Kitāb and ḥikmah

Abstract This chapter examines the uniquely Medinan phrase kitāb wa-ḥikmah (‘scripture and wisdom’). A study of this phrase turns out to be a fitting way to conclude this study, as it compels one to confront the question that animates much of this monograph: what is the relationship between revelation, and especially revealed law, and wisdom? As summarized earlier, it is the scripture-bearing prophets, with the exception of Moses, who are explicitly associated with ḥikmah. This chapter shows that only Moses and Muhammad are described as having received a kitāb. A pattern thus emerges: Moses is given the kitāb; later scriptural prophets, such as David and Jesus, are given ḥikmah revelations; in the case of Jesus, as he inherits the Torah, he is able to combine these two revelation genres; and finally, Muhammad is given both kitāb and ḥikmah.