Who wrote the Quran? Introduction
Who wrote the Quran? Many people ask this question as they search for a deeper grasp of Islam’s holy book. When you learn how the earliest Muslims recorded the Quran, you see the Prophet Muhammad’s commitment and his companions’ devotion. In this article, we examine the first scribes, the materials they used, and why their efforts still matter. By understanding who wrote the Quran, you will appreciate its authenticity and the importance of preserving every verse.
Who Wrote the Quran: The Early Scribes in Makkah
In Makkah, the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) brought the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He memorized each new verse, then recited these verses to trusted followers. Meanwhile, he chose skilled writers to record them. One of the earliest scribes in Makkah was Abdullah ibn Sa’d ibn Abi Sarh, who focused on accurate transcription.
Abdullah ibn Sa’d ibn Abi Sarh once left Islam, yet he later returned during the Conquest of Makkah. Afterward, he served under Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) by overseeing Egypt and leading successful campaigns in North Africa. His life shows how repentance can spark meaningful contributions.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) valued education. He freed some prisoners from the Battle of Badr if they taught reading and writing to Muslim children. Consequently, this policy increased literacy among early Muslims and highlighted the urgent need to preserve revelation. Writing the Quran was more than a chore; it was a serious responsibility that protected God’s words.
Who Wrote the Quran in Madinah
After the Hijrah (migration) to Madinah, the Prophet (peace be upon him) continued receiving revelations. He dictated them to scribes who specialized in writing. Ubayy ibn Ka’b (may Allah be pleased with him), a respected member of the Ansar, played a major role in Madinah. Because of his strong faith and skill, he helped safeguard new Quranic verses. He also participated in key events like the battles of Badr and Uhud.
Ubayy ibn Ka’b often wrote these verses alongside Zayd ibn Thabit, another dedicated scribe who contributed to future compilations. Whenever Ubayy was busy, Zayd stepped in to handle the Prophet’s dictation. Impressed by Ubayy’s diligence, the Prophet once told him that Allah wanted the Prophet to recite Surat al-Bayyinah to him. Touched by this honor, Ubayy wept with joy.
By pairing oral recitation with written notes, these scribes protected the Quran for future generations. Their teamwork remains a crucial part of understanding who wrote the Quran in Madinah, and it still inspires Muslims everywhere.
Materials Used to Write the Quran
In the seventh century, Arabs had limited access to paper. As a result, scribes used different materials to record the Quran, reflecting their dedication to every verse. They wrote on:
- Palm Stalks (Kranif or Asf): Dried and flattened for a basic writing surface
- Leather (Adim): Treated animal hides fit for inscription
- Flat Stones (Lakhaf): Sturdy and easier to transport
- Shoulder Blades (Aktaf): Large bones from camels or sheep, dried for writing
- Wooden Boards (Aqtal): Light planks that held multiple verses
The Prophet (peace be upon him) routinely asked scribes to bring a shoulder blade and ink when new verses arrived. Furthermore, early Muslims compared what they wrote with what others memorized, which strengthened the Quran’s accuracy.
