The correct answer is Hazrat Khalid bin Saeed bin Alaas (R.A). To understand the historical weight of this answer, one must look back at the very early days of the Prophetic mission in Makkah. Hazrat Khalid bin Saeed (R.A) holds a... Read More
The correct answer is Hazrat Khalid bin Saeed bin Alaas (R.A). To understand the historical weight of this answer, one must look back at the very early days of the Prophetic mission in Makkah. Hazrat Khalid bin Saeed (R.A) holds a distinguished position in Islamic history not only for his early conversion to Islam but also for his literacy and dedication to the preservation of the Divine Word. He was among the "Sabiqoon-al-Awwalun" (the earliest converts), having embraced Islam even before the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began preaching in the house of Arqam.
In the initial years of Islam, the Quran was primarily preserved in the hearts of the Sahaba through memorization. However, the Prophet (PBUH) recognized the necessity of a written record to ensure absolute accuracy for future generations. Hazrat Khalid bin Saeed (R.A) was one of the few individuals in the Quraish tribe who was proficient in reading and writing. His literacy became a vital asset for the nascent Muslim community.
When the early verses of the Quran were revealed, Khalid bin Saeed (R.A) was the first to take up the pen to transcribe them. This act marked the beginning of "Kitabat-e-Wahi" (the writing of the revelation). He utilized the primitive writing materials available at the time—parchment, leather, shoulder blades of camels, and smoothed stones—to create a physical record of the divine messages.
The term "Calligraphy of Wahi" in this context refers to the organized and careful transcription of the Quranic verses. Khalid bin Saeed (R.A) is credited with being the first to write "Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful) at the beginning of his writings. His hand was steady and his dedication was absolute, setting a standard for the scribes who would follow him, such as Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (R.A) and Hazrat Uthman (R.A).
His role was not limited to just writing; he served as a personal scribe to the Prophet (PBUH) during the Makkan period. Even when the persecution of Muslims intensified, Khalid bin Saeed (R.A) remained steadfast in his duty. His commitment to the written word helped bridge the gap between the oral tradition and the eventual compilation of the Mushaf.
The biography of Hazrat Khalid bin Saeed (R.A) extends beyond his calligraphy. He was a man of great courage who participated in the migration to Abyssinia (Habsha) to escape the cruelty of the Quraish. He lived there for many years before eventually moving to Madinah. Upon his return, he continued to serve the Islamic state in various capacities, including administrative and military roles.
He participated in various battles and remained a trusted advisor to the Prophet (PBUH). His legacy is cemented by his unique contribution to the Quranic sciences. Without the early efforts of scribes like Khalid bin Saeed (R.A), the transition of the Quran from an oral revelation to a documented text would have lacked its earliest physical foundation. He passed away as a martyr during the Battle of Marj al-Saffar in 13 AH, leaving behind a legacy of service to the Quran that remains unparalleled.
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