Epigraph

“We have sent down the Quran Ourself, and We Ourself will guard it.” (Al Quran 15:9)

Written and collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times

The Quran, Islam’s holy scripture, is believed by Muslims to have been meticulously preserved since its revelation to the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. This belief is rooted in the Quranic verse: “Absolutely, we have revealed the reminder, and, absolutely, we will preserve it.” 

Muslim Perspectives on Preservation

Muslim scholars assert that the Quran’s preservation is unparalleled among ancient texts. They emphasize that the Quran was both memorized and documented during the Prophet’s lifetime. The Prophet Muhammad employed several scribes to record the revelations, ensuring the Quran’s written preservation. 

After the Prophet’s death, the first Caliph, Abu Bakr, initiated the compilation of the Quran into a single volume. This task was entrusted to Zaid ibn Thabit, the Prophet’s scribe. The compiled volume was safeguarded by Hafsa, the Prophet’s wife. Later, the third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, standardized the Quranic text by producing copies from Hafsa’s manuscript and distributing them to various Muslim territories. He also ordered the burning of other versions to prevent discrepancies. 

Non-Muslim Perspectives on Preservation

Several non-Muslim scholars have acknowledged the Quran’s preservation. Leo Tolstoy, the renowned Russian author, remarked, “After I have read the Quran, I realized that all what humanity needs is this heavenly law.” He further observed, “The legislation of Quran will spread all over the world, because it agrees with the mind, logic and wisdom.” 

Additionally, the German scholar Salim Abdullah noted that the Quran’s preservation is a testament to its divine protection, highlighting that the entire Quran was documented during the Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime on various materials, ensuring its accuracy for future generations. 

Contemporary Academic Views

Modern studies have further explored the Quran’s textual history. Discoveries like the Sanaa manuscript, one of the oldest Quranic texts, have provided insights into early Quranic script and orthography. While some variations exist in early manuscripts, scholars like François Déroche have noted that these differences do not undermine the Quran’s overall textual integrity. 

In conclusion, both Muslim and non-Muslim scholars recognize the Quran’s meticulous preservation throughout history. This enduring accuracy underscores the significance of the Quran in Islamic faith and its influence on global religious thought.