People often ask, “Who wrote the Qur’an?” “Was it written by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)?” “Or was it made by people later?” and when was it written?
These are very good questions. To understand, we have to go back more than 1400 years ago, to the land of Arabia, in a city called Makkah.
What Is the Qur’an?
The Qur’an is the Holy Book of Islam. It is not a normal book written by a human. Muslims believe the Qur’an is the exact Word of Allah (God).
It was sent down to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), little by little, over 23 years.
Qur’an says:
“It is We who sent down the Reminder (Qur’an), and We will surely protect it.”
Surah Al-Hijr (15:9)
This verse clearly says that Allah Himself revealed the Qur’an and promised to protect it forever.
Did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Write the Qur’an?
No. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) could not read or write. That is one of the great proofs that the Qur’an did not come from him. The Qur’an itself mentions this:
Qur’an says:
“You did not read any book before this, nor did you write anything with your hand.”
Surah Al-‘Ankabūt (29:48)
This means the Prophet (pbuh) was unlettered (ummī), he had no teacher, no books, no school, yet he spoke words so deep and beautiful that poets, leaders, and scholars were amazed.
If a man who cannot read or write brings a book full of wisdom, science, guidance, and prophecies, that book cannot come from a man. It can only come from God.
How Was the Qur’an Revealed?
The Qur’an was not revealed all at once. It came slowly, verse by verse, as guidance for real situations.
When something happened, a war, a question, a problem, Allah sent the answer through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel).
The first verses came when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was about 40 years old, meditating in a cave called Hira, near Makkah.
One night, Angel Jibreel came and said:
“Read!” Prophet said, “I cannot read.”
The angel said again, “Read in the name of your Lord who created.”
Surah Al-‘Alaq (96:1)
That was the first revelation of the Qur’an. It was the start of a new light for the world.
How Was the Qur’an Written Down?
When the Prophet (pbuh) received verses, he recited them aloud to his followers. Many of them memorized the verses right away. This is called Hifz (memorization).
The Prophet (pbuh) also told his companions who could write to write the verses down immediately.
They wrote them on palm leaves, animal skin (leather), flat white stones, bones of animals etc.
These early writings were kept safe in the Prophet’s house and with his trusted companions.
Who Were the Qur’an Writers?
The people who wrote the Qur’an during the Prophet’s lifetime were known as “Kātib-e-Wahy” (Writers of Revelation). Some of them were:
Zayd ibn Thabit (رضي الله عنه)
Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (رضي الله عنه)
Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه)
Mu‘awiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (رضي الله عنه)
Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (رضي الله عنه)
Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (رضي الله عنه)
Every time new verses came, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would tell them:
“Place these verses in such and such chapter, after this verse…”
So, the Qur’an’s order was fixed by the Prophet (pbuh) himself under Allah’s guidance.
How Did People Remember the Qur’an?
The Qur’an was both written and memorized. Thousands of people memorized the entire Qur’an while the Prophet (pbuh) was alive. They are called Huffaz (memorizers).
Even today, millions of Muslims, young and old, have memorized the full Qur’an word by word, letter by letter, exactly as it was revealed.
This is something unique in the world. No other ancient book is preserved this way.
When was the Qur’an Collected in One Book?
After the Prophet (pbuh) passed away, the Qur’an was already fully memorized and written in many parts.
But after a big battle called "Battle of Yamamah," many Huffaz (memorizers) were martyred.
So, Caliph Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) decided to collect all the written pieces into one book under the supervision of Zayd ibn Thabit (رضي الله عنه), who had been one of the Prophet’s scribes.
This was the first official collection of the Qur’an. It was carefully checked with written copies, memorized recitations, and confirmation from witnesses.
Later, during the time of Caliph Uthman ibn Affan (رضي الله عنه), some people in faraway lands were reciting in different dialects.
So, Uthman (R.A.) prepared standard copies of the Qur’an and sent them to major cities like Makkah, Madinah, Kufa, Basra, and Damascus.
He kept one original copy in Madinah.
That same Uthmani copy became the model for every Qur’an we read today.
Was the Qur’an Changed Later?
