The Concept of the Unlettered Prophet in Islamic Thought: A Comparative Theological Study among Islamic Sects

Abstract

Allah sent Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) with the illuminating Book and described him as the unlettered Prophet. Although he lived among eloquent Arabs, he was understood to neither read nor write, which was one of his miracles. The Qur’an, revealed in clear Arabic, was his greatest miracle. With the emergence of Islamic sects, interpretations of the term “unlettered Prophet” differed according to doctrinal views. This study highlights the significance of this attribute, showing that the Prophet’s unlettered nature is a mark of perfection, not deficiency, unlike in other people.