Quran II – The Compilation & Standardization of the Quran SS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

After the death of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in 632 CE, the Muslim community faced the important task of collecting and preserving the Quran. While the Quran had been completely revealed, recorded on various materials, and memorized by many companions during the Prophet’s lifetime, it had not yet been gathered into a single book form. This lesson covers how the Quran was compiled, standardized, and who the main people were in this important work.

1. Compilation of the Glorious Quran

The Need for Compilation

During the caliphate of Abu Bakr (632-634 CE), many of the companions who had memorized the Quran were killed in the Battle of Yamama. Umar ibn al-Khattab grew worried that parts of the Quran might be lost if more memorizers died. He suggested to Abu Bakr that they should collect the Quran in one place.

First Compilation under Abu Bakr

Abu Bakr agreed with Umar’s suggestion and appointed Zaid bin Thabit to lead this important task. Zaid was chosen because:

• He was one of the main scribes of the Prophet
• He had memorized the entire Quran
• He was present during the final review of the Quran with Angel Jibreel
• He was known for his intelligence and trustworthiness

Zaid’s Method of Compilation

Zaid used a very careful method to make sure the Quran was compiled correctly:

1. He collected all written pieces of the Quran from different companions
2. He accepted only materials that had been written in the presence of the Prophet
3. He required two reliable witnesses to confirm each verse
4. He checked each verse against his own memory
5. He consulted other companions who had memorized the Quran

The First Complete Manuscript

The completed manuscript was called the “Mushaf.” It was kept with Abu Bakr during his lifetime. When Abu Bakr died, the Mushaf was passed to the second caliph, Umar ibn al-Khattab. After Umar’s death, it was given to his daughter Hafsa, who was also a widow of the Prophet.

2. Standardization of the Glorious Quran

The Need for Standardization

During the time of the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan (644-656 CE), Islam had spread to many new areas. People from different regions were reciting the Quran in slightly different ways, based on the different dialects that the Prophet had allowed. This began to cause confusion and arguments.

Hudhaifah ibn al-Yaman’s Report

Hudhaifah ibn al-Yaman, a companion who had been fighting in Armenia and Azerbaijan, reported to Uthman that soldiers from different regions were arguing about the correct way to recite the Quran. He warned Uthman that if nothing was done, it could lead to big problems like those that had happened with previous holy books.

Uthman’s Decision

Uthman decided to create a standard version of the Quran. He formed a committee of four trusted companions:

1. Zaid bin Thabit (leader)
2. Abdullah ibn Zubair
3. Sa’id ibn al-As
4. Abdur-Rahman ibn Harith

The Standardization Process

The committee worked carefully to make a standard version:

1. They used the original manuscript kept with Hafsa as their main source
2. They wrote the Quran in the Quraishi dialect (the dialect of the Prophet)
3. They checked each verse against the memories of the companions
4. They made sure the order of verses and chapters was correct
5. They made multiple copies of the standardized text

Distribution of the Standard Copies

Uthman sent one copy of the standardized Quran to each major Islamic province. He kept one copy in Medina. He also ordered that all other written copies of the Quran that were different from this standard version should be collected and burned to avoid confusion.

Preservation of the Standard Text

The standard text created during Uthman’s time is known as the “Uthmanic Codex.” It is the version of the Quran that all Muslims use today. This shows how successful Uthman’s standardization was.

3. Names of the Compilers of the Glorious Quran

The First Compilation Team (Abu Bakr’s Time)

1. Zaid bin Thabit – The main compiler who led the project
2. Abu Bakr as-Siddiq – The first caliph who ordered the compilation
3. Umar ibn al-Khattab – The one who suggested the compilation
4. Various other companions who helped by providing written materials and witness testimony

The Standardization Committee (Uthman’s Time)

1. Zaid bin Thabit – Again chosen to lead due to his expertise
2. Abdullah ibn Zubair – A young companion known for his knowledge
3. Sa’id ibn al-As – Chosen for his excellent knowledge of the Quraishi dialect
4. Abdur-Rahman ibn Harith – Known for his reliability and knowledge

Other Important Contributors

1. Uthman ibn Affan – The third caliph who ordered the standardization
2. Hafsa bint Umar – Who kept the first complete manuscript safe
3. Hudhaifah ibn al-Yaman – Who reported the need for standardization
4. Ali ibn Abi Talib – Who supported the standardization effort
5. Ubayy ibn Ka’b – One of the best Quran reciters who helped with verification

Importance of the Compilation and Standardization

Preserving the Exact Words

The careful work of the compilers made sure that no part of the Quran was lost or changed. This fulfilled Allah’s promise to protect His book.

Preventing Disagreements

The standardization prevented arguments and kept the Muslim community united around one version of the Quran.

Ease of Learning and Teaching

Having a standard written text made it easier to teach the Quran to new Muslims in different parts of the world.

Continuation of the Prophet’s Legacy

The compilation and standardization continued the Prophet’s work of preserving the Quran and spreading its message.

Conclusion

The compilation and standardization of the Quran was a careful and important process. It was done by the closest companions of the Prophet who were most knowledgeable about the Quran. Because of their work, Muslims today can be certain that the Quran they read is exactly the same as the one revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over 1400 years ago. The Quran remains unchanged, fulfilling Allah’s promise in Surah Al-Hijr (15:9): “Indeed, it is We who sent down the message [the Quran], and indeed, We will be its guardian.”