14 Versions of the Quran!
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Peace Everyone peace
Here is an Arabic site that has 14 Qir'at (versions) of the Quran (Pdf versions)
http//audio.islamweb.net/audio/index.php?page=rewayatIf you don't know already, the two most popular versions of the Quran today are the Hafs and Warsh versions.
Today, the Hafs prevails against the Warsh version, but as seen by a small research done by Brother Layth, in comparing/contasting the Hafs/Warsh Versions with an older manuscript (Gold Koran goldkoran.mse.jhu.edu/), we see that the Hafs version only matched with 32% of the verses compared, while the Warsh version produced a 53% match with the Gold Quran. (see the article http//www.free-minds.org/sites/default/files/WhichQuran.pdf)If you look at the dates of the so called 7 authoritative "readers/transmission", we see that the earliest Quran readings are Ibn
Amir (from Basra; d. 118/736) and Ibn Kathir (from Mecca; d. 119/737). (Their Versions are al-Bazzi/Qunbul #19 & 28, and Hisham/Ibn Dhakwan #26&27 on the first website i cited before) The Most Popular versions today (The Hafs and Warsh versions) actually came after them, Hafs being transmitted by Abu BakrAsim (from Kufah; d. 158/77 and Warsh being transmitted by Nafi` (from Medina; d. 169/785) (i.e some 3+ decades later )Nafi
(from Medina; d. 169/785) (Warsh & Qaloon) Ibn Kathir (from Mecca; d. 119/737) (al-Bazzi and Qunbul) AbuAmr al-Ala' (from Damascus; d. 153/770) (Alduri & Alsuri) IbnAmir (from Basra; d.118/736) (Hisham & ibn Dhakwan)
Hamzah (from Kufah; d. 156/772) (Khalaf & Khallad)
al-Qisa'i (from Kufah; d. 189/804) (Alduri & abulharith)
Abu Bakr `Asim (from Kufah; d. 158/778) (Haf & ibn iAyyash)
(Cyril Glass?, The Concise Encyclopedia of Islam, p. 324)
(see http//answering-islam.org/Green/seven.htmThere is also books written about the differences see
"The Readings and Rhythm of the Uthman (Qur'anic) Manuscript".
"Making Easy the Readings of What Has Been Sent Down" by Muhammad Fahd Khaaruun Can be purchased in Arabic )http//www.neelwafurat.com/itempage.aspx?id=lbb136244-96455&search=booksOther resources include
Studies in Two Transmissions of the Quran (hafs & Warsh)
http//www.scribd.com/doc/21972348/Studies-in-Two-Transmissions-of-the-Qur-an-by-Adrian-Alan-Brockett
THE DIFFERENT ARABIC VERSIONS OF THE QUR'AN
http//answering-islam.org/Green/seven.htmMy Question is, Should we study the Earlier transmittions of the Quran(i.e Ibn `Amir & Ibn Kathir)?
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Thank you
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Peace peace
Here is a Quote about Qira'at versions of readings of the QuranThe frequency of occurence of the reading of Abu Amr in the below list of manuscripts is interesting. Until recently, this was the most commonly used reading in large parts of Somalia, Sudan and other parts of Central Africa. But in the medieval times it was much more widespread , to the extent that Ibn al-Jazari (d. 833 / 1429) informs that it was the main reading used in his day in Egypt and Africa. Before him, this reading was also a preferred reading of the famous 3rd century Shafii jurist Ibn Surayj (d. 306 / 91, as it was also of Ibn Mujhid (d. 324 / 936), the author of the Kitb al-Saba. Adrian Brockett observes that there is no shortage of manuscripts from earlier centuries especially from Egypt, in the transmission of Abu Amr. This reading had been steadily displaced from early 19th century by the printing-press, and has never itself been printed.
http//www.islamic-awareness.org/Quran/Text/Mss/qirmans.html
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Peace Everyone peace
Here is an Arabic site that has 14 Qir'at (versions) of the Quran (Pdf versions)
http//audio.islamweb.net/audio/index.php?page=rewayatIf you don't know already, the two most popular versions of the Quran today are the Hafs and Warsh versions.
