اصحابِ صحابہؓ: تدوینِ قرآن کے تناظر میں ایک تنقیدی مطالعہ

Abstract

This study critically examines the personal codices (Muṣḥaf) attributed to the Companions of
the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in the context of the compilation and preservation of the Qur’an. These codices
refer to complete written collections of the Qur’an maintained by individual Companions,
rather than partial writings of a few verses. During the Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم lifetime, revelations were
both memorized and recorded on various materials such as parchment, leaves, bones, and
stones. Prominent scribes, including Zayd ibn Thabit and Abu ibn Ka‘b, meticulously
transcribed the Qur’an, while other Companions maintained personal copies according to
their capacity and convenience. The research highlights the diversity among these personal
codices, including variations in verse arrangement, calligraphy, brief explanatory notes, and
readings, as well as occasional differences in nasikh and mansukh (abrogated) verses. Despite
these variations, the essential Qur’anic text remained consistent. Following the Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم
passing, Abu Bakr ensured a unified compilation, which was later standardized during Caliph
ʿUthmān’s reign to prevent discrepancies across the Muslim community. Personal codices
attributed to various Companions, such as ʿAlī, ʿUbayy ibn Ka‘b, and ʿAbdullah ibn Mas‘ūd,
either influenced this standardization or were subsequently set aside. This study also addresses
historical misconceptions raised by Orientalists regarding the destruction of non-standard
codices, emphasizing that the standardization process was based on consensus among the
Companions and preserved the Qur’an’s integrity. By analyzing the content, historical context,
and significance of these codices, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the
early transmission and compilation of the Qur’an, illustrating the crucial role of the
Companions in safeguarding its text.