Revisiting the Collection and Transmission History of the Qur’an

This is a multi lecture series by Dr Shehzad Saleem, Fellow Al-Mawrid, for serious students of the Qur'an. It is based on his fifteen year research in which he has revisited some intriguing areas of the collection and transmission history of the Qur’an. He has attempted to critically evaluate the traditional narratives and accounts and tried to re-construct the history of the Qur’an on the basis of established historical sources.

This multi lecture series comprises 20 topics and each topic is divided into various episodes. These lectures will be periodically released episode-wise.

Researched and presented by:

Dr Shehzad SaleemFellow

Topic 1 - Towards a New Inquiry

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem enumerates some nagging questions that arose in his mind about the traditional accounts of collection and transmission of the Qur'an and led him to pursue a detailed study on the subject.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem introduces some of the important scholars and their works who have made a significant contribution to the history of the Qur’an.

Topic 2 - Narratives on Four People Collected the Qur’an in the Lifetime of Muhammad (sws)

It is reported in certain narratives that only four people from the Ansar tribe had collected the Qur’ān in the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (sws). In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the questions that arise on the texts of these narratives.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes the textual evaluation begun in the previous episode and goes on to critically analyze the chains of narration of these narratives. The episode ends on a verdict on these narratives.

Topic 3 - Critical Analysis of the Narrative on Abu Bakr’s Collection

It is recorded in a narrative in Bukhari that after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (sws), Abu Bakr compiled the Qur’an between two covers. In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the text of this narrative and enumerates the questions that arise on it.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes the critical evaluation of the text of the narrative begun in the previous episode.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem begins the critical evaluation of the chain of narration of the narrative discussed in episode 1.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes the critical evaluation of the chain of narration of the narrative begun in the previous episode.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically analyzes the text and chain of narration of some independent narratives that depict a collection methodology.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem presents the text and translation of some different narratives that also depict a first collection.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the text of the narratives that depict a first collection presented in the previous episode.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the chains of narration of the narratives presented in the episode 6

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem summarizes the overall critique on the narratives discussed under topic 3 and also presents his conclusion.

Topic 4 - Critical Analysis of the Narrative on Uthman’s Collection

It is recorded in a narrative in Bukhari that differences arose in reading the Qur’an in the times of the caliph of ‘Uthman (rta) after which he set about to rectify the situation. In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem begins critically analyzing the questions that arise on the text of the narrative.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem continues with the analysis of the questions arising on the text of the narrative begun in the previous episode.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem continues with the analysis of the questions arising on the text of the narrative begun in episode 1.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem continues with the analysis of the questions arising on the text of the narrative begun in episode 1.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem continues with the analysis of the questions arising on the text of the narrative begun in episode 1.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem presents narratives that depict alternative accounts of ‘Uthman’s Collection.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem analyzes the alternative accounts presented in episode 6.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem analyzes chains of narration of the alternative accounts presented in episode 6.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem analyzes chain of narration of the primary narrative on ‘Uthman’s collection.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem summarizes the overall critique and also presents his conclusion.

Topic 5 - Narratives on the Collection of the Qur’an by ‘Ali (rta)

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem presents the narratives recorded in Sunni sources regarding the collection of the Qur’an by ‘Ali (rta) and also how past scholars have interpreted them.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem analyzes the interpretations of the past scholars presented in episode 1 and then goes on to critically evaluate the narratives.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem analyzes the chains of narration of the narratives presented in the episode 1.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem presents the narratives recorded in Shiite sources regarding the collection of the Qur’an by ‘Ali (rta).

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem presents the interpretations of the Shiite scholars of the narratives presented in episode 4, analyzes these interpretations and then goes on to critically evaluate the narratives.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem, analyzes the chains of narration of the narratives presented in episode 4 and draws an over all conclusion regarding the collection of the Qur’an by ‘Ali (rta) as presented in both Sunni and Shiite sources.

Topic 6 - Narratives on the Masahif of Ubayy ibn Ka'b (rta) and Abdullah ibn Masud (rta)

Certain narratives inform us that the surahs were arranged in different sequences in the masahif of Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (rta) and ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (rta). In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem describes in detail these arrangements.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the text and chain of narration of the narratives which describe different arrangements of surahs in the mushaf of Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (rta).

