The present article is the sequel to the authors’ previous article discussing the variant readings of the Qur’an that existed during the time of the Prophet’s companions. The discussion will draw upon primary sources in the Islamic tradition (including historical works and Hadith literature) along with analysis of classical and contemporary Muslim scholarship on this topic. It will also evaluate a number of theses that have emerged in Western academia with respect to the history of the Qur’anic text including research related to Qur’anic manuscripts. It is that process that the present article aims to explain, providing an overview of the history behind the ʿUthmānic codex and how it was compiled. Through a process unlike any other in human history, the words and verses of the Qur’an populated the pages of manuscripts around the world with the same clarity with which they were etched in the hearts and minds of the companions of the Prophet ﷺ. 5 The written preservation of the Qur’an occurred in stages, the final stage of which was commissioned by the third caliph, ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān (d. The Qur’an was preserved through both mass memorization and written recording. It is important for Muslims to understand precisely what is meant by the preservation of the Qur’an. The Qur’an is the Divine speech of Allah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through the angel Jibrīl (Gabriel), and its preservation has been assured by Allah Most Exalted Himself. Allah says, “Verily, We have revealed the Qur’an and We will surely protect it.” 1 This is in contrast to previous scriptures revealed by Allah, such as the Tawrāt and Injīl, whose preservation was entrusted to the People of the Book: 2 “To them was entrusted the protection of Allah’s Book.” 3 The timeless preservation of the Qur’an has even been regarded by many scholars as one facet of its miraculous nature. It is a scripture that is intimately familiar to the heart and tongues of countless believers, memorized word-for-word by Muslims across the globe and continuously recited in daily prayer.
The history of the preservation of the Qur’an has been studied and written about by Muslim scholars in extensive detail.
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