Compilation of the Quran (Abu Bakr R.A)

Question 1

How was the Quran preserved during the time of the Prophet (P.B.U.H)?

Answer 1

• During the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) time, the Quran was written on animal skins, bones, and other materials but was mainly memorized by the companions.
• At the time of the Prophet’s death, there was no official compiled copy of the Quran

Question 2

What prompted Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) to compile the Quran?

Answer 2

• After the Battle of Yamama, where 360 companions who had memorized the Quran were martyred, Hazrat Umar (R.A) suggested to Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) that the Quran should be compiled.
• Initially hesitant, Abu Bakr was convinced by Umar’s persistence.

Question 3

Who was tasked with compiling the Quran under Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (R.A) caliphate, and how did he feel about the task?

Answer 3

• Zaid bin Sabit, a scribe of Divine revelation, was tasked with compiling the Quran.
• He initially hesitated, feeling the task was as difficult as carrying a mountain on his shoulders, but accepted after being persuaded by Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A

Question 4

How did Zaid bin Sabit and his commission approach the compilation of the Quran?

Answer 4

• Zaid bin Sabit led a commission, consisting of 20-25 companions who had memorized the Quran.
• They collected Quranic verses from palm leaves, stones, pieces of wood, and those who had memorized it.
• Hazrat Umar (R.A) also helped collect verses from different companions

Question 5

What methods did Zaid bin Sabit apply to ensure accuracy in compiling the Quran?

Answer 5

• Zaid bin Sabit ensured accuracy by verifying each verse from people who had heard it directly from the Prophet (P.B.U.H), only accepting written verses verified by two witnesses.
• He also made sure the verses were in the dialect of Quraish and arranged them according to the order given by the Prophet (P.B.U.H).

Question 6

What happened to the compiled Quran after Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (R.A) death?

Answer 6

• The compiled Quran, named “Mushaf” by Abdullah bin Masood, was passed to Hazrat Umar (R.A) after Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (R.A) death.
• Hazrat Umar (R.A) then entrusted it to Hazrat Hafsa (R.A), a widow of the Prophet (P.B.U.H).
• It became known as Mushaf al-Hafsa