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the narratives which describe different arrangements of surahs in the mushaf of ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (rta).

Topic 7 - Narratives on Abdullah ibn Masud’s Rejection of the Muawwidhatayn

Certain narratives inform us that ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (rta), a very prominent Companion of Muhaammad (sws) did not regard the mu‘awwidhatayn (Surah Falaq and Surah Nas) to be part of…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically analyzes the interpretations of the past authorities and presents his view on these narratives.

Topic 8 - A Narrative on the Placement of Surah Anfal (8) and Surah Tawbah (9)

A narrative informs us that ‘Uthman (rta) exercised his own judgement in placing Surah Anfal (8) and Surah Tawbah (9) together when the Qur’an was written in his times; since…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes his critical analysis of this narrative begun in the previous episode and sums up his overall findings.

Topic 9 - Narratives on ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud’s Refusal to Surrender his Mushaf

It is reported that when ‘Uthman (rta) in his times tried to gather the ummah on a single reading in order to resolve the differences in reading the Qur’an, he…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem first presents the various interpretations of the past authorities of these narratives. He then raises questions that arise in his mind on the text…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem evaluates the chains of narration of these narratives and concludes the discussion with his overall findings.

Topic 10 - Narratives on Mistakes (Lahn) in the Qur'an

A narrative informs us that when the masahif copied in the time of ‘Uthman (rta) were presented before him, he said that they contain mistakes (lahn) and that these errors…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes the analysis begun in the previous episode.

Topic 11 - Narrative on the Changes made in the Qur’an by al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf al-Thaqafi

It is reported in a narrative that Hajjaj ibn Yusuf (d. 95 AH) in his time changed the Qur’an at eleven places. No Muslim scholar regards this report to be…

Topic 12 - Narratives on Ustuwanah al-Mushaf

Some scholars believe that the Prophet (sws) left a mushaf at his death. They base their view on certain narratives which say that the Prophet (sws) would seek out a…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes the analysis begun in the previous episode.

Topic 13 - A Narrative on the Schematic Arrangement of the Qur’an

A narrative informs us that the surahs of the Qur’an have been arranged in a certain sequence: first the seven long surahs called the sab‘ tiwal, then the mi’in surahs,…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the chain of narration of the narrative discussed in the previous episode.

Topic 14 - Narratives on the Variations found in the ‘Uthmanic Copies

It is reported in various narratives that copies of the Qur’an sent by ‘Uthman (rta) to various parts of his empire had variations and that these copies were not exactly…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically analyzes the text of the narratives which report the variations in the 'Uthamic copies.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem begins critically analyzing the chain of narration of the narratives which report the variations in the 'Uthamic copies.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes his critical analysis of the chain of narration of the narratives which report the variations in the 'Uthamic copies. He finally concludes this…

Topic 15 - Two Narratives on the Incompleteness of the Quran

Narratives mentioning the “Stoning Verse” and "Suckling Verse” respectively give the impression that the Qur'an is incomplete. In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem begins critically analyzing the text and chain…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem continues with his critical evaluation of the text and chain of narration of the "Stoning Verse" Narratives

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes his critical evaluation of the text and chain of narration of the "Stoning Verse" Narratives. He then critically evaluates the text and chain…

Topic 16 - Critical Evaluation of the Insertion of Vocalization and Diacritics in the Qur’anic Script

Muslim sources are quite unanimous in stating the fact that the text of the earliest masahif was in bare consonantal form – devoid of diacritics (i‘jam) to distinguish homographs and…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the First Vocalization Phase as described by Muslim sources

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the Diacritics Phase as described by Muslim sources

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the Second Vocalization Phase as described by Muslim sources

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem presents manuscript evidence in support of his critique on the three phases of the development of the Qur'anic script discussed in the earlier episodes

Topic 17 - Narratives on the Revelation of the Qur’an on Seven Ahruf

Various narratives state that the Qur’an was revealed on Seven Ahruf. Many different interpretations of these narratives have been offered by scholars. In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem presents some…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates two interpretations of the Seven Ahruf Narrative. They are: “The Seven Ahruf are Seven Types of Qur’anic Verses” and “The ‘Seven’ in…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the fourth interpretation of the Seven Ahruf Narrative, viz. “The Seven Ahruf refer to Seven Dialects of Arabic.”

