🔥 Examination: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light

14.4. Scholarly Consensus

The consensus (ijma) of Islamic scholars across centuries is that the Qur'an is complete and unaltered. Examples include:

• Imam Al-Nawawi:
  “The Qur'an transmitted by the Ummah is definitively established as authentic and protected from addition, omission, or alteration.”
• Imam Ibn Kathir:
  In his Tafsir, Ibn Kathir explains that Surah Al-Hijr (15:9) guarantees the Qur'an’s preservation and refutes any claims of distortion (tahrif).
• Shia Scholars Agree:
  Prominent Shia scholars, such as Allama Tabatabai, affirm that the Qur'an is preserved. Claims of "lost Surahs" are often tied to fringe groups and lack acceptance even within mainstream Shia Islam.

The scholarly consensus (ijma) on the preservation and completeness of the Qur'an is a fundamental aspect of Islamic belief. Scholars from all major schools of thought, Sunni and Shia alike, affirm that the Qur'an we have today is identical to what was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This consensus is rooted in the Qur'an itself, authentic Hadiths, historical evidence, and the rigorous methods employed by the companions and early Muslims to safeguard the Qur'an. Imam Al-Nawawi, a leading Sunni scholar, states:

This reflects the belief held by the majority of Muslim scholars that the Qur'an is divinely protected from any distortion, addition, or omission. This protection is not only guaranteed by Allah but has been demonstrated through meticulous historical preservation. Imam Ibn Hazm, a renowned Andalusian scholar, strongly asserts:

This statement highlights that questioning the integrity of the Qur'an undermines the very foundation of Islamic belief. The consensus among scholars is so strong that any deviation from this belief is considered heretical. Shia scholars also affirm the Qur'an's preservation. Allama Tabatabai, a prominent Shia scholar, writes:

This demonstrates that the belief in the Qur'an’s completeness transcends sectarian boundaries, further reinforcing the scholarly consensus. Historical records show that the Prophet’s companions, who were entrusted with preserving the Qur'an, unanimously agreed on its authenticity and completeness. During the time of Caliph Uthman (RA), when the Qur'an was standardized to eliminate dialectical variations, there was no dissent from the companions regarding the text itself. Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), a central figure in both Sunni and Shia traditions, publicly endorsed Uthman’s standardization, further affirming the consensus. Imam Al-Qurtubi, in his commentary on the Qur'an, elaborates:

The process of preserving the Qur'an involved a dual system of oral memorization and written documentation, ensuring its integrity. Millions of Muslims have memorized the Qur'an throughout history, making it impossible for any alterations to go unnoticed. This collective memorization, combined with the scholarly dedication to preserving its text, reinforces the belief in the Qur'an’s divine protection.
Furthermore, non-Muslim historians and orientalists have also acknowledged the Qur'an’s remarkable preservation. William Muir, a prominent orientalist, states:

This acknowledgment from external sources further corroborates the Muslim consensus on the Qur'an’s authenticity. The consensus on the Qur'an’s preservation is a testament to the unity of the Muslim community regarding the authenticity of their holy book. Despite minor differences in interpretation or jurisprudence, Muslims universally agree that the Qur'an remains unaltered. This agreement is rooted in the divine promise of preservation and the unwavering efforts of the Prophet’s companions, scholars, and generations of Muslims who have safeguarded the Qur'an through memorization and written transmission. In conclusion, the scholarly consensus is unequivocal: the Qur'an is complete, authentic, and divinely protected. Any claims of distortion, addition, or omission are rejected outright by Islamic scholars, both Sunni and Shia, and are not supported by any credible evidence. This consensus is a cornerstone of Islamic belief, affirming the Qur'an as the unaltered word of Allah, preserved for all time.