Who Wrote the Quran?

Understanding the Authorship and Origins

The Quran, the holy book of Islam, the literal word of God, revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) over a period of twenty-three years. Questions about its authorship may arise, especially among those unfamiliar with Islamic beliefs. Common inquiries include: “Who wrote the Quran?“, “Who authored the Quran?“, or “Who is the writer of the Quran?” This article explores the origins of the Quran, the process of its revelation, its compilation, and its linguistic features.

Understanding the Authorship of the Quran

Divine Revelation or Human Authorship?

The Quran is a direct and unaltered revelation from God (Allah), conveyed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). It is not seen as the product of human authorship, interpretation, or influence. Every word is divinely revealed, preserved exactly as it was received, without additions, deletions, or alterations over time. Unlike other religious texts that may have been compiled or edited by multiple individuals, the Quran is unique in its origin, structure, and preservation. It stands as a central and unchanging source of guidance, law, and spirituality for mankind, its not just as scripture, but as the ultimate expression of divine wisdom and truth.

This preservation is seen as a fulfillment of Allah’s promise in the Quran:

“Indeed, We have sent down the reminder, and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Surah Al-Hijr 15:9)

Furthermore, the Quran is the final and ultimate revelation, confirming and superseding previous scriptures such as the Torah (revealed to Prophet Musa/Moses) and the Injil (Gospel, revealed to Prophet Isa/Jesus). It serves as a comprehensive guide for humanity, covering matters of faith, morality, law, and guidance for personal and social well-being.

The Quran’s linguistic perfection, profound message, and lack of contradictions are often cited as evidence of its divine origin. Additionally, millions of Muslims worldwide have memorized the entire Quran, the one who knew it by heart further ensuring its preservation and transmission through generations without alteration.

What Islam Teaches About the Quran:

The Quran was revealed by Allah** to Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). It was delivered in Arabic over a span of 23 years (610 CE – 632 CE). The Prophet himself did not “write” the Quran, as he was unlettered (illiterate). It was revealed in a specific historical context, its message is timeless and universally applicable.

** The word “Allah” is the Arabic term for God. It is derived from the Arabic root “Al-Ilāh” (ٱلْإِلٰهُ), meaning “The God.” Over time, it became “Allah” (ٱللَّٰهُ), emphasizing monotheism.

The Role of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Prophet Muhammad received the Quranic revelations, and he memorized the Quran orally and conveyed them to his followers. Since he did not write the Quran himself, his scribes were responsible for recording the verses.

The Scribes of the Quran

Since Prophet Muhammad was illiterate, his companions wrote down the revelations on materials such as:

• Palm leaves
• Parchments
• Bones
• Leather

Among the prominent scribes of the Quran were:

• Zayd ibn Thabit
• Ubayy ibn Ka’b
• Abdullah ibn Mas’ud

These companions meticulously recorded, memorized, and preserved the Quran under the Prophet’s supervision.

Compilation of the Quran: From Oral to Written Form

During Prophet Muhammad’s Lifetime

Though the content of the Quran was primarily an oral tradition, portions were written down. However, it was not compiled into a single book during his lifetime.

After the Prophet’s Death (632 CE)

Following the Prophet’s passing, his followers took steps to preserve the Quran:

1. The First Compilation (Caliph Abu Bakr, 632–634 CE)
   • After the Battle of Yamama, where many Quranic memorizers (Hafiz) were martyred, Caliph Abu Bakr ordered a written compilation.
   • Zayd ibn Thabit was appointed to gather all written fragments and oral recitations into a single manuscript.
   • This copy was safeguarded by Hafsa bint Umar, one of the Prophet’s wives.

1. The Standardization (Caliph Uthman ibn affan, 644–656 CE)
   • As Islam spread, variations in Quranic recitation emerged.
   • Caliph Uthman ordered Zayd ibn Thabit and a team to produce an official standardized copy.
   • This copy was distributed to various Islamic regions, and all other unofficial versions were ordered to be burned to maintain uniformity.

