Revisiting Revelation: The Evolution and Adaptation of the Qur’anic Text
The formation of the Qur’an
- Theory About Cancellation And Possible Revisions In The Formation Of The Qur’an.
The author explains that the Koran is considered to be the words of Allah conveyed to the Prophet Muhammad by angels, so it is impossible for revisions to be carried out at the wishes of the Prophet Muhammad himself. There are several verses used to support this view, including a verse which confirms that the Prophet Muhammad would not change the Koran of his own accord. However, the text also shows that the Quran states that changes can occur on Allah’s initiative, such as when Allah caused Muhammad to forget some verses and replace them with others. Apart from that, there is a verse that states that Allah can delete or change some parts of the Koran.
This book also discusses the concept of cancellation(an-nasikh wa-l-mansūkh) recognized by Muslim scholars, where some commands in the Qur’an are considered temporary and can be canceled or replaced when circumstances change. However, these commandments are still recited as part of the Koran. Additionally, the text also discusses the broader concept of revision, including the process of collecting separate verses to form a surah, which was probably carried out by the Prophet Muhammad in accordance with divine initiative. Overall, the text provides a comprehensive overview of possible revisions in the formation of the Qur’an, with reference to specific verses and the concept of abrogation recognized in Islamic tradition. The author highlights the complexity in understanding the revision process and emphasizes the importance of examining the text of the Qur’an to find detailed evidence of revision.
- Evidence of revisions and changes
It should be noted that this review is a very detailed critical analysis of the text of the Qur’an, focusing on evidence of revisions and changes that occurred in the formation and compilation of the text. Here is a brief overview of the various points highlighted in the review:
- Forms of Revision and Change: The author explains that revision in the Al-Qur’an can be seen in the process of collecting and rearranging verses that were initially separated into complete surahs. This is indicated by the verse which calls for collecting and reading the Qur’an in a certain way.
- Rhyme Changes and Adaptations: The review shows that there are changes in the rhyme and structure of the verse that indicate revision. For example, adjustments to verses to achieve a certain rhyme and changes in verse length.
- Additions and Insertions: There are additions of phrases or verses in some cases that indicate adjustments or insertions later in the text. For example, adding verses to explain or provide additional context.
- Alternative Continuation: Some verses or passages show alternative continuations indicating revision. This could be a rule change, additional explanation, or adaptation to a different situation.
- Changes in Laws and Traditions: The commentary also highlights changes in laws and traditions reflected in the Qur’anic text, such as changes in fasting rules, marriage laws, and procedures for the Hajj pilgrimage.
- Material Analysis: This review includes material analysis of passages that deal with specific situations, such as battles in the holy months, marriage laws, and the pilgrimage. It provides deeper insight into how the Qur’anic text evolved according to the historical context and needs of the Muslim community at the time.
This review provides an in-depth understanding of the process of compiling and changing the text of the Qur’an during the period of its disclosure, as well as how the text adapted to social changes and the needs of the Muslim community. It provides a critical and informative viewpoint on the structure and evolution of the Qur’an.
- Bell’s hypothesis about written documents
This book highlights the hypothesis proposed by Richard Bell regarding the written documents in the Qur’an. Bell’s hypothesis states that some verses in the Qur’an may have been written after other verses, and this explains some of the discontinuities in the Qur’anic text. Bell uses critical literary analysis of the Qur’an to formulate this theory, by showing several examples of verses that are unrelated to the context of a particular surah.
One example discussed is surah 75 verses 16-19, where these verses have no relationship to the previous or subsequent context. Bell hypothesized that these verses were written behind the previous verses. His argument is similar to several other examples he gives, showing that there were pieces of paper used to write the verses, and other verses were later added behind them.
However, although this hypothesis offers an explanation for some discontinuities in the Qur’anic text, criticism of it is also expressed. Some scholars argue that not all such discontinuities can be explained by Bell’s hypothesis, and that there are also examples where unconnected parts are put together without a common explanation. In addition, there is also an emphasis on the importance of oral transmission in the collection and dissemination of the Qur’an. Although written documents may have existed at that time, human memory is also considered an important source in the memorization and transmission of the Qur’anic text. Overall, this book provides an in-depth review of Bell’s hypothesis and various aspects related to the study of the Qur’an, both from the perspective of written documents and oral transmission. Although Bell’s hypothesis provides interesting insights, further study may be needed to fully understand the complexity of the Qur’anic text and the process by which it was formed.
