Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman came to `Uthman at the time when the people of Sham and the people of Iraq
were Waging war to conquer Arminya and Adharbijan. Hudhaifa was afraid of their (the people of
Sham and Iraq) differences in the recitation of the Qur'an, so he said to `Uthman, "O chief of the
Believers! Save this nation before they differ about the Book (Qur'an) as Jews and the Christians did
before." So `Uthman sent a message to Hafsa saying, "Send us the manuscripts of the Qur'an so that
we may compile the Qur'anic materials in perfect copies and return the manuscripts to you." Hafsa
sent it to `Uthman. `Uthman then ordered Zaid bin Thabit, `Abdullah bin AzZubair, Sa`id bin Al-As
and `AbdurRahman bin Harith bin Hisham to rewrite the manuscripts in perfect copies. `Uthman said
to the three Quraishi men, "In case you disagree with Zaid bin Thabit on any point in the Qur'an, then
write it in the dialect of Quraish, the Qur'an was revealed in their tongue." They did so, and when they
had written many copies, `Uthman returned the original manuscripts to Hafsa. `Uthman sent to every
Muslim province one copy of what they had copied, and ordered that all the other Qur'anic materials,
whether written in fragmentary manuscripts or whole copies, be burnt.
Narrated by Narrated Anas bin Malik:
Context
This hadith describes an incident where Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman expressed concern to Uthman about the differences in the recitation of the Qur'an among Muslims. His request led to the compilation of the Qur'an into standardized copies to prevent further discrepancies. This event highlights the importance of unity in the Muslim community regarding the Qur'an.
Modern Application
In contemporary times, this hadith emphasizes the significance of maintaining a unified understanding of religious texts. It encourages Muslims to engage in collective efforts to preserve the integrity of their beliefs and practices.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Quran and Hadith Transmission because it discusses the compilation of the Qur'an and the efforts made to ensure its accurate transmission among the Muslim community.
Mankind was [of] one religion [before their deviation]; then Allah sent the prophets as bringers of good tidings and warners and sent down with them the Scripture in truth to judge between the people concerning that in which they differed. And none differed over the Scripture except those who were given it - after the clear proofs came to them - out of jealous animosity among themselves. And Allah guided those who believed to the truth concerning that over which they had differed, by His permission. And Allah guides whom He wills to a straight path.
And We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], the Book in truth, confirming that which preceded it of the Scripture and as a criterion over it. So judge between them by what Allah has revealed and do not follow their inclinations away from what has come to you of the truth. To each of you We prescribed a law and a method. Had Allah willed, He would have made you one nation [united in religion], but [He intended] to test you in what He has given you; so race to [all that is] good. To Allah is your return all together, and He will [then] inform you concerning that over which you used to differ.