- Messages
- 48
- Reaction score
- 476
- Points
- 63
(a) Give an account of how the Qur’an developed into book form. [10]
Candidates should give a detailed account of how the Qur’an was collected, mentioning that
it was revealed, was written on bone and leaves and subsequently collated. They should also
be able to mention the names of the people involved in the process. The order of the answer
and accuracy will determine the levels.
Candidates could mention the revelation was received by the Prophet Muhammad from the
Angel Jibril aurally as he could not read or write. They could also mention how the
companions of the Prophet would write verses they heard from the Prophet onto pieces of
animal skin and parts of bone. Candidates should also mention what happened after the
Prophet’s death, that it was suggested by ‘Umar to Abu Bakr that the verses be collected
after many of the recitors of the Qur’an had died in the battle of Yamamah. At first Abu Bakr
was hesitant to do something the Prophet had not done, but then asked the companion Zaid
ibn Thabit to collect the various parts.
The collected parts stayed in the possession of Abu Bakr. When he died, ‘Umar had them
and after his death, they remained with Umar’s daughter, Hafsah. It was this collection that
was used by the Caliph ‘Uthman to compile them into one book which was sent around the
various parts of the expanding Muslim world. Candidates should relate this story with details
of what happened during ‘Uthman’s time for him to order the distribution of the Qur’an.
(b) What is the significance to Muslims today of having the Qur’an in the form of a book?[4]
Candidates could mention that having the Qur’an in book form ensures a standard copy.
Having a standardised copy also lessens the likelihood of it being reproduced with mistakes.
They could also mention that if the Qur’an had not been collected into book form, parts may
have been lost. It also suggests unity between Muslims, e.g. they use the same book, they
read it in its original language even if that language is not their own. The practical benefits
include that copies can be carried by individuals, and referred to with ease. To achieve
higher levels candidates must refer to the relevance of the Qur’an to people’s lives today,
how it is used in their daily lives.
Candidates can be credited for mentioning other points not mentioned above as long as they
are relevant and insightful.
