Preservation of Quran during Prophet’s lifetime

Question 1

When did the revelation of the Holy Quran begin, and how long did it continue?

Answer 1

The revelation of the Holy Quran began in 610 AD and continued for a period of 22 years, 5 months, and 14 days.

Question 2

What form was the Quran revealed in, and how was it organized during the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) lifetime?

Answer 2

• The Quran was revealed in portions but never without some form of arrangement.
• Each verse and chapter was given its place in the Book under the guidance of the Prophet (P.B.U.H).

Question 3

What did the Prophet (P.B.U.H) do when he received a revelation?

Answer 3

• Whenever a revelation was received, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) would summon one of his literate companions, dictate the text, and ask them to read it back for accuracy.
• He also asked them to memorize the verses.

Question 4

What materials were used for writing down the Quran during the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) lifetime?

Answer 4

• The Quran was written on thin and flat tablets of stone, wood, branches of palm trees, bones of camels and goats, and pieces of leather.

Question 5

Were the verses and chapters of the Quran compiled in the order of revelation?

Answer 5

• The verses and chapters of the Quran were not compiled in the order of revelation.
• The arrangement was done under the guidance of Hazrat Jibrail.

Question 6

How did the Prophet (P.B.U.H) ensure the proper placement of verses in the Quran?

Answer 6

• The Prophet (P.B.U.H) would tell his scribes where to place each verse, saying, “Write this verse in the chapter where such and such verse occurs.”

Question 7

Did a complete written copy of the Quran exist during the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) lifetime?

Answer 7

• While portions of the Quran were written down, a complete copy did not exist during the Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) lifetime.
• However, the entire Quran was memorized by many companions.

Question 8

How did the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and his companions verify the accuracy of the Quran’s text?

Answer 8

• Every year during Ramadan, the Prophet (P.B.U.H) recited the revealed portions of the Quran, and his companions compared their manuscripts with his recitation to verify accuracy.
• In the last year of his life, he recited the entire Quran twice.

Question 9

What practice helped preserve the Quran in both written and memorized forms?

Answer 9

• The Prophet (P.B.U.H) would recite the Quran loudly, and his companions memorized it.
• They would also compare their written manuscripts with his recitation to ensure accuracy, preserving the Quran for future generations.

Question 10

Describe the Main themes in Surah 2.255.

Answer 10

Main theme:

• The main theme of the passage is Allah in Himself. It is also known as the verse of the throne (ayat al kursi).
• It begins with the expression of the shahada (declaration of the oneness of God) and elaborates that God is beyond human comprehension and He is free from all limitations and weaknesses.
• He is unlike other beings because He knows everything and can do everything and enjoys autonomy in exercising His authority. Quran says, “To Him is due the primal origin of the heavens and the earth…..” [6:101]
• The throne (Kursi) is a symbol of authority which means that He is the King ruling over all that exists. No one shares His attributes and kingdom. His powers never weaken or waver.

Question 11

Explain the importance of the theme in surah 2.255.

Answer 11

• The importance of these themes is that these verses allow Muslims to learn and understand something about God in a way relevant to them. This verse is declared by the Prophet (pbuh) as one of the treasures of Paradise.
• He has the knowledge and power over all things, and this could make Muslims more cautious of their practices which eliminates the possibility of shirk in practical lives and Muslims do not look towards others for the fulfillment of their needs.
• The theme of God’s self-subsistence shows how certain attributes that affect humans do not affect Him, for example, sleep, slumber, fatigue, etc. So they can rely entirely on Him.
• It is recited by Muslims for seeking Allah’s protection in their daily lives against all evils.

Question 12

Describe the main themes in the Surah 6:101-103.

Answer 12

• These verses of Surah Anaam discuss the fundamental Quranic theme of Allah in Himself. It gives the message of Tauhid by expressing that God does not have partners and that the entire universe is the creation of His will and design.
• He is free from all physical relations, especially his wife and children. The Quran says, “He begets not nor is He begotten.” [Ch112:V3]
• God is beyond human comprehension. Although humans cannot understand Him, He understands everything in creation.
• God is the most powerful He is the one who has the power to help humans, and He hears and sees all that they do, therefore they should worship Him and pray to Him to reward their actions.

Question 13

Explain the importance of the theme in the Surah 6:101-103.

Answer 13

• These teachings emphasize the importance of tawhid for Muslims for their spiritual purification. It also protects them from shirking in daily living.
• Mankind is asked to worship Him as only He can fulfill their needs, so Muslims should be careful to pray and fast, etc., to fulfill their obligation to Him.
• When Muslims believe in Allah as Al-Knowing-Well Aware, they refrain from committing sins even secretly and become fair in dealings with people.
• In a world where there are lots of distractions, this surah reminds Muslims that they should always remember their Creator as He is the ultimate authority over their affairs.