Who Wrote the Quran? The Islamic Perspective is one of those questions so many people have about Islam. For Muslims, it’s very simple. They don’t believe that a human wrote the Quran. Rather, it’s considered the literal word of Allah, communicated to the Prophet Muhammad through Angel Gabriel.
To get this in full, you gotta read up on the history, how the revelations were carried out, and how the book has remained intact for over fourteen centuries. In this article, we’ll explore the story of the Quran, dispel some myths, and shed light on how important it is to Muslims around the world.
What is the Quran?
The Quran is the holy book of Islam. Muslims believe it is the last and final revelation of God’s words. It is written in Arabic and contains 114 chapters called surahs. Each surah is made up of verses known as ayahs. Unlike other texts, Muslims believe the Quran is timeless, perfect, and beyond human authorship.
The Quran is different from the Hadith. The Hadith is a record of the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. The Quran, on the other hand, is divine scripture. It is seen as a guide for humanity, covering matters of worship, law, morality, and life after death.
The Islamic Belief on the Origin of the Quran
Muslims believe the Quran came directly from Allah. It was not created by the Prophet Muhammad or any scholar. In fact, the Prophet himself was known to be unlettered, meaning he could not read or write. This belief strengthens the argument that the Quran could not have been authored by him.
According to Islamic teachings, the Quran was revealed over 23 years through Angel Gabriel. The Prophet Muhammad acted only as a messenger who received and passed on the revelation without change. Muslims see this as proof that the Quran is divine, not human-made.
The Revelation Process
The revelation of the Quran began in 610 CE. Prophet Muhammad was meditating in the Cave of Hira near Makkah. The first verses revealed were from Surah Al-Alaq, commanding him to “Read.” This marked the beginning of a life-long mission to spread the message of Islam.
The Quran was revealed in stages. Some verses dealt with faith and morality. Others addressed social justice, family laws, or community guidance. This gradual revelation helped people absorb and apply the teachings in their lives.
Preservation of the Quran
From the start, the Quran was memorized by the companions of the Prophet. These memorizers were known as Huffaz. Oral tradition was strong in Arab culture, and memorization ensured that no words were lost.
At the same time, verses were written on parchment, leather, and bones. After the Prophet’s death, the Caliphs Abu Bakr and later Uthman gathered the Quran into one complete book. Uthman made copies and sent them across the Muslim world. Today, all Qurans are identical, showing no change in the text.
Timeline of Quran Preservation
| Stage | Method | Key Person |
| During Prophet’s life | Oral memorization + writing on materials | Companions |
| After Prophet’s death | Compilation into one book | Caliph Abu Bakr |
| Standardization | Distribution of copies | Caliph Uthman |
Evidence Supporting the Islamic Claim
Muslims point to many forms of evidence to support the divine origin of the Quran. One of the strongest is historical. Ancient manuscripts such as the Birmingham Quran manuscript, carbon-dated to the 7th century, confirm the text matches today’s Quran.
Another piece of evidence is linguistic. The Quran’s style is unique and unmatched in Arabic literature. Scholars note that no poet or writer has been able to imitate its language or rhythm. This literary miracle is often seen as proof of its divine origin.
Types of Evidence
| Evidence Type | Example |
| Historical | Birmingham Manuscript |
| Linguistic | Inimitable Arabic style |
| Prophecies | Events later fulfilled |
| Scientific | Natural phenomena described |
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Some argue that Prophet Muhammad himself wrote the Quran. However, this is rejected in Islam. The Prophet was not trained in writing. Also, the depth of knowledge in the Quran goes beyond what was known in Arabia at the time.
Others claim that the Quran was copied from the Bible or Torah. Muslims reject this, pointing out major differences in stories and themes. For example, while the Bible describes prophets in sinful ways, the Quran presents them as role models of faith. This difference shows originality, not imitation.
The Quran’s Role in Muslim Life
The Quran is not only a book of history but a living guide. Muslims recite its verses daily in prayers. They also study its meanings to apply its wisdom in family, work, and society. For believers, it shapes every part of life.
