🔥 Examination: Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light

14.5. The Role of Imam Ali (ra)

In the Youtube Video Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq claims that Imam Ali compiled a different version of the Qur'an. However: No Evidence of a Different Qur'an: Imam Ali was one of the greatest memorizers (huffaz) of the Qur'an and participated in the compilation efforts under Caliph Abu Bakr (ra). He never claimed the Qur'an was incomplete. Imam Ali’s Reverence for the Qur'an: In Nahjul Balagha, Imam Ali (ra) says:

This shows his unwavering belief in the Qur'an's authenticity. The role of Imam Ali (RA) in the preservation of the Qur'an is highly significant, both as one of the Prophet Muhammad’s closest companions and as a key figure in Islamic history. His efforts to protect and propagate the Qur'an reflect his profound commitment to its authenticity and preservation. Imam Ali’s contributions highlight his integral role in ensuring that the Qur'an remained unaltered and accessible to future generations.

Imam Ali (RA) was known for his deep knowledge of the Qur'an. As a relative and close companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he learned the Qur'an directly from the Prophet. It is reported that Imam Ali was one of the first people to memorize the entire Qur'an, and he was frequently consulted for his understanding of its meanings and interpretations. His unparalleled grasp of the Qur'an’s content and context positioned him as one of its foremost guardians.

After the Prophet’s death, Imam Ali (RA) dedicated himself to compiling the Qur'an in the order of its revelation. According to several historical accounts, he spent six months after the Prophet’s passing compiling a complete manuscript of the Qur'an. This manuscript included not only the Qur'anic verses but also detailed explanations, including the circumstances of revelation (Asbab al-Nuzul) and interpretations provided by the Prophet. Imam Ali’s effort to produce this comprehensive compilation underscores his deep commitment to preserving the Qur'an’s text and meaning.

Despite his efforts, this manuscript was not adopted as the standard Qur'an during the caliphate of Abu Bakr (RA) or Uthman (RA). This was not because of any differences in the Qur'anic text itself but because the standardization efforts sought to unify the Muslim community under one dialect, the Qurayshi dialect, to avoid confusion. Imam Ali (RA) supported these standardization efforts and never claimed that the Qur'an being recited and compiled by other companions was incomplete or corrupted. This demonstrates his endorsement of the Qur'an’s authenticity as it exists today.

Imam Ali’s own statements further confirm his belief in the Qur'an’s completeness. In Nahjul Balagha, a collection of his sermons and letters, he praises the Qur'an as the ultimate guide for humanity:

This statement highlights Imam Ali’s reverence for the Qur'an and his unwavering confidence in its authenticity.

The claim that Imam Ali (RA) possessed a "different Qur'an" is a fabrication promoted by fringe groups and has no basis in Islamic tradition. Both Sunni and Shia scholars reject the notion that Imam Ali compiled a Qur'an with content different from the standardized version. Shia scholars such as Allama Tabatabai affirm that Imam Ali’s compilation was fully aligned with the Qur'an we have today but included additional contextual information and commentary, which are not part of the Qur'anic text itself.

During the caliphate of Uthman (RA), when the Qur'an was standardized to eliminate dialectical variations, Imam Ali publicly supported the process. This is evident from historical records that show he expressed no objections to Uthman’s efforts and acknowledged the consensus of the companions on the standardized Qur'an.

Imam Ali’s role in the preservation and understanding of the Qur'an extends beyond textual matters. His teachings and sermons provided profound insights into the Qur'an’s meanings and applications, making him a central figure in Qur'anic exegesis (Tafsir). His knowledge was passed down to his descendants, including the Imams of the Ahlul-Bayt, who continued to preserve and teach the Qur'an’s authentic interpretations.

In conclusion, Imam Ali (RA) played a vital role in the preservation of the Qur'an, both as a memorizer and compiler of its text and as an interpreter of its meanings. His efforts underscore his dedication to ensuring the Qur'an’s authenticity and accessibility. The claims of a "different Qur'an" associated with Imam Ali are baseless and contradict his own statements and actions. Imam Ali’s legacy as a guardian of the Qur'an remains a cornerstone of Islamic history, affirming the Qur'an’s completeness and divine preservation.