What is the concept of the "illiterate nation" in the Hadith: "Indeed, we are an illiterate nation; we do not write nor do we calculate. The month is thus and thus," and what is the refutation against those who see in it a condemnation of knowledge and an encouragement of ignorance?

The hadith: "We are an unlettered nation; we do not write or calculate. The month is thus and thus" means that the nation does not need knowledge of writing and calculation to determine the times of its worship, because its worship is connected to clear signs that everyone can understand. There is no prohibition in the hadith against learning writing and calculation, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, had scribes who calculated and wrote, and Allah Almighty mentioned in His Book: "that you may know the number of years and the reckoning." An unlettered person is one who does not distinguish himself from the general public by a special knowledge like reading and writing, and illiteracy can be a deficiency or a perfection. The illiteracy of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was a perfection, because he did not write or read anything written, but he was given knowledge directly from Allah, and that was one of his miracles. Beneficial worldly sciences are considered communal obligations (fard kifaya) upon the nation.