Today, the Hafs prevails against the Warsh version, but as seen by a small research done by Brother Layth, in comparing/contasting the Hafs/Warsh Versions with an older manuscript (Gold Koran goldkoran.mse.jhu.edu/), we see that the Hafs version only matched with 32% of the verses compared, while the Warsh version produced a 53% match with the Gold Quran. (see the article http//www.free-minds.org/sites/default/files/WhichQuran.pdf)If you look at the dates of the so called 7 authoritative "readers/transmission", we see that the earliest Quran readings are Ibn
Amir (from Basra; d. 118/736) and Ibn Kathir (from Mecca; d. 119/737). (Their Versions are al-Bazzi/Qunbul #19 & 28, and Hisham/Ibn Dhakwan #26&27 on the first website i cited before) The Most Popular versions today (The Hafs and Warsh versions) actually came after them, Hafs being transmitted by Abu BakrAsim (from Kufah; d. 158/77 and Warsh being transmitted by Nafi` (from Medina; d. 169/785) (i.e some 3+ decades later )Nafi
(from Medina; d. 169/785) (Warsh & Qaloon) Ibn Kathir (from Mecca; d. 119/737) (al-Bazzi and Qunbul) AbuAmr al-Ala' (from Damascus; d. 153/770) (Alduri & Alsuri) IbnAmir (from Basra; d.118/736) (Hisham & ibn Dhakwan)
Hamzah (from Kufah; d. 156/772) (Khalaf & Khallad)
al-Qisa'i (from Kufah; d. 189/804) (Alduri & abulharith)
Abu Bakr `Asim (from Kufah; d. 158/77 (Haf & ibn iAyyash)
(Cyril Glass?, The Concise Encyclopedia of Islam, p. 324)
(see http//answering-islam.org/Green/seven.htmThere is also books written about the differences see
"The Readings and Rhythm of the Uthman (Qur'anic) Manuscript".
"Making Easy the Readings of What Has Been Sent Down" by Muhammad Fahd Khaaruun Can be purchased in Arabic )http//www.neelwafurat.com/itempage.aspx?id=lbb136244-96455&search=booksOther resources include
Studies in Two Transmissions of the Quran (hafs & Warsh)
http//www.scribd.com/doc/21972348/Studies-in-Two-Transmissions-of-the-Qur-an-by-Adrian-Alan-Brockett
THE DIFFERENT ARABIC VERSIONS OF THE QUR'AN
http//answering-islam.org/Green/seven.htmMy Question is, Should we study the Earlier transmittions of the Quran(i.e Ibn `Amir & Ibn Kathir)?
Peace
Now purified one is availableand has this proof
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THE COMPILATION OF THE QURAN
By Joseph Islam (quransmessage.com)Despite the controversy generated by Islamic historical sources, from a Quranic analysis it appears that the complete Quran was fully transcribed, compiled and committed to writing during the life of the Prophet.
From the Quran?s perspective (without question the most reliable historical source contemporaneous to the time of the Prophet), the position that a later copy had to be collated / compiled by the companions of the Prophet seems untenable.
If one accepts the testimony of the Quran, all debates surrounding the Quran being committed to writing later by the Caliphs, or the burning of certain copies, or to its insinuated redaction, missing verses, political motives, or the idea of companions writing it on leaves, animals skins or debris parchments become futile.
THE QURAN WAS PUT TOGETHER BY GOD?S DECREE DURING THE LIFETIME OF THE PROPHET
025.032
?And those who disbelieve say Why is the Quran not revealed to him all at once? (It is revealed) thus that We may strengthen thy heart there with; and We have arranged it in right order (Arabic Ratalnahu tartila)?
There are some key terms here that enhance understanding and context.
(illustration)
The phrase ?Ratalnahu tartila? clearly denotes the well constructed action of putting together of component parts into one integral whole endowing the complete scripture with an ?airtight? inner consistency devoid of errors. Further usage of this term is discussed in the next section.
This response must be understood in the pretext of the charge being made against the Prophet in the same verse.
The disbelievers ask, ?Why is the Quran not revealed to him all at once?? i.e. as one integral unit (Jumlatan Wahida). Regardless of the obvious charge of the polemics of Islam at the time of the Prophet with this statement which hints at a Prophet of God revealing verses to suit certain conditions, the Quran?s statement clearly denies the insinuations and admits to a well planned and arranged structure despite its piecemeal revelation.
