is the History of Islam?.

What Did Muhammad Say About Jesus?

Qur’an 4:157Qur’an 4:157 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [for] their saying, "Indeed, we have killed the Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, the messenger of Allāh." And they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him; but [another] was made to resemble him to them. And indeed, those who differ over it are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it except the following of assumption. And they did not kill him, for certain.Qur’an 4:157 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says they did not kill him or crucify him. Qur’an 5:72Qur’an 5:72 · Saheeh InternationalThey have certainly disbelieved who say, "Allāh is the Messiah, the son of Mary" while the Messiah has said, "O Children of Israel, worship Allāh, my Lord and your Lord." Indeed, he who associates others with Allāh - Allāh has forbidden him Paradise, and his refuge is the Fire. And there are not for the wrongdoers any helpers.Qur’an 5:72 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says it is disbelief to say Allah is the Messiah. Jesus in the Qur’an and the Gospels

Does Allah Accept LGBTQ People?

Qur’an 7:80–81Qur’an 7:80-81 · Saheeh InternationalAnd [We had sent] Lot when he said to his people, "Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds [i.e., peoples]? Indeed, you approach men with desire, instead of women. Rather, you are a transgressing people."Qur’an 7:80-81 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source has Lot condemn approaching men with desire instead of women and call it transgression. Who Is Allah? states that verse. The Christian confession is on that page beside it: sexual union belongs in marriage between a man and a woman, and Jesus is God.

Did Muhammad Accept Christianity?

Qur’an 9:30Qur’an 9:30 · Saheeh InternationalThe Jews say, "Ezra is the son of Allāh"; and the Christians say, "The Messiah is the son of Allāh." That is their statement from their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before [them]. May Allāh destroy them; how are they deluded?Qur’an 9:30 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source rejects the Christian sentence that the Messiah is the son of God. Qur’an 4:171Qur’an 4:171 · Saheeh InternationalO People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allāh except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allāh and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allāh and His messengers. And do not say, "Three"; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allāh is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allāh as Disposer of affairs.Qur’an 4:171 · Saheeh InternationalOpen source says do not say “Three.” Bukhari 3 has Waraqa, a Christian, name the first revelation. That is not Muhammad confessing the Son or the Trinity. Was Jesus a Muslim?

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