Meem and Ilm: Why Unlettered?

Explore the rationale to discover the deeper meaning behind the seemingly paradoxical title used for the Prophet.

It is in love’s tradition,
To show beloved much devotion.

A hundred names or more,
Lovers assign,
Titles which testify,
To their love’s sign.

Then,

What then is the case,
Of the Chosen One,
Whom Allah called,
His Dear One?

Why is he named,
Unlettered,
Although revealed,
The message: Read?

Is he not,
The City of Knowledge?
Camel drivers: destiny leaders
When they allegiance pledged

He helped us find our self,
We read Your Signs with his harf.

What good then,
In such a name?
To grasp its truth,
Jaihoon’s senses are lame.

“My Beloved is free,
Of any fault,
His greatness:
Beyond your silly world.

Were I to,
Call him lettered:
Another must have,
Knowledge rendered.

But who among the created,
Is of such worth:
To My Beloved,
Knowledge impart?

Meem’s name begins
Where Ilm ends.

Unlettered, though,
For this universe,
I have taught him,
Verse by verse.

He is free of other teacher,
None can dare to lecture.

I taught him more than what,
You creation will ever learn,
Even if for centuries,
You continue to turn.
He is an infinite book,
Whose pages shall remain unread.

May 2005. Edit July 2024.