<![CDATA[The term ummi attributed to the Prophet Muhammad is an important and still-debated topic in Qur'anic studies. The main point of debate lies in the meaning of the term whether it refers to the inability to read and write, or to a specific socio-religious status in Arab society. This study aims to analyze W. Montgomery Watt's interpretation of the term ummi using a historical-sociological approach, as well as to examine its implications for the concept of prophethood and the authenticity of the Qur'anic revelation. The method employed is library research with a historical-sociological approach and is descriptive-analytical in nature. Data sources are obtained from Watt's works, Qur'anic commentaries (tafsir), books, journals, and relevant previous studies. The analysis is conducted by tracing the meaning of ummi within the historical context and socio-religious situation of pre-Islamic Arab society, then examined based on Watt's framework of thought. The findings show that Watt does not interpret ummi merely as illiteracy, but also associates it with the socio-religious condition of the Arabs who were outside the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab) community. Although Watt acknowledges the interactions between the Arabs and Jewish and Christian traditions, he still emphasizes that the Qur'an possesses its own distinct character and concepts. Thus, Watt's interpretation demonstrates that the ummi status does not diminish the validity of prophethood nor the authenticity of the Qur'anic revelation.]]>
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