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"Move not thy tongue concerning the (Quran) to make haste with it. It is for Us to collect it and to promulgate it"
The above verse clearly states the purpose of God to collect it (The Quran) / put together and then to order its recitation.
HE QURAN WAS PUT TOGETHER BY THE PROPHET HIMSELF BY GOD'S DECREE
Many English translations completely misrepresent the essence of verse 734 stating that the Prophet is being asked to recite the Quran in slow measured tones or chant it in a manner that it should be chanted.
Let us note the Arabic carefully.
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"...and arrange (Arabic Wa-rattili) the Quran in its arrangement (Arabic Tartilan)"
Both the words rattilli and tartilan are formed of the same root word RA-TA-LAM which means to put something in order, to make even or well arranged/set together, to make correct or to put in the right state of arrangement.
We noted similar uses of the word in verse 2532 which connects with the verse above. Therefore the arrangement of the Quran was not only put together in the lifetime of the Prophet, but by the Prophet himself by God's decree and under the Prophet's supervision.
Whether this 'arrangement' is being instructed as a requirement during any recitation the Prophet may have made (as common translations seem to imply by the mention of 'chanting', the fact that an arrangement is being clearly instructed as an action on behalf of the Prophet is difficult to dispute.
Furthermore, the above verse provides strong indication of the Quran's initial stages of revelation supported by a process of early arrangement as the next verse confirms.
073.005
Indeed, We will cast upon you a heavy/weighty Word (Arabic Qawlan thaqilan)Therefore, the Quran at the point of verse 734 is still in its infancy and the Prophet would be ultimately charged with a 'weighty' word from God completed during the lifetime of his ministry (735). As the process of proper arrangement would be a continuous exercise working in tandem with revelation, it is clear that by the time of its completion, the Quran would also be fully arranged in a perfected order.
THE RELIGION WAS COMPLETED DURING THE LIFETIME OF THE PROPHET
In the famous verse of Surah Maida (Chapter 5), often quoted with reference to the favour bestowed by 'perfecting the Deen', one must ask the obvious question as to how it was possible to complete a ?Deen? (a system / religion) without the bedrock of instructions formulated and referenced by scripture? One must therefore posit the possible conclusion that for a 'Deen' to be complete, the scripture must have taken its final form.
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?Forbidden to you (for food) are dead meat, blood, the flesh of swine, and that on which hath been invoked the name of other than God; that which hath been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by being gored to death; that which hath been (partly) eaten by a wild animal; unless ye are able to slaughter it (in due form); that which is sacrificed on stone (altars); (forbidden) also is the division (of meat) by raffling with arrows that is impiety. This day have those who reject faith given up all hope of your religion yet fear them not but fear Me. This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But if any is forced by hunger, with no inclination to transgression, God is indeed Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful?
THE QURAN WAS WRITTEN DOWN BY NOBLE SCRIBES AT THE TIME OF THE PROPHET
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"(It is) in sheets / pages held (greatly) in honour (Arabic fi suhufin mukarrama), Exalted (in dignity), kept pure and holy (Arabic marfu'atin mutahhara), (Written) by the hands of scribes. (Arabic bi'aydi safara), honourable and pious and just (Arabic kiramin barara)"
Illustration - Joseph Islam
An analysis of key terms
Source Edward Lanes Lexicon
Other Quranic references also strengthen this position
068.001
Nun. By the Pen and the (Record) which (men) write,-
096.001-5
?Read in the name of your Lord Who created. He created man from a clot. Read and your Lord is Most Honourable, Who taught (to write) with the pen. Taught man what he knew not?
098.002-3
?A messenger from God, reciting purified pages. Wherein are laws (or decrees) right and straight?
025.005
?And they say The stories of the ancients - he has got them written - so these are read out to him morning and evening?
Note that albeit an accusation of plagiarism is being made by the disbelievers against the Prophet, there is more than an allusion that the Quran was already committed (being committed) to written form. See related article A Deeper Look at the Word 'Iktatabaha'
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE QURAN'S PROTECTION WAS WITH GOD NOT MAN
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?We have, without doubt, sent down the Message; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)?
