Revisiting Orientalist Narratives: A Historical Critique of Scholarship on Qur’anic Authenticity

Abstract

Purposes— This article aims to analyze the process of compilation and preservation of the Qur'an from the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) until the codification under Caliph ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan. It also seeks to address Orientalist critiques of this process through historical and rational approaches.

Design/methods— The research employs a literature review methodology. It examines classical Islamic works by scholars such as Manna‘ al-Qaththān, al-Suyuthi, and al-Zarkasyi, alongside the critical viewpoints of prominent Orientalists: Arthur Jeffery, John Wansbrough, and Michael Zwettler.

Findings— The study finds that the preservation of the Qur'an during the Prophet’s era was maintained through two mutually reinforcing channels: memorization (qirā’ah) and written documentation (rasm). The subsequent codification under Caliph Abu Bakr was rigorously conducted with witness verification, while Caliph ‘Uthman’s standardization of the mushaf effectively prevented significant recitation variations. In contrast, Orientalist critiques often rely on philological and textual criticism models derived from Biblical studies, which overlook the unique and robust Islamic tradition of mass memorization (mutawātir transmission). The study concludes that the Qur'an's authenticity is historically and scientifically verifiable, effectively refuting Orientalist claims about an incomplete mushaf. The implications underscore the critical importance of preserving the traditions of sanad (chain of transmission) and qirā’āt (recitations) as authoritative evidence for the Qur'an’s integrity against contemporary academic challenges.