Thus, while the Quran was revealed by God, it’s written preservation was a human effort carried out by the Prophet’s companions.

However, some non-Muslim scholars theorize that the Quran was influenced by per-Islamic traditions, Judaism, and Christianity. Despite these theories, the linguistic, historical, and literary uniqueness of the Quran remains unparalleled.

The Language of the Quran (Koran)

Arabic: The Language of the Quran

The Quran was revealed in Classical Arabic, a highly eloquent and poetic form of Arabic. Some key facts about its language include:

• Unmatched Eloquence: The Quran is considered the peak of Arabic literature.
• Preserved in Original Form: Unlike other religious texts, the Quran has remained unchanged since its revelation.
• Memorized by Millions: Even today, millions worldwide memorize the Quran in its original Arabic form.

The Arabic of the Quran is different from modern Arabic dialects, but it continues to be studied and understood by Arabic-speaking scholars and religious followers.

Common Misconceptions About the Quran’s Authorship

1. Did Prophet Muhammad Write the Quran?

No. Prophet Muhammad neither wrote nor compiled the Quran. He simply conveyed what was revealed to him by God.

2. Was the Quran Inspired by Other Scriptures?

While the Quran acknowledges past scriptures (Torah, Psalms, Gospel), We believe it is an independent divine revelation, not borrowed from earlier texts.

3. Has the Quran Been Changed Over Time?

No. Unlike the Bible or Torah, the Quran has remained unchanged since its revelation, supported by rigorous memorization and manuscript evidence.

Conclusion

The Quran originates from divine revelation, with Allah as its sole author and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the messenger through whom it was conveyed. It was recorded by the Prophet’s scribes during his lifetime and later compiled under the leadership of Caliph Abu Bakr and finalized under Caliph Uthman. Its unparalleled linguistic beauty, meticulous preservation, and profound influence on Islamic civilization make it one of the most significant religious texts in history.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the author of the Quran?

The Quran is the word of God (Allah) and not written by any human. Prophet Muhammad was the recipient of the revelation, not its author.

2. Did Prophet Muhammad write the Quran?

No, Prophet Muhammad did not write the Quran. He received the revelations orally from Angel Jibreel and conveyed them to his companions, who recorded them.

3. When was the Quran compiled into a book?

The Quran was compiled into a book form after the Prophet’s death, first under Caliph Abu Bakr and later standardized under Caliph Uthman.

4. What language is the Quran written in?

The Quran is written in Classical Arabic, a language known for its eloquence, linguistic precision, and poetic structure, which was highly revered in the Arabian Peninsula at the time of its revelation.

5. Has the Quran changed over time?

No, the Quran has remained unchanged since its revelation. Manuscripts and oral memorization ensure its preservation in its original form.

The Quran explicitly states that its author is Allah (God). Here are a few verses that affirm this:

Allah Declares Himself as the Author of the Quran

“Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran so that you may understand.”
(Quran 12:2)

“And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [Muhammad], then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful.”
(Quran 2:23)

“It is We who have revealed the Reminder (Quran), and indeed, We will be its guardian.”
(Quran 15:9)

Prophet Muhammad Was Not the Author

“Nor does he speak from [his own] desire. It is but a revelation sent down [to him].”
(Quran 53:3-4)

“Say, [O Muhammad], ‘It is not for me to change it on my own accord. I only follow what is revealed to me. Indeed, I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day.’”
(Quran 10:15)

These verses make it clear that Allah is the author of the Quran, and Prophet Muhammad was only the recipient and messenger of the divine revelation.

The American Islamic Outreach Foundation provides free copies of the Quran and Islamic pamphlets to help individuals learn more about Islam, its teachings, and beliefs. Whether you are curious about the faith, conducting research, or seeking a deeper understanding, you can request these resources at no cost.