Question for Muslims

[radiyah]

Alsalam 'alaykom

Not knowing very much about Muhammed (pbuh), I do have a question:
If he was illiterate and could not read nor write - how did he write the Quran???


I just do not understand how a man who could not read or write could write anything, let alone a book - especialy one so great no others could match it.


I know it was by the will of Allah - but could someone please explain this a little more??


Thanks!

Okay Josh, he was illeterate, he could not read or write, verses of Quran were revealed to him by Angel Gabriel(pbuh), then the prophet memorized it in his heart, he had a very strong memory, and Allah Almighty gave him power to memorize and preserve the quran in his heart. When it first was revealed to him, he used to read after gabriel quickly afraid he will lose a word or forget , then Allah Almighty revealed to him not to, because he will secure it in his heart :


Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Raheem


32. And those who disbelieve say: "Why is not the Qur'ân revealed to him all at once?" Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages. (It was revealed to the Prophet in 23 years.).
25, Al-Furqan


113. And thus We have sent it down as a Qur'ân in Arabic, and have explained therein in detail the warnings, in order that they may fear Allâh, or that it may cause them to have a lesson from it (or to have the honour for believing and acting on its teachings).



114. Then High above all be Allâh, the True King. And be not in haste (O Muhammad ) with the Qur'ân before its revelation is completed to you, and say: "My Lord! Increase me in knowledge." 20, Taha


16. Move not your tongue concerning (the Qur'ân, O Muhammad ) to make haste therewith.



17. It is for Us to collect it and to give you (O Muhammad ) the ability to recite it (the Qur'ân),


18. And when We have recited it to you [O Muhammad through Jibrael (Gabriel)], then follow you its (the Qur'ân's) recital.


19. Then it is for Us (Allâh) to make it clear to you, 75, Al-Qiyama


So as u see the first phase was that the prophet should memorize it. Then there were sahabas who memorized it as well like Ibn Masud, Abu Bakr, Musab bin Umair Ubay Ibn Ka'ab(may Allah be pleased with them) and others.


Then to write it down on paper, it was done by sahabas who were literate or others later who were taught to read and write , they used to write it on different kind of materials even on bones. Then when many sahabas died, those who memorized the Quran died in battles, so Abu bakr( may Allah be pleased with him), ordered the sahabas to gather the written sheets. And also when Islam was expanding and many embraced Islam, those who learned arabic from other nations spoke arabic poorley so in order to preserve the Quran Othman Ibn Aafan( may Allah be pleased with him) ordered to collect the Quran in one book. To learn more about this go to this site and u will find full history of how it was preserved in brief.


http://www.uh.edu/campus/msa/qurhad/excel/uloom3.html


I hope this answered your Question Josh, may Allah be your guidance to the truth.


wasalam 'alaykom