SEJARAH PENULISAN AL-QUR'AN (PART 1)

Introduction

This tutorial explores the history of the writing of the Al-Qur'an, detailing the evolution from oral tradition to the formation of a complete mushaf. Understanding this history is essential for appreciating the significance of the Al-Qur'an in Islamic tradition and its meticulous preservation over time.

Step 1: Understanding the Oral Tradition

• The Al-Qur'an was primarily preserved through memorization during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
• The Prophet discouraged companions from writing down hadith to prevent mixing them with the verses of the Al-Qur'an.
• Individual companions maintained personal records of certain verses, using various materials such as:
  • Animal skins
  • Palm fronds
  • Bark of trees

Step 2: The First Compilation of the Mushaf

• The first formal compilation of the Al-Qur'an into a mushaf occurred during the caliphate of Abu Bakr ash-Shiddiq.
• This initiative was prompted by Umar ibn Khattab, who recognized the need for a written collection due to the deaths of many memorizers of the Qur'an in battle.
• The compilation was a crucial step in ensuring the preservation of the Al-Qur'an.

Step 3: The Role of Khalifah Utsman ibn Affan

• Further codification of the Al-Qur'an took place under Khalifah Utsman ibn Affan.
• This compilation is known as Rasm Utsmani, which established a standardized text.
• It was essential to create a uniform version to prevent discrepancies among different recitations.

Step 4: The Development of Diacritics and Vowel Marks

• In the time of Khalifah Utsman, the Arabic script used in the Al-Qur'an lacked diacritics (tashkeel) and vowel markings.
• The introduction of these marks occurred later to aid in pronunciation and clarity.
• Key points regarding the development of these markings:
  • The process was initiated to prevent misinterpretation of the text.
  • Specific individuals and authorities were responsible for instituting these changes.

Conclusion

The journey of the Al-Qur'an from oral tradition to a written mushaf is a testament to the dedication of early Muslims to preserving their sacred text. Future episodes will delve deeper into the introduction of punctuation and further developments in the writing of the Al-Qur'an. Understanding these historical milestones enhances our appreciation for the Al-Qur'an’s significance in Islam. For further exploration, consider watching the subsequent parts of this series.