THE QUR’AN: BETWEEN ABU ZAYD AND THE MUSHAF (ARABIC)

Abstract

This paper is inspired by the work of Nasr Hamid Abu Zayd (d. 2010) and inquires whether the extant text of the Qur??n (mu??af) is identical to the Qur??n of the divine “preserved tablet” (al-law? al-ma?f??). Dr. Ali Mabrouk finds within Islamic tradition itself evidence against such a correspondence and, furthermore, that the “human factor” played an important role in giving shape to the current qur??nic text after the death of the Prophet Mu?ammad. The paper cites traditions ascribed to the Companions of Mu?ammad, demonstrating differences in the number and order of s?rahs, as well as the number of verses and words. In conclusion, the paper asks if the cited differences and the lack of correspondence means that Mu?ammad considered the Qur??n an open and continuing discourse.