Instructions:
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Watch the video carefully and take clear, organized notes while watching.
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Review the concepts covered in the video and then attempt all the given exercises independently.
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If you feel stuck on any question, go back to your notes and re-watch the relevant part of the video before moving on.
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Do not skip difficult questions—use your notes to understand the method or concept step by step.
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Write down any questions or confusions in your notebook so you can ask the lecturer during the next class.
Good morning students, Today, we are going to learn about a very important event in Islamic history: the compilation of the Qur’an during the time of Caliph Abu Bakr (RA). This was the first time the Qur’an was collected into a single book form. Let me explain why this happened, how it was done, and why it mattered so much.
After the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) passed away, the Qur’an was still preserved mainly through two ways: memorization by companions and pieces written on materials like parchment, palm leaves, or bones. But it wasn’t in one single book. Then something very serious happened — during the Battle of Yamamah, many Huffaz, the people who had memorized the Qur’an, were martyred. This worried the companions. They feared that if more Huffaz were lost in battles, parts of the Qur’an might also be lost.
That’s when Caliph Abu Bakr (RA), the first leader after the Prophet, decided the Qur’an had to be compiled into one manuscript. At first, even Umar (RA), who suggested the idea, and Abu Bakr himself, felt hesitant because the Prophet (pbuh) had never compiled it into a single book. But later, they both realized it was necessary for the safety of Allah’s message.
So, what was the process? Abu Bakr appointed Zayd ibn Thabit, who had been one of the Prophet’s main scribes. Zayd was trusted because he had memorized the Qur’an and had also written it down during the Prophet’s life. His job was not easy — Zayd himself said that compiling the Qur’an was harder than moving a mountain! He collected verses from all available sources: written pieces like parchments and stones, and from the memories of companions. But there was a strict system: every verse had to be confirmed by at least two witnesses who had memorized it perfectly. This way, there was no chance of error.
Finally, all the verses were brought together into one complete manuscript, called the Mushaf of Abu Bakr (RA). This was the very first official copy of the Qur’an. Later, after Abu Bakr passed away, the manuscript was kept safely with Caliph Umar (RA), and after him, with Hafsah (RA), the daughter of Umar.
Now, let’s think about why this was so important. First, it made sure the Qur’an was preserved in its original, unchanged form. Second, it gave Muslims one official version to follow, keeping unity in learning and worship. And third, it laid the foundation for the later standardization of the Qur’an under Caliph Uthman (RA).
So in conclusion, the compilation under Abu Bakr (RA) was a turning point. It showed the wisdom and foresight of the early Muslim leaders. Because of their efforts, we have the same Qur’an today — unchanged, authentic, and preserved exactly as Allah revealed it.
