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The Holy Quran is the Most Authentic and Original Book in the World: A Reflection with Reference to the Quran and Hadith

The Holy Quran, believed by Muslims to be the divine revelation from Allah to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), stands as the most authentic and original book in the world. It is revered for its divine origin, perfect preservation, linguistic beauty, and timeless guidance. This authenticity is not only established by the Quran itself but is also supported by Hadith, the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which elucidate the nature of the Quran as the final and most preserved scripture. In this essay, we will explore the reasons why the Quran is considered the most authentic and original book in the world, referring to its content, preservation, and the support provided by Hadith.

1. The Quran as the Literal Word of God

Muslims believe that the Quran is the direct, unchanged, and unaltered word of God (Allah). It was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over a span of 23 years, and every verse of the Quran is considered to be a divine command. The Quran itself emphasizes its divine origin, stating:

“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran, and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Quran, Surah Al-Hijr, 15:9)

This verse highlights that Allah is the Protector of the Quran, promising its preservation throughout time. Unlike previous scriptures, which were altered or lost, the Quran’s divine origin guarantees its authenticity and protection from any corruption.

In a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (RA), the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith shows the immense significance of the Quran in the Islamic faith, establishing its authenticity as the best of all divine revelations.

2. The Quran's Preservation

The Quran’s authenticity is largely attributed to its remarkable preservation, which is unparalleled by any other ancient scripture. Muslims believe that Allah Himself has guaranteed the Quran’s protection from corruption. This preservation is twofold: through both memorization and the written word.

During the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), many companions (Sahabah) memorized the entire Quran, and this tradition has continued for centuries. This oral transmission has played a key role in preserving the Quran, as the memorization of the Quran by millions of people across generations has ensured that no verse would be lost or altered. This practice is known as Hifz (memorization), and the title Hafiz is given to anyone who has memorized the entire Quran.

The written preservation of the Quran also took place during the time of the Prophet (PBUH). The verses of the Quran were written down by the Prophet’s scribes on various materials such as parchment, bones, and leaves. After the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the first Caliph, Abu Bakr (RA), ordered the compilation of the Quran into a single book format, ensuring that it was preserved in its entirety.

Under the third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan (RA), a standardized copy of the Quran was produced and distributed throughout the Islamic empire. This version of the Quran has remained unchanged to this day, and all existing copies of the Quran are identical, confirming the authenticity and preservation of the Quranic text.

A Hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari further confirms this:

“The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it. The Quran will come on the Day of Judgment as an intercessor for those who recite it and act according to it.’” (Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith emphasizes that the Quran’s preservation is not just a matter of memorization or written form; its preservation is also in the hearts and minds of those who practice its teachings.

3. The Quran's Inimitability

The Quran is considered inimitable (i’jaz), meaning that no one can produce a text like it. This aspect is vital to its authenticity. Throughout history, numerous attempts have been made to imitate the Quran’s style and eloquence, but no one has succeeded. The Quran challenges mankind in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant, then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses other than Allah, if you should be truthful.” (Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:23)

The challenge here is clear: if anyone doubts the divine origin of the Quran, they are invited to produce even a single chapter like it, but no one has been able to fulfill this challenge. The Quran’s linguistic features, including its rhythm, metaphors, and deep meanings, are considered beyond human capability.

Hadith also supports the Quran's inimitability. A narration from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) states:

“The best of you is the one who learns the Quran and teaches it, and nothing is better than the Quran.” (Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith further underscores the Quran’s unparalleled nature and its authenticity as the most perfect book ever revealed to humanity.

4. The Quran's Consistency

Another factor contributing to the Quran’s authenticity is its internal consistency. Despite being revealed over 23 years in different circumstances and addressing various issues, there is no contradiction or inconsistency in the Quran. The Quran is unique in its coherence, whether it addresses issues of theology, law, morality, or social justice.

In Surah An-Nisa, Allah says:

“Do they not reflect upon the Quran? Had it been from other than Allah, they would have found within it much contradiction.” (Quran, Surah An-Nisa, 4:82)

This verse emphasizes that the Quran is free from contradictions, something that many human-authored texts suffer from due to their limitations. The consistency of the Quran in both message and style confirms its divine origin and authenticity.

5. The Quran's Timeless Guidance

The Quran’s status as the most authentic book is also rooted in its role as a source of guidance for all aspects of life. Unlike many other books that are limited in scope, the Quran offers comprehensive guidance on matters of faith, law, morality, and personal conduct. Its teachings address the needs of humanity in every era.

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2) describes the Quran as “a guidance for those conscious of Allah”—a statement that emphasizes the Quran’s universal and eternal relevance. The Hadith further confirms the Quran’s position as the ultimate guide for mankind. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“I have left among you two precious things, and you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to both of them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.” (Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith reinforces the Quran as the most authentic and reliable source of guidance for all Muslims, highlighting its integral role in leading humanity toward righteousness.

6. Conclusion

The Holy Quran stands as the most authentic and original book in the world due to its divine origin, its remarkable preservation, its inimitability, and its consistency. With the assurance from Allah Himself that the Quran will be preserved for all time (Quran, 15:9), the Quran remains unchanged and uncorrupted, unlike many other ancient texts. The Hadith also support the Quran’s authenticity by emphasizing its status as the ultimate source of guidance for humanity.

The Quran's linguistic excellence, its challenge to produce something like it, and its comprehensive guidance confirm its divine origin and eternal relevance. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as conveyed in Hadith, further emphasize the Quran’s supreme position as the most authentic and original book in the world. For Muslims, the Quran is not just a religious text; it is the living word of God, a source of guidance, wisdom, and spiritual fulfillment.