This book provides an in-depth analysis of Bell’s hypothesis about the written documents in the Qur’an. The hypothesis attempts to explain some of the discontinuities in the Qur’anic text by assuming that some verses were written after others on the same piece of paper or writing material. This approach provides interesting insights into the possible ways of early collection and arrangement of the Qur’an. Bell claims that some verses, such as 75.16-19, 84.16-19, and 88.17-20, do not relate well to the surrounding context, and that the most plausible explanation is that they were written behind the previous verses on bits of paper. the same one.
However, although this hypothesis offers an interesting interpretation, there are several criticisms of it. Some surahs, such as surahs 80 and 96, have unconnected passages that remain put together, which does not seem to be consistent with Bell’s hypothesis. Apart from that, the importance of oral transmission in conveying the Qur’an also needs to be taken into account correctly. Nevertheless, this book makes an important contribution to our understanding of the initial process of collecting and organizing the Qur’an. This in-depth study raises interesting questions about the interaction between oral and written transmission in the early Islamic tradition, as well as the complexities in organizing sacred texts considered divine revelation. As such, this book is valuable reading for those interested in the study of the Qur’an and early Islam.
- Traditional Islamic View of the Calendar
This book provides a fairly comprehensive overview of the traditional Islamic view of the calendar of the Qur’an. The author explains how Muslim scholars generally accept the classification of surahs as Meccan or Medina surahs based on short verses and specific events related to these revelations. They also discuss the use of traditions about Muhammad and statements by later disciples about the Qur’an as the main basis for dating verses.
However, the author clearly shows that this traditional approach has shortcomings, including incomplete information, inconsistency, and uncertainty about the extant first revelation of the Qur’an. Despite this, the traditional calendar is still considered valuable because it provides a rough idea of the chronology of the Qur’an.
Additionally, the authors highlight the importance of these traditional approaches as a basis for future research. Although there may be differences on some points, modern attempts to find the basis of the date are generally in line with traditional views.
Overall, this book provides a good insight into the traditional Islamic view of the dating of the Qur’an and presents it clearly and systematically. However, some additional information or more in-depth analysis might improve the reader’s understanding of this subject.
- European Theory of the Calendar
This book discusses various European theories regarding the dating of the Qur’an in sufficient detail. The author systematically presents the different approaches of European scholars towards the dating of the suras of the Qur’an, from Theodor Nöldeke to Richard Bell.
Nöldeke, who is considered to have made the greatest contribution to the study of Qur’anic chronology, divided the surahs into three different Meccan periods, taking into account the changes in style and themes of the surahs. His approach provides valuable insight into the development of the Qur’an from its early period to the Medina period. However, some criticism of Nöldeke’s approach was also expressed, including concerns about the use of style as the main criterion in dating.
In addition, this book also discusses the contributions of other scholars such as Hubert Grimme, Sir William Muir, and Hartwig Hirschfeld, as well as the latest approach proposed by Régis Blachère. Each of these approaches is critically evaluated, with emphasis on its advantages and disadvantages.
One of the most important contributions discussed in this book is the work of Richard Bell, who in detail analyzes each surah to determine the original units of revelation and establish their dates. Although Bell did not solve all the problems, his approach made a significant contribution to understanding the complexity of the Qur’an.
Overall, this book provides a comprehensive overview of European theories regarding the dating of the Qur’an. Although some approaches may be controversial or have weaknesses, they all provide valuable insights into the study of Qur’anic chronology.
- Sequence of Ideas as a Guide to Chronology
This book presents various European theories regarding the dating of the Koran in quite detail and systematically. The author explains how European scholars used internal evidence of the Qur’an, such as references to public events and stylistic changes, to establish the chronological order of the surahs.
