- A late 6th/early 7 c Paleo-Arabic inscription linked to a companion of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was discovered in Taif, detailed in the April 2024 Journal of Near Eastern Studies.
- Yusef Bilin identified two pre-Islamic Paleo-Arabic inscriptions in Taif in 2021, attributed to Ḥanẓalah and Abd al-ʿUzzē.
In Saudi Arabia’s Makkah region, in Taif, an inscription attributed to a companion of Prophet Muhammed (s.a.w) who later became the governor of Makkah, was discovered earlier this year. Researchers, Ahmad Al-Jallad and Hythem Sidky analysed this inscription in a peer reviewed journal published in the April issue of the Journal of Near Eastern Studies.
This inscription dates to 7th century, prior to the rise of Islam in Arabia, offering valuable insights into the pre-Islamic Hijaz, the region surrounding Makkah.
The two inscriptions found on the boulder read:
“In your name our Lord, I am Hanzalah, son of Abd Amr, I urge you to be pious towards God.”
“In your name, our Lord, I am Abd al-ʿUzzē, son of Suffiyan, I urge you to be pious towards God.”
Yusef Bilin, a Turkish calligrapher was visiting an ancient mosque in the city of Taif that’s believed to have been built by Alī b. Abī Ṭālib, the fourth Caliph of Islam. He noticed two inscriptions on a prominent boulder approximately 330 feet (100 meters) away. In 2021, he brought it to the attention of the study’s authors. The inscriptions were written in Paleo-Arabic script, which describes the late pre-Islamic phase of the Arabic alphabet. The researchers initiated their investigation by spending considerable time with local Bedouins to collect comprehensive information about the boulder.
Appearing on the podcast ‘Exploring the Qur’an and the Bible,’ Al-Jallad and Sidky emphasise the monotheistic nature of the inscriptions, noting that the individuals mentioned within them refer exclusively to one God. Interestingly, they note that all Paleo-Arabic inscriptions discovered to date are monotheistic, with the name Allah appearing in various spellings. However, the researchers explain that the name “Ar-Rahman” does not appear in any Paleo-Arabic inscriptions on record. They further explain that “Al-illah,” a term commonly found in Paleo-Arabic, is clearly linked to Christianity. All of these findings are consistent with the teachings we have received concerning the timeline of events.
The authors of the top and bottom inscriptions identified themselves as Ḥanẓalah, son of ʿAbd-ʿAmr-w and Abd al-ʿUzzē, son of Sufyān.
Hazalah (RA) is a companion noted in the Seerah. Researchers investigated his name and found that it was uncommon during that period. However, genealogical records revealed that the name was linked to a tribe from the region. Additionally, Hazalah’s father, Abd Amr, is mentioned in the Seerah (biography of the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w). Initially a monk, Abd Amr was later labelled a faasik, or deviant, due to his disagreements with Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).
The second name, Abd al-ʿUzzē, references Uzze, a Nabatean deity worshipped prior to Islam in modern-day Saudi Arabia. As is well known, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) often changed the names of individuals that had negative connotations or associations with false deities. This suggests that ‘Abd al-ʿUzzē’ would likely not have been used after the advent of Islam. Consequently, the researchers conclude that these inscriptions were likely carved prior to the individuals becoming companions of the Prophet (s.a.w) and converting to Islam.
The Inscription Of Zuhayr – One Of The Earliest Dated Ḥijāzī Inscriptions, 24 AH / 644 CE
Another crucial historical Islamic artefact is an ancient rock inscription that offers invaluable insights into the early Islamic period. This inscription, carved into stone at a site known as Qaal-Mutadil, is an enduring testament to the profound influence of Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), the second caliph of Islam, who passed away in 24 A.H. (644 CE), a mere twelve years after the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).
The inscription, etched by an individual named Zuhayr, reads:
“In the name of God. I, Zuhayr, wrote this at the time Umar died in the year 24 A.H."
The specificity of this statement provides a direct link to a pivotal moment in Islamic history, precisely aligning with the widely recognised date of Umar (r.a)’s death.
Its authenticity and accuracy are further corroborated by the use of diacritical marks on a number of consonants, i.e. dots which distinguish between letters of the same form. They are ن, ز, ت, ف and ش. Their style corresponds exactly to the contemporary usage.
Professor Robert Hoyland of the University of St. Andrews in Scotland affirms this as it corresponds with that which is utilised in contemporary Arabic script. This detail dispels any lingering doubts about the pronunciation and recitation (qira’ahs) of early Islamic texts, reinforcing the continuity and integrity of the Arabic language and its scriptural traditions.
Next to this inscription is a graffito which reads: anā Zuhayr mawlā ibnat Shayba ("I am Zuhayr mawlā of Ibnat Shayba").
In this inscription the diacritical dots on the letters ن and ز are clearly visible.
Recognising its immense historical value, the site has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. This status not only underscores the inscription’s significance within the Islamic heritage but also emphasises its universal value as a relic of human civilisation. It stands as a monument to the enduring legacy of Umar ibn al-Khattab and the early Islamic community, offering scholars and visitors alike a tangible connection to the past. Furthermore, reinforcing the overwhelming evidence that Islam is the unequivocal truth.
