The revision of the originally collected Qur’an was ordered by Uthman, because the various Qur’an collections competed with each other. After the Uthmani revision was completed, all previous versions were burned. It surely is significant that even the copy compiled by Zaid, which at that time was in the possession of Muhammad’s widow Hafsa, was destroyed (by Marwan ibn-al-Hakam, Governor of Medinah) (al-Bukhari vol. VI, page 477-479; Chapter LXI (3) vs. 509, Mishkatul Masabih vol. 3, Page 664, Masahif by Ibn Abi Dawood, pp.24, 25, and ibn Asakir, vs. 445).
Now, that is a tremendous thing to do. Today it would be called obliteration and destruction of evidence, a punishable crime! We are glad to say, however, that since these early texts had been memorised by many, they have survived in recorded theological debates and can still be compared with the Uthmani version. Besides the four major manuscripts of old that are already mentioned, of whom some had more Suras or Ayas than others, we also find omitted, changed and added texts (Masahif by Ibn Abi Dawood, pp.24, 25, and ibn Asakir, vs. 445). Ibn Abi Dawood’s collection of these differing portions of the Qur’an fills several hundred pages, by the way.
Being aware of this, let us add to the believing heart a critical, yet open mind. Critical not toward God – for who are we to question Him? But toward man and his sometimes fraudulent claims!
Again I must beg you not to consider what I write as an affront. I do not write this to offend or hurt you. On the contrary, I do want you “to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4), as the Bible calls it.
Yours sincerely,
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