Mapping the Evolution of Qur’anic Codification from the Prophetic Era to the Uthmanic Mushaf
Keywords:
Qur’ānic Codification, Preservation, Textual Standardization, Islamic History, ‘Ulūm al-Qur’ānAbstract
The codification of the Qur’ān represents a fundamental process in preserving the authenticity of divine revelation throughout the formative period of the Muslim community. This study aims to analyse the evolution of Qur’ānic codification from the lifetime of the Prophet Muḥammad to the caliphate of ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān by examining changes in its objectives, mechanisms, and functions across successive phases. The study employed a qualitative library research approach using content analysis of scholarly literature on the history of Qur’ānic codification. The findings demonstrate that Qur’ānic codification evolved through three interconnected phases: preservation during the Prophetic period, institutional compilation under Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq, and textual standardization under ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān. Each phase emerged in response to distinct historical circumstances while maintaining the authenticity of the revealed text. This study contributes an analytical framework that systematically maps the evolution of Qur’ānic codification, offering a more comprehensive perspective than conventional chronological accounts.
Abstrak
Kodifikasi Al-Qur’an merupakan proses fundamental dalam menjaga autentisitas wahyu yang berkembang mengikuti dinamika masyarakat Islam awal. Penelitian ini bertujuan menganalisis evolusi kodifikasi Al-Qur’an sejak masa Nabi Muḥammad hingga pemerintahan ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān berdasarkan perubahan tujuan, mekanisme, dan fungsinya pada setiap fase. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan jenis library research melalui analisis isi terhadap berbagai literatur yang membahas sejarah kodifikasi Al-Qur’an. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kodifikasi Al-Qur’an berlangsung melalui tiga fase yang saling berkesinambungan, yaitu preservasi pada masa Nabi, penghimpunan terinstitusionalisasi pada masa Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq, dan standardisasi tekstual pada masa ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān. Setiap fase lahir sebagai respons terhadap kebutuhan historis yang berbeda tanpa mengubah substansi wahyu. Penelitian ini berkontribusi dengan menawarkan kerangka analitis yang memetakan evolusi kodifikasi Al-Qur’an secara sistematis sehingga memberikan perspektif yang lebih komprehensif dibandingkan pendekatan kronologis semata.
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