Dhaka, Mar 17 (V7N) - The compilation of the Quran stands as one of the most significant achievements in Islamic history, ensuring the preservation of the divine revelation received by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Initially, the Quran was preserved through a combination of oral transmission and fragmented written records. The transition from this initial stage to a standardized, unified text was crucial for maintaining the Quran's accuracy and ensuring its accessibility for future generations. This process underscores the early Muslim community's dedication to safeguarding the divine word, a testament to their unwavering commitment to preserving the message of Islam.

Over a period of 23 years, the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gradually, in response to specific events and circumstances. Each revelation was immediately memorized by his companions, known as Hafiz, and meticulously written down by scribes, most notably Zaid ibn Thabit (RA). These revelations were recorded on various materials, including palm leaves, bones, and parchment. The Prophet (PBUH) himself supervised the arrangement of verses within each surah (chapter), ensuring their proper order. However, during his lifetime, the Quran was not compiled into a single, bound book. Instead, it existed in both oral and fragmented written forms, preserved by the companions through their memorization and written records.

Following the Prophet's (PBUH) passing in 632 CE, the Muslim community faced a critical challenge: preserving the Quran in its entirety. The Battle of Yamama, a conflict during the Ridda Wars (Wars of Apostasy), resulted in the martyrdom of numerous Hafiz, raising serious concerns about the potential loss of Quranic verses. Recognizing this threat, Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) advised Caliph Abu Bakr (RA) to initiate the compilation of the Quran into a single manuscript.

Abu Bakr (RA) entrusted this monumental task to Zaid ibn Thabit (RA), who had served as a scribe during the Prophet's (PBUH) lifetime. Zaid (RA) led a rigorous verification process, cross-referencing written records with the oral recitations of numerous Hafiz to ensure the accuracy of each verse. This meticulous process resulted in the first compiled manuscript of the Quran, which was kept with Abu Bakr (RA). After his death, the manuscript was passed to Umar (RA) and eventually safeguarded by Hafsa (RA), the Prophet’s widow.

During the reign of Caliph Uthman (RA), differences in Quranic recitation began to emerge among the various Muslim regions, posing a threat to the unity of the community. These variations arose due to the different dialects and pronunciations used by the diverse tribes of Arabia. To address this issue, Uthman (RA) ordered a committee, once again led by Zaid ibn Thabit (RA), to produce a standardized version of the Quran based on the original manuscript held by Hafsa (RA).

The committee meticulously reviewed and verified the text, ensuring its accuracy and consistency. Multiple copies of this standardized version, known as the Uthmanic codex, were created and distributed to major Islamic centers, including Mecca, Medina, Kufa, Basra, and Damascus. To prevent further discrepancies, all unofficial copies with variations were ordered to be burned. This standardization ensured that the Quran remained unchanged and universally accepted among Muslims, preserving its authenticity and unity.

The standardization of the Quran under Uthman (RA) had a profound impact on the Muslim world. It ensured that the Quran remained unchanged and universally accepted among Muslims, strengthening the unity of the ummah and preserving the authenticity of the divine revelation. Importantly, the oral tradition of Quranic recitation continued alongside the written text, reinforcing its preservation and ensuring its accurate transmission.

The Quran’s compilation and standardization also facilitated its accessibility and dissemination, allowing Muslims across the expanding Islamic empire to study and recite the same text. This unity in the Quranic text has endured for over 1,400 years, fulfilling the divine promise of preservation as stated in Surah Al-Hijr (15:9): "Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will preserve it."

The compilation of the Quran offers several important lessons:

The early Muslim community prioritized the preservation of the Quran with unparalleled dedication, ensuring its transmission without distortion. The standardization of the Quran under Uthman (RA) highlights the importance of unity and consensus in addressing challenges within the Muslim community. The rigorous verification process led by Zaid ibn Thabit (RA) underscores the importance of accuracy and integrity in preserving religious texts. The Quran’s unchanged state for over 1,400 years serves as a testament to the divine promise of its preservation.

The compilation of the Quran, from its initial oral and fragmented written form to Abu Bakr’s first manuscript and Uthman’s standardization, represents a remarkable achievement in Islamic history. This process demonstrates the dedication of the early Muslim community to preserving the divine revelation in its purest form. Today, the Quran continues to serve as the ultimate source of guidance for over a billion Muslims worldwide, a testament to its enduring authenticity and divine origin.

The Quran’s preservation is not just a historical event but a living legacy that continues to inspire and guide Muslims in their daily lives. It stands as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding divine teachings and upholding the principles of unity, accuracy, and integrity. As we reflect on this monumental achievement, let us strive to embody the values of the Quran in our lives, ensuring that its message of guidance and mercy continues to illuminate the path for generations to come.

The compilation of the Quran is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the early Muslim community to preserving the divine revelation. Their efforts ensured that the Quran remains a source of guidance, wisdom, and inspiration for Muslims around the world. As we recite and reflect upon the Quran, let us remember the sacrifices and dedication of those who preserved it, and may we continue to uphold its teachings in our lives. May Allah grant us the ability to understand, implement, and share the message of the Quran with sincerity and devotion. Ameen.

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