Chapter Four
Scriptural Preservation and Textual Integrity
A Journey of Revelation
Chapter 4:
Introduction
One of the key distinctions between the Qur’an and the previous scriptures is the manner and guarantee of their preservation. The Qur’an explicitly assures humanity of its protection, while the Biblical texts show historical evidence of textual alteration, loss, and variation due to human transmission.
The Qur’an as Preserved Revelation
God Almighty promises the preservation of the Qur’an in the clearest terms:
“Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder, and indeed, We will preserve it.”
Qur’an 15:9
The scholars understood this verse to signify God Almighty’s direct guarantee over the Qur’an’s textual integrity. Ibn Kathir (God Almighty be merciful to him) explains that this divine protection encompasses the wording, meaning, and arrangement of the Qur’an, distinguishing it from all previous scriptures.
The process of compilation during the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further ensured preservation. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (God Almighty be pleased with him), upon the death of those who had memorized the Qur’an in the Battle of Yamama, instructed the collection of all written fragments into a single mushaf (compiled into one) under the supervision of Zayd ibn Thabit (God Almighty be pleased with him). This compilation was later standardized under Caliph (ruler) Uthman (God Almighty be pleased with him) to ensure uniformity across the Muslim community.
Transmission in the Bible
The Biblical texts, while containing divine revelation, underwent transmission through human hands without a divine guarantee of preservation. The Qur’an itself states:
“And because of their breaking of the covenant, they altered words from their proper places.”
Qur’an 4:46
This verse, explained by Ibn Abbas (God Almighty be pleased with him), refers to the textual corruption introduced in the Torah and Injeel (Gospel) due to human interference. The scholars maintained that while some portions remained authentic, the textual integrity of earlier scriptures could not be guaranteed.
Biblical scholarship confirms variations in manuscripts, and verses are sometimes repeated, omitted, or rearranged. For example:
“These are the words of the LORD which he spoke to Moses…”
Exodus 20:1–21
Although Moses (peace be upon him) received divine commandments, their subsequent transmission included scribal errors, editorial changes, and interpretive insertions, which historians acknowledge as part of textual evolution.
Modes of Preservation
The Qur’an was preserved through **dual mechanisms**: memorization (Hifz) and written compilation (Mushaf). This combination was emphasized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“Recite the Qur’an as it is revealed to you, for recitation will be a witness for you on the Day of Judgment.”
Sahih Muslim, Hadith 804
This dual preservation ensured that every letter, word, and verse remained unchanged across generations. The scholars unanimously affirmed this method as unique and divinely protected.
In contrast, the Bible was preserved primarily through **manuscript copying**, without the divine guarantee of perfect transmission. Consequently, textual variants, translations, and human interpretations led to divergence across communities.
Scriptural Authority and Verification
The Qur’an explicitly judges previous scriptures, distinguishing authentic revelation from human addition:
“And We have revealed to you the Book in truth, confirming what came before it and as a guardian over it.”
Qur’an 5:48
The scholars understood “guardian over it” (muhaymin) as a divine role to maintain the integrity of the Qur’an and correct deviations in earlier scriptures.
Conclusion
The Qur’an’s preservation is unmatched: it has been protected both divinely and through careful human effort from the time of revelation to the present day. Earlier scriptures, while containing genuine revelation, suffered alterations and loss due to human transmission. Recognition of this distinction is essential for understanding the Qur’an’s role as the final, unaltered criterion of divine guidance.
Qur’anic translations reflect meanings transmitted by early mufassirun (scholars of understanding). Biblical citations are included for comparative purposes. Scholarly explanations are derived from the understanding early scholars of Islam and classical tafsir works.