Paleo-Arabic inscriptions on rock were made by Prophet Muhammad's unconverted companion: study finds
Paleo-Arabic inscriptions on rock in Saudi Arabia, specifically on a boulder near an abandoned mosque, have been found to potentially link to the companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The inscription, analyzed in a new study published in the Journal of Near Eastern Studies, is one of the only two confirmed inscriptions that can be attributed to Muhammad. The significance of this inscription lies in its pre-Islamic origin, providing insight into the religious background of the Quran's audience and the early days of Islam in the region known as the Hijaz.
While there have been many inscriptions from the early Islamic period, their authorship has often remained uncertain. In this case, the inscription in question is associated with Ḥanẓalah bin Abī ʿĀmir, who served as a companion of Muhammad and later became the governor of Mecca. The inscription is believed to have been created in the early seventh century, prior to the dominance of Islam in Arabia. This makes it a valuable historical artifact shedding light on the pre-Islamic Hijaz.
The study's authors, led by professors Ahmad Al-Jallad from The Ohio State University and Hythem Sidky from the International Quranic Studies Association, indicate the importance of these inscriptions in revealing a clearer understanding of the early history of Islam. As the authors explain, there is limited substantial historical information about the rise of Islam, and these inscriptions provide tangible evidence that can contribute to a more evidence-based historical narrative.
The discovery of these inscriptions originated from the observations of Yusef Bilin, a Turkish calligrapher visiting an ancient mosque in Taif, Saudi Arabia. The inscriptions, written in the Paleo-Arabic script, were identified as the work of Ḥanẓalah, son of ʿAbd-ʿAmr-w, and Abd al-ʿUzzē, son of Sufyān. The text of the inscriptions translates to a devout call to piety towards God.
The study authors conducted thorough research to verify the identification of Ḥanẓalah as the same companion of Muhammad. They examined traditional Muslim biographies of Muhammad and genealogical records, confirming the rarity of the combination of these names. The use of Paleo-Arabic script in the inscriptions aligns with the late sixth or early seventh-century timeframe, correlating with the timeline of Ḥanẓalah's life. The mention of the second individual, ʿAbd al-ʿUzzē, who refers to the Arabian pagan goddess al-Uzza, suggests that the individuals behind the inscriptions may not have been followers of Muhammad at the time or had not yet embraced Islam.
According to the researchers, the inscription was unlikely to have been made after Muhammad's ministry began due to the hostile attitude towards him in Taif. The durability and weathering patterns of the inscription substantiate its age, discounting the possibility of a modern forgery.
The significance of this study, regarded by experts such as Professor James Montgomery from the University of Cambridge, lies in its meticulous use of evidence to substantiate claims. While they consider the identification of Ḥanẓalah likely accurate, scholars like Montgomery maintain a cautious approach that calls for additional inscriptions satisfying the same stringent dating criteria on corroborative accounts before drawing final conclusions.
In summary, the newly studied Paleo-Arabic inscription found on a boulder in Saudi Arabia provides intriguing insights into the early days of Islam and fills a gap in historical knowledge. The attribution of the inscription to Ḥanẓalah bin Abī ʿĀmir further enriches our understanding of the religious and cultural milieu in which the Quran emerged and offers a valuable tangible connection to Muhammad and his companions in the pre-Islamic era.