THE QURAN LEGITIMISES ITS OWN STUDY
The Quran clearly states with regards itself that
It is a clear proof (6157)
That it is a book in which its verses are explained in detail (413)
It is a manifest light (4252)
That it fully explains to mankind in all kinds of ways and similitudes (3927;1789;1854
Readers are asked to ?tadabur? on the Quran (Ponder, reflect, study ardently till the matter is completely clear) and follow it in strict terms
Source Edward Lanes Lexicon
Think, meditate, endeavour to understand it, research it and study it repeatedly in order to know it.
023.068
? Do they not ponder (Arabic Tadaburu) over the Word (of God), or has anything (new) come to them that did not come to their fathers of old??047.024
?Do they not then earnestly seek to understand the Quran (Arabic Tadabaruna), or are their hearts locked up by them??Illustration - Joseph Islam
See also 482, 3829
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?We know best what they say; and you are not one to overawe them by force. So admonish with the Quran such as fear My Warning!?
FINAL THOUGHTS
It is clear from many references that the Quran has a simple message, that it is an unambiguous scripture and that all humankind is invited to reflect, ponder and meditate on its verses. The Quran is not merely restricted to man appointed ?specialists? or 'clergy' that can potentially guide the text to fit their own motives. Rather, it is a duty for all to seek and extract its core and peripheral messages. There is clearly more than a tacit allusion that there exists a divine legitimacy to study the Quran for oneself through the consistency of the primary text itself.
From the Quran?s own consistency and message, it seems clear that the Quran took its final written form including its collation during the time of the Prophet. It was the written and oral transmission working in tandem which most likely assisted in its preservation.
Please note the following comment by Dr. Adrian Alan Brockett and his view after conducting a comprehensive study of the Hafs and Warsh transmissions of the Quran.
"...Thus, if the Qur'an had been transmitted only orally for the first century, sizeable variations between texts such as in the hadith and pre-Islamic poetry would be found, and if it had been transmitted only in writing, sizeable variations such as those in different transmissions of the original document of the Constitution of Medina would be found. But neither is the case with the Qur'an. There must have been a parallel written transmission limiting variation in the oral transmission to the graphic form, side by side with a parallel oral transmission preserving the written transmission from corruption. The oral transmission of the Qur'an was essentially static, rather than organic. There was a single text, and nothing, not even allegedly abrogated material, could be taken out, nor anything be put in..."
REFERENCES
LANE. E.W, Edward Lanes Lexicon, Williams and Norgate 1863; Librairie du Liban Beirut-Lebanon 1968, Volume 4, Page 1370
Highlights marked in red on the lexicon excerpt are my own insertions. They have no bearing on the original text other than they emphasise relevance to the topic at hand. These are merely illustrations and have solely been utilised for educational and explanatory purposes.
Ibid., Volume 3, Page 844
BROCKETT. A.A, Studies in Two Transmissions of the Quran, University of St. Andrews, Department of Arabic Studies, Ph.D. thesis 1984, Chapter Conclusion, Page 142
To read the entire article, please visit
http//quransmessage.com/articles/the%20compilation%20of%20the%20quran%20FM3.htm
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Salam all
thanks Youssuf for sharingfrom the website you sited above
What the above means is that the Qur'an has come to us through many transmitted versions. You cannot recite or read the Qur'an except through one of these versions. Each version has its own chain of narrators (isnad) like a hadith. There are more versions than those listed above but they are not considered authentic because their chain of narration is considered weak. Not all of these versions are printed or used today, but several are. We will now compare two of them.
this claim we found everywhere - it's contradict the quran!
when we look at the article from musbashir, (thank you), it seems clear from the quran itself, this claim is false.. so then what we read today, is it then really the quran what AllAh give to Muhammad???
there are two possible answers yes - it's the same and the differents are not much and not important
no- it's not the same but the differents are not much and not importantwhat we know, that the different spellings etc. not touch the meaning.
But interesting, that we found this 19 stuff, what show us, that probably we don't have today the ORIGINAL. and confirmed at the same time that the koran was written completly and exactly THE TIME OF MUHAMMAD by noble writers.(but if we accept the 19 as a sign to show wher is the truth, then the door for manipulation and claims (to remove verses) is wide open... -) tempt
Brother Hafeez make a very good statement here http//free-minds.org/forum/index.php?topic=8055.msg308435#new
salam