The Preservation of the Quran

Introduction

• Unique aspect of Islam is the preservation of the Quran.
• Other religions envy this preservation as they struggle with preserving their texts.
• Much misinformation on the history and preservation of the Quran.
• Some spread false information due to lack of understanding or malicious intent.
• Purpose: To provide a historical breakdown from Quranic revelation to modern-day reading.
• Reliance on primary sources (Prophet’s narrations) and accepted secondary sources from classical Muslim tradition.
• Four parts:
  1. Revelation
  2. First compilation by Abu Bakr
  3. Standardization by Uthman
  4. The current Quran

Part 1: Revelation of the Quran

• Pre-revelation: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived for 40 years without revelation.
• Known as trustworthy and honest; did not engage in idol worship.
• First revelation: In the cave of Hira, Angel Gabriel revealed the first verses: “Read in the name of your lord.”
• Response: Prophet was frightened, his wife Khadija took him to Waraqah ibn Nawfal who confirmed the divine nature of the revelation.
• Continued Revelation: Angel Gabriel continued to reveal the Quran over a period of 23 years.
• Oral Tradition: Revelation primarily preserved orally; written text was secondary.
• Writers of Revelation: Prophets’ companions wrote on whatever material was available.

Part 2: Compilation by Abu Bakr

• Battle of Yamama: Many memorizers died, prompting Umar to suggest compilation.
• Task given to Zaid ibn Thabit: He collected the Quranic text under strict criteria (two witnesses for each verse).
• Result: Written compilation held by Abu Bakr, acting as a backup to oral tradition.

Part 3: Standardization by Uthman

• Disagreement among companions: Different dialects and recitations led to confusion.
• Commissioned Zaid ibn Thabit: To produce a standard text based on Abu Bakr’s collection.
• Skeletal text: No diacritical marks, allowing for multiple recitations.
• Burnt other copies: Personal manuscripts with companions’ interpretations were removed to avoid confusion.
• Preserved Primary Texts: Originals remained for comparative purposes.

Part 4: Current Quran and Recitations

• Mujahid and Seven Recitations: Collection of seven best recitations by Mujahid; later expanded to ten.
• Mass Transmission: Tens of thousands of chains tracing back to the Prophet.
• Ijaza System: Certificates showing mastery and chain of teachers back to the Prophet.
• Modern Evidence: Birmingham manuscript, Topkapi manuscript, and others confirm textual consistency.
• Secular Evidence: Non-Muslim scholars’ studies confirming the Quran’s preservation.

Conclusion

• Oral and Written Preservation: Both methods confirm the Quran’s consistency and authenticity.
• Living Tradition: Continuation of oral recitation practice globally, especially visible during Ramadan.
• Envy from Other Religions: Due to the robustness of Quranic preservation.
• Certainty in Preservation: Supported by primary, secondary sources and non-Muslim scholarly works.