The Qur’an, Islam’s holy word of God, is not only Muslims’ main religious book but also a preservation miracle and literary gem. It was revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ over 23 years and is the final, unchanged word of Allah to mankind. While the Qur’an was revealed orally, its stabilization as writing was a task of unimaginably and divinely inspired proportions. This article gives a response to one of the elementary questions: when was the Qur’an come to be written?—along with related questions about its compilation, standardization, and preservation.
We will cover:
- In what year did companions begin writing the Qur’an?
- Who compiled and wrote the Qur’an?
- How did the companions compile and preserve the Qur’an?
- Was there any adjustment or modification that occurred?
Go on a journey down Islamic history to find out how the Qur’an arrived with us in its pure form.
1. When was the Qur’an Revealed?
The revelation process began in 610 CE when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ revealed the first five verses of Surah Al-‘Alaq during his meditation in the Hira Cave close to Makkah. The revelation process continued for 23 years until 632 CE when Prophet Muhammad died. These were revelations through events that occurred, spiritual needs, and heavenly knowledge.
“Read in the name of your Lord who created.” — Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1)
2. Was the Qur’an Written During the Life of the Prophet?
Yes, but not in one book. The Qur’an was largely memorized and recited since oral tradition was common in Arabia. However, the Prophet ﷺ also had secretaries who used to write down the revelations on items such as leather, bones, parchment, and palm stalks. Some of whom were:
- Zayd ibn Thabit
- Ubayy ibn Ka’b
- Ali ibn Abi Talib
The Prophet ﷺ read the Qur’an twice a year with Angel Jibril, especially during Ramadan. At the close of his final year, this was performed twice—a sign that the revelation had stopped.
3. In what Year Was the Qur’an Written Down?
Following the death of the Prophet ﷺ in 632 CE, there needed to be a written formal collection. Writing was first done under Abu Bakr As-Siddiq’s (r.a.) rule when most of the memorizers (Huffaz) passed away in the Battle of Yamama (633 CE).
At Umar ibn al-Khattab’s insistence, Abu Bakr directed Zayd ibn Thabit to compile the Qur’an from all sources. There was a process of verification so that each verse would have two witnesses, one written and one oral. This initial compilation was called the Suhuf and was retained with Abu Bakr then passed over to Umar, and then left in trust to Hafsah bint Umar.
When did scholars standardize the Qur’an?
The most recent written standardization of the Qur’an was done during the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan (r.a.), around 650 CE.
As Islam spread to areas in Asia and Africa, ie, Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and so on, dialectical discrepancies in recitation led to confusion. Uthman commissioned a committee, once more led by Zayd ibn Thabit, to create a uniform Mushaf in the Quraysh dialect, ie, the Prophet’s ﷺ own dialect. He then ordered all other dialectical recitations to be destroyed with dignity and sent copies attested by him (the Mushaf Uthmani) to major cities.
This is what Muslims read and memorize today.
5. How Was the Qur’an Preserved?
Allah promised in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will guard it.” Surah Al-Hijr (15:9)
Allah kept His promise through:
- Oral memorization by Huffaz (memorizers)
- Written manuscripts by companions
- Periodic recitation between Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Jibril
- Teaching and recitation community-wide
- Consensus (Ijma’) among companions
6. Demystifying Misconceptions
Did Uthman Burn the Qur’?
Yes, but for a virtuous cause. He did not destroy the original manuscript of the Qur’an but substituted copies with different dialects to promote harmony. It was a process of standardization and was carried out in the presence and in agreement of elder companions. It was not an exercise of destruction.
Did companions copy the Qur’an from the Bible?
No. Although there are certain lexical similarities owing to shared Semitic roots (Hell = Jahannam, Paradise = Jannah), the Qur’an refutes and interprets previous books. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was not able to write, which goes to show that the Qur’an is not of man’s creation but a revelation of Allah.
“Say: It has been sent down by Him who knows the secret of the heavens and the earth.”
Surah Al-Furqan (25:6)
7. Unique Aspects of the Compilation of the Qur’an
- Compiled over two decades following the death of the Prophet
- Multiple eyewitnesses and authenticators for every single verse
- Distribution of standard copies across major cities
- No fundamental discrepancies or textual contradictions for centuries
8. Abbreviated Timeline
|
Event |
Year |
|
First Revelation |
610 CE |
|
Death of the Prophet ﷺ |
632 CE |
|
Battle of Yamama |
633 CE |
|
Abu Bakr’s compilation |
~634 CE |
|
Uthman’s standardization |
~650 CE |
9. Why Not Earlier?
Revelation was for 23 years and not compiled during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ because:
- Revelation was ongoing
- Verses were abrogating and re-arranging by Allah’s will
- Compilation only when the entire revelation is complete
10. What Is the Qur’an Today?
The present Qur’an is not different from the one put together in Uthman’s time. The differences that are found everywhere around the globe are only concerning Qira’at (reading methods)—all genuine and transmitted by uninterrupted chains of narration. Oral tradition continues to be maintained by millions of Huffaz reciting the Qur’an word for word.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was the Quran written?
Between 633 CE and 650 CE in its codified form.
Did Allah reveal the Qur’an all at once?
No. It was revealed over 23 years, beginning in 610 CE.
Did Prophet Muhammad ﷺ compile the Qur’an?
No. He supervised writing and memorization, but it was finalized after his death.
In what year was the Qur’an standardized?
Around 650 CE under Caliph Uthman.
Was there anyone in disagreement about the content?
No. All the friends agreed with the work compiled.
Are there multiple versions of the Qur’an?
No. There is only one Qur’an with several authentic forms of recitation (Qira’at).
When did the companions fully write down the Qur’an?
There was the first complete manuscript version during Abu Bakr’s reign (~634 CE).
Why did Uthman set fire to other manuscripts except those that we possess today?
To eliminate differences in dialects and consolidate the Muslim community.
Is today’s Qur’an that we read the original?
Yes. It’s the same as Uthmanic Mushaf.
What is the language of the Qur’an?
Classical Arabic.
For further reading
12. Conclusion
The history of revelation and compilation of the Qur’an is one of unmatched preservation. It is the only scripture written and memorized simultaneously, then compiled, authenticated, and codified under the direct supervision of the Prophet ﷺ. Grateful to the efforts of people like Abu Bakr and Uthman, and by the will of Allah, the last revelation has been corruption- and distortion-free for more than 1,400 years.
Muslims today read the very same words as were sent unto the Prophet ﷺ. This is a fulfillment of Allah’s vow to guard His final message.”
“Indeed, We sent down the Qur’an and surely, We will guard it.” — Surah Al-Hijr (15:9)
References
- Islamicity.org
- Yaqeen Institute
- Quran.com
- AboutIslam.net
- IslamicFinder.org
- Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1)
- Surah Al-Hijr (15:9)
- Surah Al-Furqan (25:6)
“Disclaimer: The Quranic verses and Hadiths quoted in this blog are presented as-is, for educational purposes. If any mistake is found, kindly contact us so we may correct it. We highly respect Islamic teachings and strive for 100% accuracy.”
