Is Uzair a prophet from among the prophets of the Children of Israel, and why did the Jews single him out for mention over the others?

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, is Uzair a prophet from among the prophets of the Children of Israel? And why did the Jews single him out for mention over the others?

Answer:
Yes, regarding Uzair, they differed on whether he was a prophet or one of the righteous. There are two opinions, and the stronger one, and Allah knows best, is that he was not a prophet but rather one of the righteous among the Children of Israel. He became famous for his righteousness and knowledge until they exalted him; in fact, they said that he memorized the Torah, even though the Torah cannot be memorized, but Allah granted him the ability and he memorized it. When the Torah was lost during the time of Nebuchadnezzar, when he seized the Jews and destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem, he destroyed the Torah and nothing of it remained with them. Since Uzair had memorized it, he dictated it from his memory, may Allah have mercy on him. That is why they exalted him to this extent and worshipped him besides Allah. Yes.