The Preservation of the Quran: The Quran, the holy book of Islam, holds a unique position among the scriptures of various religions. It is not just revered as the word of God by Muslims but is also distinguished by its miraculous preservation throughout history.
This article delves into the evidence from Islamic jurisprudence that underscores the divine assurance of the Quran’s preservation.
Table of Contents
Divine Assurance of Preservation
The Quran itself provides a clear indication of its preservation. Allah, the Almighty, says in the Quran: “Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran, and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Surah Al-Hijr, 15:9). This verse is a testament to the divine promise that the Quran will remain unchanged and preserved in its original form.
Historical Preservation
From the time of its revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) until today, the Quran has been preserved in its entirety. The companions of the Prophet played a pivotal role in ensuring its preservation. They memorized the Quran, wrote it down, and passed it on to subsequent generations.
This tradition of memorization, known as “Tajweed,” continues to this day, with millions of Muslims around the world have committed the entire Quran to memory.
The Role of Scholars
Islamic scholars have played a significant role in the preservation of the Quran. They meticulously studied its verses, interpreted its meanings, and ensured its correct recitation. Their efforts have been instrumental in maintaining the purity and authenticity of the Quranic text.
Miraculous Nature of the Quran
The Quran’s linguistic beauty, depth of meaning, and consistency of its message are seen as miraculous attributes. These characteristics not only attest to its divine origin but also facilitate its preservation. The Quran challenges humanity to produce a chapter like it, a challenge that remains unmet to this day.
Quranic Verses About The Protection Of The Quran
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, is a timeless guide for humanity. It serves as a beacon of light, illuminating the path for those seeking guidance, wisdom, and understanding.
The verses mentioned below emphasize various aspects of the Quran, from its divine preservation to its clarity in the Arabic language. Each verse carries profound wisdom, highlighting the Quran’s significance and its role in guiding believers towards righteousness.
1. The Preservation of the Quran: Al-Hijr: 9
Introduction: This verse from Surah Al-Hijr emphasizes the divine nature of the Quran and Allah’s commitment to its preservation.
Arabic Text:
إِنَّا نَحْنُ نَزَّلْنَا الذِّكْرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُ لَحَافِظُونَ
English Translation:
Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur’an and indeed, We will be its guardian.
Comment: This verse emphasizes the divine promise from Allah that He will protect the Quran from any alterations, distortions, or corruptions, ensuring its purity and authenticity for all times.
2. The Quran’s Challenge: Fussilat: 41-42
Introduction: These verses from Surah Fussilat highlight the Quran’s strength and its protection from any form of falsehood.
Arabic Text:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا بِالذِّكْرِ لَمَّا جَاءَهُمْ ۖ وَإِنَّهُ لَكِتَابٌ عَزِيزٌ۔ لَا يَأْتِيهِ الْبَاطِلُ مِن بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَلَا مِنْ خَلْفِهِ ۖ تَنزِيلٌ مِّنْ حَكِيمٍ حَمِيدٍ
English Translation:
Indeed, those who disbelieve in the reminder when it comes to them. And indeed, it is a mighty Book. Falsehood cannot approach it from before it or from behind it; [it is] a revelation from a [Lord who is] Wise and Praiseworthy.
Comment: These verses highlight the Quran’s divine nature, emphasizing that it is free from any falsehood. It stands as a testament to the wisdom and praise of its Creator.
3. The Eternal Nature of the Quran: Al-Kahf: 27
Introduction: This verse from Surah Al-Kahf underscores the eternal nature of the Quran’s teachings.
Arabic Text:
وَاتْلُ مَا أُوحِيَ إِلَيْكَ مِن كِتَابِ رَبِّكَ ۖ لَا مُبَدِّلَ لِكَلِمَاتِهِ وَلَن تَجِدَ مِن دُونِهِ مُلْتَحَدًا
English Translation:
And recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book of your Lord. There is no changer of His words, and never will you find in other than Him a refuge.
Comment: This verse underscores the permanence of the Quran’s words, indicating that they are unchangeable. It also emphasizes the Quran as the ultimate source of guidance and refuge.
4. The Miraculous Nature of the Quran: Al-Ankabut: 48-49
Introduction: These verses from Surah Al-Ankabut emphasize the miraculous nature of the Quran and its divine origin.
Arabic Text:
وَمَا كُنتَ تَتْلُو مِن قَبْلِهِ مِن كِتَابٍ وَلَا تَخُطُّهُ بِيَمِينِكَ ۖ إِذًا لَّارْتَابَ الْمُبْطِلُونَ۔ بَلْ هُوَ آيَاتٌ بَيِّنَاتٌ فِي صُدُورِ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ ۚ وَمَا يَجْحَدُ بِآيَاتِنَا إِلَّا الظَّالِمُونَ
English Translation:
And you did not recite before it any scripture, nor did you inscribe one with your right hand. Otherwise the falsifiers would have had [cause for] doubt. But it is clear revelations [preserved] in the breasts of those who have been given knowledge. And none reject Our verses except the wrongdoers.
Comment: These verses emphasize the miraculous nature of the Quran. Prophet Muhammad, who was unlettered, conveyed the Quran’s profound messages, which are clear and evident to those endowed with knowledge.
5. The Consequences of Fabricating Lies Against Allah: Al-Haaqqa: 44-47
Introduction: These verses from Surah Al-Haaqqa highlight the severe consequences of fabricating or misrepresenting the Quran.
Arabic Text:
وَلَوْ تَقَوَّلَ عَلَيْنَا بَعْضَ الْأَقَاوِيلِ۔ لَأَخَذْنَا مِنْهُ بِالْيَمِينِ۔ ثُمَّ لَقَطَعْنَا مِنْهُ الْوَتِينَ۔ فَمَا مِنكُم مِّنْ أَحَدٍ عَنْهُ حَاجِزِينَ
English Translation:
And if Muhammad had made up about Us some [false] sayings, We would have seized him by the right hand; Then We would have cut from him the aorta. And there is no one of you who could prevent [Us] from him.
Comment: These verses highlight the severe consequences that would have befallen Prophet Muhammad had he fabricated any part of the Quran. It serves as a testament to the Quran’s authenticity and divine origin.
6. The Quran’s Clarity in Arabic: Az-Zukhruf: 1-3
Introduction: These verses from Surah Az-Zukhruf emphasize the clarity and guidance provided by the Quran in the Arabic language.
Arabic Text:
حم۔ وَالْكِتَابِ الْمُبِينِ۔ إِنَّا جَعَلْنَاهُ قُرْآنًا عَرَبِيًّا لَّعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ
English Translation:
Ha, Meem. By the clear Book, Indeed, We have made it an Arabic Qur’an that you might understand.
Comment: These verses emphasize the clarity and eloquence of the Quran in the Arabic language, ensuring its message is clear and comprehensible to its primary audience.
7. The Quran as a Guide: Al-Baqarah: 2
Introduction: This verse from Surah Al-Baqarah introduces the Quran as a guide for those who are conscious of Allah.
Arabic Text:
ذَٰلِكَ الْكِتَابُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ
English Translation:
This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.
Comment: This verse introduces the Quran as a source of undeniable truth and guidance for those who are mindful and conscious of Allah.
Conclusion
The preservation of the Quran is not just a matter of historical record but a fulfillment of a divine promise. The combined efforts of the Prophet’s companions, scholars, and the wider Muslim community have ensured that the Quran remains unchanged and as relevant today as it was when it was first revealed. The Quran stands as a beacon of guidance for humanity, its preservation a testament to its timeless message and divine origin.
