Brief History of the Compilation of the Qur’an

Adapted from an article in Perspectives, Vol 3, No. 4, Aug/Sept 1997

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During the life of the Prophet (saas) (570-632 CE)

• The Prophet (saas) used to recite the Qur’an before angel Jibreel (Gabriel) once every Ramadan, but he recited it twice (in the same order we have today) in the last Ramadan before his death. Jibreel also taught the Prophet (saas) the seven modes of recitation.
• Each verse received was recited by the Prophet, and its location relative to other verses and surahs was identified by him.
• The verses were written by scribes, selected by the Prophet, on any suitable object – the leaves of trees, pieces of wood, parchment or leather, flat stones, and shoulder blades. Scribes included Ali Ibn Abi Talib, Mu’awiyah Ibn Abi Sufyan, Ubey Ibn Ka’ab, Zayed Ibn Thabit.
• Some of the companions wrote the Qur’an for their own use.
• Several hundred companions memorized the Qur’an by heart.

The oldest Qur’an copy in the world

The Othman Koran is the oldest in the world

In an obscure corner of the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, lies one of Islam’s most sacred relics – the world’s oldest Koran.

It is a reminder of the role which Central Asia once played in Muslim history – a fact often overlooked after seven decades of Soviet-imposed atheism.

The library where the Koran is kept is in an area of old Tashkent known as Hast-Imam, well off the beaten track for most visitors to this city.

It lies down a series of dusty lanes, near the grave of a 10th century scholar, Kaffel-Shashi.

Pen, Ink and Revelation: An inspiring story of Zayd bin Thabit رضي الله عنه, the Scribe of the Prophet صلّى الله عليه وسلّم

The month of Muharram in the second year of Hijrah found the city of Madinah full of activity, as the young community of believers was preparing to defend itself. It so happened that the Quraysh of Makkah were convinced that they had to put an end to the Prophet, upon him be peace, and his mission. And so the Makkans dispatched a large and a well-equipped army toward Badr, just southwest of Madinah, to accomplish this task.

Meanwhile, the Prophet spoke before the believers prior to their march toward Badr. But while he was speaking, there was a disturbance in the file of those listening. A youth barely in his teens was elbowing his way through the ranks to reach the Messenger of Allah. Confident and alert, the boy held a sword as long as he was tall, perhaps longer.

“I dedicate myself to you, Messenger of Allah. Permit me to be with you and fight under your banner”, the youth said.

The Prophet smiled with admiration. Patting the boy on his shoulder, the Prophet commended him for his courage and commitment, but then proceeded to firmly decline his offer. He was too young.

This was probably the last thing the boy expected to hear. Dejected and sad, he stabbed his sword into the ground and slowly walked back from where he came. Even his mother felt for him, hoping that her son would indeed join in the noble defence of the Prophet and the Community. However, both the boy and his mother were oblivious to great place in history this youth would soon occupy.