A brief history of the Qur’an’s compilation and standardisation from the era of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Caliph Uthman (RA)
By Talhat ul Sidiqa
The Qur’an—the literal speech of Allah revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him)—underwent a remarkable journey of preservation from the moment of its revelation to its final codification. This process was intentional, meticulous, and divinely protected, unfolding in three distinct phases: during the lifetime of the Prophet (PBUH), under Caliph Abu Bakr (RA), and finally under Caliph Uthman bin Affan (RA).
The Qur’an was revealed gradually to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over 23 years to guide the nascent Muslim community and establish the fundamental principles of Islam. During this time, each verse was immediately memorised by the Companions and also recorded on available materials such as bones, leather, and palm stalks. The Prophet (PBUH) would dictate the revealed verses to designated scribes, among whom were Zaid ibn Thabit (RA), Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), Uthman bin Affan (RA), and Ubay ibn Ka‘b (RA). Though not yet compiled into a single volume, the Qur’an was preserved in both oral and written forms.
Shortly before his passing, the Prophet (PBUH) reviewed the entire revelation twice with the Angel Jibreel (AS), thereby establishing the final order of the verses and chapters.
During the caliphate of Abu Bakr (RA), the martyrdom of 70 Qur’an memorisers in the Battle of Yamama prompted deep concern. Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) feared that the Qur’an might be lost with the passing of its bearers and urged Abu Bakr (RA) to compile it into a single volume. Initially hesitant, considering it an innovation not practised by the Prophet (PBUH), Abu Bakr (RA) eventually agreed. He entrusted this critical task to Zaid ibn Thabit (RA), a young, intelligent, and trustworthy Companion. A committee was formed to assist him, adopting a rigorous method of verification that required two independent witnesses for every verse—one from written records and one from memory. This produced the first official manuscript (mushaf) of the Qur’an, which was entrusted first to Abu Bakr (RA), then to Umar (RA), and finally to Hafsa bint Umar (RA), the wife of the Prophet (PBUH).
During the caliphate of Uthman bin Affan (RA), Islam had spread widely, leading to variations in dialect and pronunciation among new Muslim communities. These differences began to cause disagreement. It is reported that Hudhaifa ibn al-Yaman (RA) brought this concerning development to the Caliph’s attention, urging immediate action to preserve unity. Uthman (RA) responded by forming a committee led again by Zaid ibn Thabit (RA) and including members from Quraysh. They were tasked with producing a standard, unified copy based on the manuscript held by Hafsa (RA).
This official mushaf was written in the Qurayshi dialect—the dialect of the Prophet (PBUH)—and, in accordance with the script of the time, was written without diacritical marks or vowel points, allowing for the recognised variations (qira’at) in recitation. Once completed, copies were dispatched to major Islamic centres such as Mecca, Iraq, and Syria. To prevent future confusion, Uthman (RA) also ordered that all other private copies of the Qur’an be burned. This standardised edition, known as the Uthmani codex, is the very Qur’an in use across the world today.
Tracing the Qur’an’s journey from revelation to codification makes it clear that its preservation was an act of divine protection, carried out through a community deeply dedicated to safeguarding Allah’s speech. Each phase reflects profound reverence and meticulous care.
Today, the Qur’an remains unchanged—a preserved light carried across centuries, guiding humanity with the same eternal message that once illuminated the hearts of the early believers.
The writer is a student of Islamic jurisprudence
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