It also serves as a legal foundation. Islamic law, known as Shariah, comes partly from the Quran. Rules about marriage, trade, justice, and morality are all rooted in its verses. This makes the Quran central to both personal faith and community life.
Role of Quran in Muslim Life
| Role | Example |
| Worship | Daily recitation in Salah |
| Law | Basis of Shariah rulings |
| Morality | Guidance on honesty, charity |
| Community | Unity and shared values |
The Quran’s Challenge to Humanity
The Quran makes a bold challenge to all people. It asks them to create even one chapter like it if they believe it was written by a human. This challenge has stood for more than 1400 years without success. Many poets and writers tried in early Islamic history, but none could match its style, depth, or impact.
This challenge is not only about words. It is also about wisdom, law, and guidance. The Quran speaks on faith, justice, and human nature in ways unmatched by other texts. For Muslims, this is clear proof that no man wrote the Quran.
The Quran and Historical Accuracy
The Quran speaks about past nations such as the people of Pharaoh, Aad, and Thamud. Later archaeological findings confirmed details that were unknown in Arabia at the time. For example, the Quran mentions Pharaoh’s body being preserved, and today, mummified remains are displayed in museums.
This accuracy adds weight to the claim that the Quran came from a divine source. If the Prophet Muhammad had written it, he could not have known such details. For Muslims, this harmony between history and revelation is evidence of its authenticity.
Scientific Hints in the Quran
The Quran contains verses about the natural world. It mentions the stages of human embryo development, the expanding universe, and the barrier between fresh and salt water. These are topics science only explained many centuries later.
Muslims believe these verses show that the Quran could not have come from human knowledge in the 7th century. While the Quran is not a science book, its accurate hints about nature strengthen the belief that it is the word of God.
The Quran’s Impact on Arabic Language
The Quran transformed the Arabic language. Before its revelation, Arabic poetry was admired for beauty and power. Yet, when the Quran was recited, even the best poets admitted it was beyond comparison. Its style introduced new expressions and set a standard that reshaped the language.
Today, classical Arabic is preserved mainly because of the Quran. Scholars, writers, and even non-Muslims agree that no other book has had such a lasting influence on one language. For Muslims, this is another sign of its divine origin.
The Quran’s Preservation Compared to Other Scriptures
When comparing scriptures, the Quran stands out for its preservation. The Bible, for example, exists in many versions, with differences between manuscripts. The Torah also faced changes over centuries. But the Quran, according to Muslims, has one unchanged text since its revelation.
Manuscripts from the first century of Islam confirm this. Modern copies match perfectly with those early texts. This consistency is rare in ancient writings and is used by Muslims as proof that the Quran could not have been altered by humans.
The Quran’s Role in Shaping Civilization
The Quran did not remain only a spiritual guide. It inspired entire civilizations. Its teachings shaped the laws, education, and culture of Muslim societies. Universities like Al-Qarawiyyin in Morocco, founded in the 9th century, grew from the Quranic focus on learning.
Science, mathematics, and medicine in the Islamic Golden Age were also influenced by Quranic encouragement to seek knowledge. For Muslims, this impact shows that the Quran’s wisdom extends far beyond personal faith into global human progress.
FAQs
Did Prophet Muhammad write the Quran?
No. Muslims believe he only delivered what was revealed to him by Allah through Angel Gabriel.
Has the Quran ever been changed?
No. From its revelation to today, the Quran has remained identical in wording across the world.
How was the Quran first recorded?
It was memorized by companions and written on parchment, stones, and bones before being compiled.
Is the Quran similar to the Bible?
Both share some prophets and stories, but the Quran has a unique style and different teachings.
Why is the Quran important for Muslims?
It guides prayer, law, morality, and daily life. It is seen as a source of wisdom and connection with God.
Conclusion
The question Who Wrote the Quran? The Islamic Perspective has one answer in Islam. The Quran is the eternal word of Allah, sent through Angel Gabriel to Prophet Muhammad. It was preserved by memorization, writing, and careful compilation. Historical manuscripts, linguistic uniqueness, and unchanged preservation all confirm this claim. For Muslims, the Quran is more than a book. It is a guide for life, worship, and morality. Fourteen centuries later, it remains the same, proving its place as a divine and universal message.
