The Holy Quran is a miracle. Containing the word of Allah SWT, it serves as a complete guide to living a successful life. For more than 1400 years, this book has remained unchanged, and every word is the same as it was at the time of revelation. The promise of its protection has been highlighted in the Quran itself, where Allah SWT says,
“Lo! We, even we, reveal the Reminder, and lo! We verily are its guardian.”
Revelation And The Prophet PBUH
When the Quran was revealed to the Prophet PBUH for the first time, he realized the challenges of the mission to preserve Allah’s message. Even though Allah had promised to safeguard and preserve the Quran, the Prophet PBUH was still keen to remember and convey every letter of the holy book. He was continuously concerned about his ability to memorize all the revelations. Addressing this concern, Allah reassured him that the text and its meaning would be safe from every harm. Furthermore, it was noted by Ibn Abbas that when the revelations came, the Prophet PBUH would face significant hardship and move his lips to hold onto it.
“Stir not thy tongue herewith to hasten it. Lo! Upon us (resteth) the putting together thereof and the reading thereof. And when We read it, follow thou the reading; then lo! upon Us (resteth) the explanation thereof.”
But the Prophet PBUH didn’t only rely on the revelation and his memorization at that time. He used to revise the verses with Jibreel AS every Ramadan. However, the Prophet PBUH didn’t only rely on the miraculous revelation of the scripture, but he used to revise and review the revealed verses with Jibreel AS every Ramadan.
The Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous of people, and his generosity increased even more during Ramadan when Gabriel would meet him. Gabriel would come to him during every night of Ramadan, and they would review the Quran together. During this time, Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) was more generous than the rushing wind.”
These review sessions were likely dedicated to revising and reviewing the already revealed verses. They kept the Prophet’s memory fresh and ensured that the Quran remained without any abrogated verses.
Sahaba And The Memorization
The Prophet PBUH taught the companions the Quran in the following ways:
- Iqra: He would recite it to a companion, and the companion would recite the same part back to the Prophet PBUH in the same manner.
- ‘Ard: The companion would recite what they previously learned to the Prophet PBUH to ensure their memorization was accurate.
The Prophet PBUH emphasized the significance of safeguarding the revelation through writing the Quranic verses. Eventually, the companions memorized the verses and began to write them on stone, bone, or whatever was available to them. Over time, the Prophet PBUH had many companions serving as scribes for him.
Other Ways Of Teaching The Quran
Reciting In Mosque and Sermons
The Prophet PBUH used to recite the Quran to the congregants present at the mosque.
“Aisha narrated that when the verses of Surat Al-Baqara addressing usury (Riba) were revealed, the Prophet (PBUH) went to the mosque, recited these verses publicly to the people, and then prohibited the sale of alcohol.”
The Prophet PBUH also used to recite the verses of the Quran in sermons he gave. Whether it was reciting the already revealed verses or the new ones, this practice helped to spread the Quran to many people.
“Bint al-Harith b. al-Nu’man recounts that she memorized Surah al-Qaf directly from the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), who would recite it during his speech every Friday.”
Directly Teaching The Verses
Many companions explicitly mentioned that the Prophet PBUH taught them the verses on a one-to-one basis. For example:
Narrated Abdullah: The Prophet (PBUH) asked him, “Recite the Qur’an to me.” Abdullah replied, “Should I recite it to you when it has been revealed to you?” He replied, “I enjoy hearing it from others.”
Abu Wa’il reported that Ibn Mas’ud spoke to us and asked, “How should I recite? According to Zaid bin Thabit’s recitation, I learned more than seventy Surahs directly from the Messenger of Allah [SAW], while Zaid was with other boys, each with two braids.”
Recitation At The Time Of Revelation
Reciting it to the companions when it was revealed. Many hadiths talk about scenarios where the Prophet PBUH conveyed the Quran to his companions when it was being revealed.
Anas, in Malik, narrated that one day, while the Prophet (PBUH) was still with them, he took a nap and then lifted his head while smiling. They asked him, “O Messenger of Allah, why are you smiling?” He responded, “Just now, this Surah was revealed to me,” and recited Surah Kawthar to them.
In this way, the companions were able to experience the miracle of revelation and instantly interact with the verses as they were revealed.
The Seven Styles
“Ibn ‘Abbas narrated that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, Gabriel instructed me to recite in a single style. I responded by asking him to provide additional styles, and eventually, he introduced seven modes of recitation. Ibn Shibab added that he has heard these seven modes are fundamentally one, not differing in terms of what is permissible or forbidden.”
According to scholars, the seven ways may differ in how they are worded, but the meanings remain the same. These seven styles made it easier for people from different backgrounds to recite and memorize the Quran.
Ubayy bin Ka’b narrated: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) encountered Jibra’il and said, “O Jibra’il! I have been sent to a nation that is illiterate, including elderly woman, old man, the boy, the girl and the man who cannot read at all.” Jibra’il replied, “O Muhammad! The Qur’an was indeed revealed in seven different modes.”
Compilation Of The Quran
The compilation of the Quran in written form was done during the reign of Abu Bakar RA. Six months after the Prophet PBUH passed away, the battle of Yamama took place in 633 CE. In this battle, many Muslims who had memorized the Quran were killed. Following this tragic event, Umar RA feared that if a written copy of the Quran wasn’t made, the verses might be lost.
He discussed this with Abu Bakar RA. Although Abu Bakar RA was initially hesitant, because such an effort had not been undertaken during the life of the Prophet PBUH, he eventually agreed after further deliberation. He appointed Zaid ibn Thabit (RA) to undertake this task. Zaid Ibn Thabit RA narrated that,
“Abu Bakr summoned me after the casualties among the fighters at the Battle of Yamama, where many memorizers of the Quran were killed. Umar was with Abu Bakr, who said, “Umar came to me and said, ‘The people have endured significant losses on the day of the Yamama battle, and I fear there may be further casualties among the Muslims elsewhere. This could lead to the loss of a large part of the Quran unless you undertake to compile it into a single manuscript or book.
You are a young man of wisdom, and we hold no suspicion of you either lying or forgetting. You used to write down the Divine Revelation for God’s Messenger. Therefore, search for the Quran and compile it into a single manuscript.”
Once the Quran was compiled into a book, Zaid RA handed the completed collection to Abu Bakar RA, who kept it in his possession until his passing.