Question
Assalam-alaikum,
Perhaps I should have been more specific. What information can you provide about the existence of the compilation of the Quran by the Prophet (pbuh) in book form? Up to what point in time did it exist for sure? Was it destroyed or lost? if so, when was it lost? Is this information based on “questionable” hadith? And any other pertinent information you can provide would be most assuredly apprecited.
Thank you very much.
Answer
The compilation of the Qur’an does not necessarily imply that it was bound in the form of a book as well. Neverthless, there is some information according to which a bound volume was also prepared and placed in the Prophet’s mosque. This volume, according to narratives, was in the custody of Abu Bak’r after the Prophet’s death and in the custody of Omar (ra) after Abu Bak’r (ra)’s death from where it was placed with Hafsa (ra).
The opinion that the Qur’an was compiled during the life of the Prophet (pbuh) is based on the Qur’an itself. It relates primarily to the arrangement of the text and the Surahs of the Qur’an.
The Qur’an was arranged in its present form by the Prophet (pbuh) under the guidance of the angel Gabriel and was memorized in this arrangement by many companions of the Prophet (pbuh) and was also recited in this arrangement in the prayers of the Muslims.
I hope this helps.