Mufti Tariq Masood’s Apology and the Controversy Surrounding His Remarks

Mufti Tariq Masood, a well-known Islamic scholar from Pakistan, made certain statements during a speech that hurt the sentiments of many Muslims. He mentioned that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was called “Ummi,” which he interpreted as “illiterate.” He explained that this was why the Prophet would have revelations written down by his companions. Additionally, some of his comments about the Quran were considered incorrect. He claimed that there were grammatical mistakes in the Quran, which sparked a significant uproar on social media.

In response, even some of his own supporters advised him to apologize. Mufti Tariq Masood eventually did apologize but clarified that he did not commit blasphemy. He further provided explanations for his earlier statements.

Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman’s Clarification on the Term “Ummi” and Quranic Grammar

In response to Tariq Masood’s offensive remarks, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman explained that the term “Ummi” has a profound meaning. Just as “Umm al-Qura” refers to the Kaaba, the origin of all settlements, and “Umm al-Kitab” refers to the Quran, the source of all scriptures, the term “Ummi” for the Prophet (PBUH) means the origin of all prophets. Mufti Muneeb further clarified that some words may be considered a praise for one, while the same words could be viewed negatively for others. For example, attributes like “Mutakabbir” and “Jabbar” are praiseworthy for Allah, but they are considered negative qualities in humans. Similarly, even if “Ummi” is taken to mean “unlettered,” it is still a term of praise because it implies that the Prophet did not study in any worldly school, but his teacher was Allah Himself.

Mufti Muneeb added that those who objected, claiming that the Prophet (PBUH) wrote the Quran himself, were also refuted. The fact that the Prophet (PBUH) did not study in any worldly institution yet recited and conveyed such eloquent and wise verses proves that this is indeed the word of Allah, and the Prophet (PBUH) is His messenger.

In response to Tariq Masood’s comments about the Quran, Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman explained that the science of grammar (Nahw) emerged during the time of Hazrat Ali (RA), but the Quran existed before that. Grammar rules are based on the Quran; the Quran does not follow grammar. It is the grammar that needs the Quran, not the other way around. Allah’s book is not dependent on the rules of human-made books. The Quran stands above any linguistic structure, and it is not subject to the limitations of grammar.

Moreover, Mufti Muneeb mentioned that in the matter of seeking forgiveness, one of the conditions mentioned in hadith is the acknowledgment of the sin. Since Mufti Tariq Masood did not acknowledge his mistake, his apology remains incomplete according to this requirement.