🔥 Examination: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light

14.8. Conclusion

1. The Qur'an explicitly states its own preservation (15:9).
2. The claims of "lost Surahs" are baseless, lacking any historical or textual evidence.
3. Differences in dialects or interpretations do not imply corruption but demonstrate the depth of Islamic scholarship.
4. Both Sunni and Shia scholars affirm the completeness of the Qur'an.
5. Alleged "lost verses" are weak narrations or misinterpretations, not credible evidence.

The Qur'an remains the preserved Word of Allah, as promised by Him. Any claims otherwise lack scholarly and historical credibility. The conclusion regarding the preservation and authenticity of the Qur'an draws together the overwhelming evidence from the Qur'an itself, Hadiths, historical records, and scholarly consensus, decisively refuting claims of missing verses, lost Surahs, or textual corruption. This conclusion reaffirms the fundamental Islamic belief that the Qur'an remains intact, unaltered, and divinely protected as Allah promised. The Qur'an explicitly guarantees its preservation in multiple verses. Allah declares:

This assurance is not an abstract promise but one that has been historically manifested through the meticulous efforts of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his companions, and subsequent generations of Muslims. The oral and written traditions of Qur'anic preservation are unparalleled, ensuring that no text has been added, omitted, or altered since its revelation.

Historical evidence further solidifies this conclusion. From the compilation of the Qur'an under Abu Bakr (RA) to the standardization process initiated by Uthman (RA), the preservation of the Qur'an was a priority for the Muslim community. The unanimous agreement among the Prophet’s companions on the text of the Qur'an eliminates any possibility of discrepancies. Manuscripts such as the Birmingham Manuscript and the Topkapi Manuscript provide physical proof that the Qur'an has remained consistent over centuries.

Scholarly consensus (ijma) reinforces this belief. Across Sunni and Shia traditions, scholars agree that the Qur'an is complete and unaltered. Figures such as Imam Al-Nawawi, Ibn Hazm, and Allama Tabatabai have unequivocally stated that the Qur'an we have today is identical to the one revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Claims of additional Surahs or missing verses, such as "Surah An-Nawrain" or the "verse of stoning," are universally rejected as baseless fabrications or misinterpretations.

Even non-Muslim historians and orientalists, who often scrutinize religious texts, acknowledge the Qur'an’s unique preservation. William Muir, a prominent orientalist, concedes:

The allegations of lost Surahs or missing verses often rely on weak or fabricated narrations. Misinterpretations of Hadiths and misunderstandings of Islamic principles, such as abrogation (naskh), are frequently used to create confusion. However, scholars have consistently addressed and debunked these claims, demonstrating that they lack credibility.

Oral memorization has played a critical role in preserving the Qur'an. Millions of Muslims, from the Prophet’s time to today, have memorized the Qur'an in its entirety, providing a living, unbroken chain of transmission. If any alteration had occurred, it would have been immediately detected and corrected. This collective memorization, combined with written documentation, ensures the Qur'an’s integrity.

Imam Ali (RA), a central figure in Islamic history, exemplifies this dedication to preserving the Qur'an. His compilation efforts, along with his public endorsement of the standardized Qur'an, further confirm the text’s authenticity and completeness. Claims that Imam Ali had a "different Qur'an" are fabrications that contradict his own statements and the consensus of the companions.

The Qur'an itself refutes any possibility of corruption:

This verse underscores the divine nature of the Qur'an’s preservation, affirming that it exists in its original, unaltered form as it was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

In conclusion, the Qur'an is complete, authentic, and divinely protected. Claims of missing verses, lost Surahs, or textual corruption are unfounded and contradict both the Qur'an’s internal evidence and the historical and scholarly record. The Qur'an’s preservation is not only a theological tenet but also a historical fact supported by overwhelming evidence. It remains, as Allah promised, the ultimate and unaltered guidance for humanity, protected for all time.