Basic
History & Lessons
Surah: Al-Hijr (9)
Standardization of Mushaf Copies Under Uthman ibn Affan
إِنَّا نَحۡنُ نَزَّلۡنَا ٱلذِّكۡرَ وَإِنَّا لَهُۥ لَحَٰفِظُونَ
— الحجر الآية 9
Cause:
During Uthman's reign (25 AH), Islam spread widely and differences in recitation arose among armies in distant regions, threatening discord. Hudhaifa ibn al-Yaman urged Uthman to standardize the copies.
Steps Taken:
During Uthman's reign (25 AH), Islam spread widely and differences in recitation arose among armies in distant regions, threatening discord. Hudhaifa ibn al-Yaman urged Uthman to standardize the copies.
Steps Taken:
- Retrieved the sheets from Hafsa and appointed a committee led by Zaid ibn Thabit.
- Copied the Quran in a script capable of representing the accepted variant readings.
- Sent an official copy to each major city with a teacher.
- Ordered all other unofficial sheets burned.
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari (4987); Al-Suyuti, Al-Itqan (1/173); Al-Zarqani (1/263)
Test Yourself
What is the difference between Abu Bakr's and Uthman's compilations?
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