No. The Qur’an is the only religious book in history that has never been changed. Allah said:
“Indeed, We have sent down the Qur’an, and We will surely guard it.”
Surah Al-Hijr (15:9)
Compare this with other scriptures: The Torah and Bible were changed or lost over time.
The Qur’an, by Allah’s promise, remains pure, the same in every language and country.
Even a small change would be noticed instantly, because millions of people know it by heart.
How Does the Qur’an Prove It Is from Allah?
There are many proofs:
1. The Prophet (pbuh) was uneducated.
He could not read or write. Yet the Qur’an speaks with perfect grammar, rhythm, logic, and poetry.
2. The Qur’an has no mistakes.
Though it was revealed over 23 years, in war, peace, sadness, and joy, every verse fits perfectly together.
“Do they not reflect upon the Qur’an? If it had been from anyone other than Allah, they would have found in it many contradictions.”
Surah An-Nisā’ (4:82)
3. The Qur’an told about science long before scientists discovered it.
For example:
About the baby forming in stages in the mother’s womb (Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:12-14).
About mountains acting like pegs (Surah An-Naba’ 78:6-7).
About the expanding universe (Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:47).
The Prophet (pbuh) could not have known these 1400 years ago.
4. The Qur’an talked about future events.
It predicted:
The victory of the Romans over Persians. (Surah Ar-Rum 30:2-4).
The protection of the Ka‘bah from enemies.
And the spread of Islam to faraway lands.
All these happened exactly as foretold.
5. The Qur’an changes people’s hearts.
No other book has touched human hearts like the Qur’an. People who read it sincerely find peace, direction, and purpose. Even non-Muslims who study it deeply say,
“This cannot be a human book.”
(a) What Is the Qur’an’s Message?
The Qur’an is not only about rules. It’s about life, kindness, and truth.
It teaches that: Allah is One. Every human being is equal. We must care for parents, orphans, and the poor.
We must forgive, be honest, and stay humble. Life on earth is a test; after death comes the next life.
“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”
Surah Adh-Dhāriyāt (51:56)
Worship here means living a life that pleases God with justice, mercy, and love.
(b) What Did Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Say About the Qur’an?
He said:
“The best among you is those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.”
Sahih al-Bukhari, 5027
He also said:
“The Qur’an will come as an intercessor for its companions (those who read it) on the Day of Judgment.”
Sahih Muslim, 804
This means the Qur’an is not just a book, it is a companion in this life and the next.
(c) Why Should Non-Muslims Read the Qur’an?
The Qur’an is for all humanity, not only for Muslims.
“This is a Book which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad) that you may bring mankind out of darkness into light.”
Surah Ibrahim (14:1)
You don’t need to be Muslim to read it. You can read a translation in English, Hindi, Marathi, or any language.
When you read it with an open heart, you’ll see it’s not only about religion, but also about truth, justice, peace, and humanity.
FAQ's
Who wrote the Qur’an?
No human. It was revealed by Allah to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) through Angel Jibreel.
When was it revealed?
Over 23 years (610–632 CE).
Who wrote it down?
The Prophet’s companions, such as Zayd ibn Thabit and others.
When was it compiled into one book?
During Caliph Abu Bakr’s time, finalized by Caliph Uthman (R.A.).
Has it changed since then?
No. It’s the same everywhere in the world.
Why is it special?
It guides humanity and connects the heart to God.
Final Message
The Qur’an is not just a book for Muslims. It is a book of life for all people.
It teaches that the Creator who made us also cares for us. He gave us a guide, a map for the journey of life.
So if you ever wonder, “What is the truth?”
or “Why am I here?” open the Qur’an, even once.
Read a few verses with a sincere heart. You may find the answer you’ve been searching for all along.
Recommended Books to Deepen Your Understanding
Here are a few authentic and inspiring books you can read for free (PDF format):
Towards Understanding Islam Download pdf
The Scientific Truths of The Quran Download pdf
The Sealed Nectar (Ar-Raheeq AI-Makhturn) Download pdf
Concept of Prophethood in Different Religions Download pdf
Muhammad The Prophet of Islam Download pdf
Each book offers a new window into the compassion, justice, and humanity of the Prophet Muhammad pbuh.
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