Muslims believe the Quran is the direct word of God. The holy book came to the Prophet Muhammad through divine revelation. This article explores the origins of the Quran and examines how it was written down.

The Role of Prophet Muhammad

Prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Quran around 610 CE. He was meditating in a cave called Hira near Mecca. The angel Gabriel appeared to him and commanded him to read. This moment marked the beginning of Quranic revelation.

Muhammad couldn’t read or write. He memorized the verses as they were revealed to him over 23 years. He would then recite them to his companions. Many of his followers memorized these verses word for word.

The Process of Writing

As verses were revealed, Muhammad appointed scribes to write them down. The main scribe was Zayd ibn Thabit. These scribes used various materials to record the verses. They wrote on palm leaves, pieces of leather, and flat stones.

Compilation After Muhammad’s Death

After Muhammad died in 632 CE, his close companion Abu Bakr became the first caliph. He ordered Zayd ibn Thabit to collect all written pieces of the Quran. Many companions still had the verses they had written down. Zayd gathered these materials and checked them against the memories of those who had memorized the entire Quran. Learn More about Who wrote the Quran.

The Final Version

The third caliph, Uthman, took a crucial step around 650 CE. He created an official version of the Quran. He formed a committee led by Zayd ibn Thabit. They compiled the definitive text of the Quran. Uthman sent copies of this version to major Islamic centers. This version remains unchanged to this day.

The Writing Style

The Quran’s writing style stands out for its unique features. The text flows with rhythmic patterns. It uses powerful imagery and precise language. These qualities made it easier for people to memorize and understand the message.

Modern Evidence

Modern research supports the Quran’s historical preservation. Ancient manuscripts match today’s version. The Birmingham Quran manuscript, dated to 645-690 CE, shows remarkable consistency with modern texts. This evidence helps scholars understand how carefully the text was preserved. The International Quran Academy is a prestigious online Quran academy dedicated to offering people the best possible access to the fascinating fields of Islamic studies, Arabic language learning, and Quranic education.

Conclusion

The Quran began as a divine revelation to Prophet Muhammad. His companions wrote down and memorized the verses. Through careful compilation and preservation, the text remained intact. Today’s Quran is the same version that was standardized under Caliph Uthman. This preservation represents one of history’s most remarkable achievements in maintaining a religious text.