Islamic History
Zeyd b. Sabit's Learning of the Hebrew Script
The fourth year of the Hijra, Zeyd b. Sabit was ordered to learn the writing of the Jews: [16] “I am not sure that they will not alter my writings!” he said.[17] Zeyd b. Sabit says: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to me: ‘O Zeyd! Learn the Jewish script for me, because by God, I do not trust the Jews regarding what I will write, nor do I rely on them!’ So, I learned it in less than half a month and even became proficient in it. Whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) had something to write to the Jews, I would write it; I also read the letters coming from the Jews to him.”[19] Zeyd b. Sabit also says: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to me: ‘Can you read and write Syriac beautifully? For Syriac writings are coming to me!’ I said: ‘No! I cannot read or write it well!’ The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘Learn it well!’ I learned it in seventeen days.”[20] May Allah be pleased with him![21]