The Quran prophesies the coming of an unlettered prophet, which refers to Muhammad as he was illiterate.

Muslims traditionally interpret the term 'ummi' to mean illiterate, applying it to Muhammad. However, the Quran does not explicitly claim that Muhammad was unable to read or write; it only states that he had not recited or inscribed any book before the Quran. This distinction is crucial because it opens the possibility that 'ummi' could refer to someone who is not versed in the Scriptures rather than someone who is illiterate. Additionally, an examination of the Quran's usage of 'ummi' suggests that it refers to those who have not received divine revelation, contrasting them with the People of the Book, such as Jews and Christians. In various verses, 'ummi' is used to describe those who are outside the covenantal relationship with God, indicating a lack of knowledge of the Scriptures rather than a lack of literacy. Thus, while Muslims may assert that the unlettered prophet is Muhammad due to his supposed illiteracy, the evidence from the Quran itself does not support this claim. Instead, it points towards a broader understanding of 'ummi' that encompasses those who are not familiar with the divine texts, which could include many people in Muhammad's time, not just him. This interpretation aligns with the context of the verses that discuss the relationship between the unlettered and the People of the Book, emphasizing a spiritual rather than a literal reading of the term.