Which statement about the Qur’an is true? It is a collection of Muhammad’s prophecies. It written in both Arabic and Hebrew. It was compiled after Muhammad’s death. It is a book that Muslims follow only during specific religious events.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: It was compiled after Muhammad’s death.
Explanation:
The Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, is regarded as the direct word of Allah (God) revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of 23 years, beginning in 610 CE. These revelations were delivered in Arabic through the Angel Gabriel and were originally memorized and written down by Muhammad’s companions during his lifetime. However, the Qur’an was not formally compiled into a single, unified text until after Muhammad’s death in 632 CE.
After Muhammad’s passing, there was concern that parts of the Qur’an could be lost as many of those who had memorized it (known as hafiz) were passing away, particularly during battles. Under the caliphate of Abu Bakr, the first caliph and Muhammad’s successor, the decision was made to collect the Qur’anic verses. This task was entrusted to Zayd ibn Thabit, one of Muhammad’s scribes. Zayd gathered the verses from various written materials, such as parchment, bones, and palm leaves, as well as from the memories of the companions.
Later, during the caliphate of Uthman, the third caliph, discrepancies in recitations of the Qur’an were noticed among different regions. To ensure uniformity and prevent errors, Uthman ordered the preparation of an official, standardized version of the Qur’an. This version was distributed to key Islamic centers, and all other versions were destroyed to preserve consistency.
The Qur’an is written exclusively in Arabic, which Muslims regard as the language of divine revelation. Unlike some religious texts, it is not restricted to specific events or occasions but is followed as a comprehensive guide for all aspects of life. Its teachings encompass worship, morality, law, and social relations, making it central to the daily lives of Muslims worldwide.