Do you love to read? Do you love to write, or perhaps to blog?
If you have studied journalism or any field related to writing, you have likely heard the same advice repeated over and over again: be clear, be concise, be truthful. The theme must be focused. The message must be delivered well. The words must serve a purpose.
We live in a time where misinformation spreads faster than truth. Fake news is everywhere. Opinions are posted without verification. Words are typed in haste, often without responsibility. Almost everything we write has become digital. And while this has undeniable benefits when used wisely, it has also made carelessness easier than ever.
But have you heard of the scribes of the past?
Have you reflected on their devotion to writing, not only in grammar and meaning, but in precision, presentation, and responsibility?
When you study Arabic calligraphy, you will definitely encounter this Sahabi’s name. He was among the early scribes of Islam, one of the few who could read and write at that time. When you study journalism, you learn not only grammar but also formatting, layout, spacing, structure, and clarity in presentation.
_____
What if you were told that the early Muslim scribes embodied both?
Among them was Ali ibn Abi Talib (Radiyallahu Anhu).
He was known for his deep knowledge of halal and haram, and his literacy played a key role in his pursuit of sacred knowledge.
Umar Ibn Al Khattab (Radiyallahu Anhu) was strict in grammar, while Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu) was particular about how words were written.
He was known to say to those who write amongst them that words should be within the lines of the paper, with a reasonable amount of line spacing, and that the letters should be written in a clear and concise form.
He used to order his scribes: “Prepare your inks, and adorn them. Keep your pen’s nib long. Keep a reasonable amount of space between your lines, and write your letters (in a word) close to each other.”
Even whenever he would visit Kufa, he would order those who write down manuscripts of the Qur’an to make their pen large (long), meaning to write in thick, bold letters.
He would say, “What Allah has kept bright and clear, you also keep bright and clear.”
This was because Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu) was not any ordinary scribe; he was amongst the scribes who wrote the Wahy (the revelation). So his was not just writing but a preservation of revelation. _____
Today, many Muslims write and share reminders online. This is something beautiful. Words of motivation, reflections, and reminders can soften hearts and guide souls. But with this opportunity comes responsibility.
We must verify before we share. We must rely upon what is authentic. We must avoid spreading misinformation.
And just as we are commanded to speak clearly, we must also write clearly.
The scribes of the past remind us how seriously Muslims treated knowledge. They were meticulous not only about content but also about clarity. Even the spacing of letters mattered. They understood that when something is done for Allah, it must be done with excellence.
This is Ihsan. _____
My dear brothers and sisters, ask yourselves:
Who am I writing for? Why am I posting about Islam? What do I hope to gain?
Renew your intention, constantly. A single caption can enter a heart. A few lines can influence a soul, and truly, your words may outlive you - so be critical of what will compose your legacy.
Write what benefits others in their akhirah. Write what brings hearts closer to Allah. Write with sincerity. Write with responsibility. Write with beauty. _____
May Allah allow us to speak and write only what benefits us and others. May He protect us from useless arguments and careless speech. May He forgive us all.
Ameen.
Umm Umar Khaled _____
Story taken from:
• Al Jami’ li Akhlaq Ar Rawi – Al Khatib Al Baghdadi, 1/260–262