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the fifth interpretation of the Seven Ahruf Narrative, viz. “The Seven Ahruf refer to Seven Types of Differences in Qur’anic Readings.”

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the sixth interpretation of the Seven Ahruf Narrative, viz. “The Seven Ah@ruf refer to Synonyms of a Qur’anic Word.”

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the seventh interpretation of the Seven Ahruf Narrative, viz. “The Seven Ahruf refer to Seven Recitals," He then presents and critically analyzes…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem begins critically evaluating the chains of narration of the Seven Ahruf narrative reported by various companions. He begins by discussing the variants ascribed to…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem begins critically evaluating the chain of narration of the Seven Ahruf narrative ascribed to Ubayy ibn Ka'b (rta)

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes his critical analysis of the chain of narration of the Seven Ahruf narrative ascribed to Ubayy ibn Ka'b (rta), and then goes on…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the chains of narration of the Seven Ahruf narrative ascribed to Abu Hurayrah (rta), Hudhayfah ibn Yaman (rta), Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (rta),…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the chains of the Seven Ahruf narrative ascribed in its mawquf form to Ubayy ibn Ka'b (rta), 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (rta), Mu'adh…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the Shiite view on the Seven Ahruf narrative. He then enumerates some secondary views on the interpretation of the Seven Ahruf narrative.

Topic 18 - Narratives on the Isnads of the Seven Canonical Readings

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem begins critically analyzing the chains of narration of the seven canonical readings after delineating his research methodology in this regard. An analysis of the…

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem continues with his critical evaluation of the chain of narration of Nafi ibn Abi Nu'aym's reading.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes his critical evaluation of the chain of narration of Nafi ibn Abi Nu'aym's reading.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the chain of narration of 'Abdullah ibn Kathir's reading.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the chain of narration of 'Asim ibn Abi al-Najud's reading.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem begins critically evaluating the chain of narration of Hamzah ibn Habib al-Zayyat's reading.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes his critical evaluation of the chain of narration of Hamzah ibn Habib al-Zayyat's reading.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the chain of narration of 'Ali ibn Hamza al-Kisa'i's reading.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically evaluates the chain of narration of Abu 'Amr ibn al-'Ula's reading.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem begins critically evaluating the chain of narration of 'Abdullah ibn 'Amir's reading.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem continues with his critical evaluation of the chain of narration of 'Abdullah ibn 'Amir's reading.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem continues further with his critical evaluation of the chain of narration of 'Abdullah ibn 'Amir's reading.

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes his critical evaluation of the chain of narration of 'Abdullah ibn 'Amir reading

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem summarizes the previous episodes and begins presenting the views of some authorities on the ahaad nature of the seven canonical readings

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem presents the views of some more authorities on the ahaad nature of the seven canonical readings

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem presents more evidence on the ahaad nature of the seven canonical readings

Topic 19 - Collection of the Qur’an

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem explains the collection of the Qur'an in the light of Surah Qiyamah verses, as presented by Imam Hamid Uddin Farahi

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem explains the traditional interpretation of Surah Qiyamah verses and later critically evaluates the traditional interpretation and that of Imam Farahi's

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem tries to determine the shape of the Qur'an at the time of the Prophet's demise

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem attempts to answer some nagging questions that arise on Imam Farahi's interpretation of Surah Qiyamah verses

Topic 20 - Transmission of the Qur’an

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem begins explaining the connotation of the Qur'anic reading that was transmitted by the companions to the ummah

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem explains the mechanism of transmission of the Qur'an

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem enumerates certain nagging questions that arise on the topic and begins answering them

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem continues with the answering the questions raised

In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem completes answering the questions raised and presents an overall summary of the whole lecture series

A Narrative on the Placement of Surah Anfal (8) and Surah Tawbah (9) - Episode 01

A narrative informs us that ‘Uthman (rta) exercised his own judgement in placing Surah Anfal (8) and Surah Tawbah (9) together when the Qur’an was written in his times; since he had no guidance regarding this from the Prophet (sws), he considered them to be a single surah because of similarity of the topics of both surahs. In this episode, Dr Shehzad Saleem critically analyzes the text and chain of narration of this narrative.