The جمع و کتابتِ قرآن: عہدِ نبوی کی روایات، نولدیکے کے نظریات اور جدید محققین (2020–2025) کا تقابلی مطالعہ

A critical review

Abstract

The compilation of the Qur’an has been one of the most debated topics in Islamic history, with differing opinions on when and how it was collected. Some scholars argue that the Qur’an was compiled during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ under his supervision, while others believe that this process took place after his passing, particularly during the caliphates of Abu Bakr or Uthman. Orientalists have also contributed to this discourse, among whom the German orientalist Theodor Nöldeke is particularly noteworthy.

In his doctoral dissertation, The History of the Qur’an, Nöldeke examined the origins of the Qur’an, its gradual revelation, and the process of its compilation. He asserted that the Qur’an was not systematically compiled during the Prophet’s lifetime but rather in later periods. He also discussed the role of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the standardization of the Qur’anic text, and the stages of its oral and written collection.

This study critically examines Theodor Nöldeke’s views on the compilation of the Qur’an, analyzing his historical methodology, scholarly arguments, and orientalist perspective. The research further assesses the credibility of his claims in light of Islamic historical sources, while also incorporating the views of modern scholars (2020–2025) who have revisited the subject with fresh methodologies and critical insights. Moreover, the study highlights the historical process of Qur’anic writing during the Prophet’s lifetime, the arrangement of verses and chapters under divine guidance, and the broader implications of these findings for understanding the authenticity and preservation of the Qur’an.