Compilation of the Quran!
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Here is evidence from Quran which will prove that the Quran was available in the book form during the lifetime of the prophet.
The Quran has used the word <Kitab 'book' for itself at so many places. Scattered written sheets of paper are never called a book. A book is a treatise written on a number of sheets which are fastened together. After 'Sura Fateha' the opening chapter, the Quranic text begins with the following verse-
"Here is the book, in it there is no ambiguity, uncertainty or psychological complex. It is a guidance to those who save themselves from the consequences of going against the Divine laws." (21)
At hundreds of other places the Quran has called itself a book in different contexts. The Quran is a book which is a collection of various "Sura" chapters. Thus in support of the truth contained therein, the Quran challenges the vain-glorious opponents of the prophet who doubted the revelation of the Quran and said that he (Muhammad) composed the verses himself, in the following words
'Or do they say, "He forged it"? Say "Bring then a Sura like onto it." (103
"Or they may say, "He forged it". Say, "Bring you then ten Suras forged like unto it." (1113)
Again it is repeated
""Say "If the whole of mankind both civilised and uncivilised were to gather together to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like thereof, even if they backed up each other with help and support." (178
Thus the whole world is challenged to produce a book like this and it has not been able to produce one. Its beauty, standard and purity is a proof by itself that it is a book revealed by Allah and compiled by one to whom it was revealed.
The Quran is a book which was not only written but also rehearsed side by side with its gradual descent. Thus it is said
"Recite from the book what has been revealed to you." (2945)
"And recite (and teach) what has been revealed to thee of the book of thy Rabb None can change His words." (1827)
But in spite of all this, when the non-believers persisted in their opposition to the Quran, they were questioned in the following words
"Is it not enough for them that We have sent down to thee the book which is rehearsed to them?" (2951)
Again it is said
"Or have you a book through which you learn?" (6837)
"Shall I seek for judge other than God? When it is He Who has sent unto you the book explained in detail." (6114)
"This is the book whose verses are explained in detail (so that there remains no ambiguity); a Quran whose language is clear and explicit for men of knowledge." (413)
Thus the Quran is preserved in the form of a book and only those people can be benefited by it who have a clean and unbiased mind, free from prejudice and fixed notions.
"Furthermore I call to witness the location of the heavenly bodies and that indeed is a mighty witness if you but know that this is indeed the Quran, which benefits humanity by raising its stature without lowering its dignity, in a book well guarded which none shall touch (or be benefited) but those who are clean (in body, mind, thought and attention); a revelation from the Sustainer of the universe." (5675-80)
The Quran describes further the distinctive marks of the scribes who used to write the Quran in the presence of Muhammad. Thus it is said
?Nay but it (the Quran) is indeed a message of instruction. Therefore let whoso will, keep it in remembrance that it is in papers held in great honour, exalted (in dignity), kept pure and holy, (written) by the hands of scribes, honourable, pious and just." (8011-16)
It is abundantly clear from the above verses that the Quran was dictated, as soon as it is was revealed to the prophet, to the scribes who were honourable, pious and just. Thus the question of any addition, alteration or invention does not arise. This also indicates that the verses of the book had a regular order and sequence, so they could be rehearsed by the prophet and his followers.
The practice of learning the Quran by heart was prevalent during the days of prophet and still continues from the last 14 centuries. This is a clear proof that the verses of the Quran were already arranged in a given order and sequence during the time of the prophet himself in a book form. The prophet used to dictate the revealed verses to his companions immediately after they were revealed and this become a regular practice.
Then comes the great proclamation
"We have, without doubt, sent down the message and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)." (159)
Again it is said
"..Indeed it is a book of exalted power (whose prescribed way of life is bound to dominate). No falsehood can approach it, from before or behind it (i.e., openly or secretly). It is sent down by One full of wisdom and worthy of praise." (4141-42)
Thus the Quranic text has been guarded eternally from corruptions, inventions and accretions, even if the whole world is bent upon destroying it.
To allege that the Quran, after it was revealed, was left uncared for, in a haphazard manner, scattered on pieces of stones, bones and leaves etc is a blasphemy. In the words of the Quran itself-
(1) It is not a forged book.
(2) It is a confirmation of the revelation which went before it and is a criterion of differentiation between right and wrong.
(3) It places things related to human problems in an orderly manner, in correct perspective and in exact proportion.
(4) It is a book which discloses hidden realities of life.
(5) It is a constructive book.
(6) It is a book whose code of life promotes preservation, stability, growth and manifestation of human personality as well as society.
(7) It is a book which explains itself.
8 It is not poetry (false, futile, and imaginary description).
(9) It is a book whose laws are based on permanent values.
Can a revealed book of this standard which, according to the Quran itself, was dictated gradually and in bits, simultaneous with its revelation, to the most honourable and pious scribes who were men of great integrity and then copied, learnt by heart and rehearsed daily by a large number of believers, and whose safety Allah took upon Himself, be said to have been left uncared for?