One of the main contributions in this field is the work of Theodor Nöldeke who offers an arrangement of surahs in three Meccan periods and a Medinan period. Nöldeke also differentiates the Meccan surahs into three periods that show changes in style and themes. Although this approach provides a rough idea of the Qur’an’s chronology, some shortcomings remain, such as a less accurate understanding of the original unit of revelation and limitations in combining passages originating from different times into the same surah.
Several other scholars, such as Hubert Grimme and Hartwig Hirschfeld, also made important contributions by proposing different arrangements based on doctrinal characteristics and linguistic style. However, their approach still has weaknesses, such as the tendency to view the surah as a single unit without paying attention to parts that may date from different times.
A radical departure from Nöldeke’s scheme is provided by Richard Bell, who in detail analyzes each surah to determine the original units of revelation and assigns a date to them based on internal Qur’anic evidence. Bell’s approach considers the complexity of the Qur’an in more detail, although some weaknesses remain, such as uncertainty in assigning dates to certain passages.
Overall, this book provides a broad overview of the various European theories of Qur’anic dating, but also acknowledges the challenges and shortcomings associated with each approach. Although there is no universal agreement on the chronology of the Qur’an, research conducted by European scholars has provided valuable insights into the understanding of the history and development of the Qur’an.
This book provides an in-depth analysis of the sequence of ideas in the Koran as a guide to the chronology of the development of thought in Islamic studies. The author critically explores different views among scholars on how the Koran expresses thoughts and teachings that changed over time.
One of the main points discussed is the recognition that although the Koran is seen as the eternal Word of God, in the context of conveying revelation to humans, there are adaptations and emphases that change according to the needs and understanding of the original audience at a particular time. The concept of naskh (abrogation) is also highlighted as one of the ways in which the change of emphasis in the teachings of the Koran is reflected.
Furthermore, this book also discusses debates among European scholars about the goals of Muhammad’s mission and the motives behind his religious teachings. Emphasis on the unity of God, attacks on idolatry, and social teaching were raised as major topics in these discussions.
In explaining the sequence of ideas in the Koran, the author provides concrete examples from certain verses that highlight the development of thought in different time periods. For example, the concept of Allah as Almighty and Good, human dependence on Allah, and the importance of gratitude are some of the ideas found in the early verses.
Next, the book outlines how resistance to Muhammad and the development of his relationship with Jews and Christians influenced the teachings and emphasis in the Koran. The conception of the Abrahamic religion as pure monotheism is also discussed in detail as part of an ideological adjustment to hostility towards the Jews.
A careful analysis is also given of the words and phrases in the Qur’an that give an indication of a certain date and chronological context. For example, the use of words such as kafir, mushrikun, and munafiqun are used as a guide to understand the development of relationships with opponents in the Qur’an.
Overall, this book makes a valuable contribution to understanding the chronology of the development of thought in the Koran and how the messages were conveyed and emphasized in changing contexts over time.
This book offers an in-depth analysis of the sequence of ideas in the Qur’an as a guide to the chronology of Islamic thought. The author carefully investigates how the development of thought in the Qur’an is reflected in the historical and social context surrounding the emergence of these verses.
One of the main strengths of this book is its ability to outline changes in the emphasis and focus of Qur’anic thought over time. For example, this book discusses how in the early verses, the main emphasis is on the concept of God’s power and goodness, human dependence on Him, and the importance of being grateful and worshiping Him. However, as opposition to the Prophet Muhammad grew, this book shows how the emphasis in the Qur’an shifted to attacking idolatry and clarifying the concepts of judgment day, the torments of hell, and the pleasures of heaven.
Additionally, the book provides valuable insight into Muhammad’s interactions with Jewish and Christian society at the time. The author describes how the influence of Abrahamic religions, especially pure monotheism, is acknowledged in the Qur’an, while also highlighting the differences that have emerged between Islam, Judaism, and Christianity.
The use of strong textual evidence and historical context makes the arguments in this book convincing. However, there may be room for more depth in the analysis of certain concepts and developments of thought, as well as a more systematic presentation of how these changes are reflected in the chronological organization of the Qur’an.
Overall, this book is a valuable contribution to the understanding of the development of thought in the Qur’an and its historical context. This will be valuable reading for anyone interested in the study of the Islamic religion and its history.
