Scribes of the Prophet - By; Fatima Ahmad

Scribes of the Prophet 

As the prophet could not read or write, scribes were the one who were close companions of prophet and they could read and write. They preserved the revelations of Quran in writing and in memory. They always stayed close to the prophet. Whenever the prophet received a revelation, he immediately dictated it to them, they would write it on prices of wood, animal skins, palm leaves etc. They would add new verses and arrange them in order on the instructions of the prophet (P.B.U.H).

 “(it is) in Books held (greatly) in honor. Exalted (in dignity) kept pure and holy (written) by hands of scribes honorable and pious and just”.

The scribes of the divine revelation hold immense importance in Islam as they made sure that the revelations must be in written form because the Prophet did not know how to read or write. Apart from writing them, they also learnt the verses so that they remained in their memory. Thus they played a vital role in the preservation of Quran in its original form. If they had not written the revelations, the word of Allah might perish forever. This shows that their work played an important role in preserving Quran for future generations.

Zaid bin thabit was the chief scribe. He belonged to khizraj tribe.he accepted Islam before prophets migration at age of 11. He could speak many languages. He wanted to participate in badal but he was too young. He took part in trench and tabuk expeditions. He had a very good memory and he was memoriser of Quran. He complied Quran during first caliphate and by traveling all over Arabia. He then compiled Quran on the instructions of hazrat uthman and copies of mushaf were made.