Article 29 — The Corruption of the Qur'an
The Corruption of the Qur’an: Is the current text identical to the original revelation?
The Goal of the Wise — Door Number Twenty-Nine
Read aloud in English
Does the Qur’an we read today correspond entirely to the revelation received by the Prophet Mohammed?
This question touches on one of the most sensitive subjects in the history of Islam.
The majority Muslim tradition affirms that the Qur’an has been preserved.
But the twenty-ninth Door of The Goal of the Wise presents a different interpretation, based on certain traditions relating to the transmission of the text and to the role of the Qaim.
The Qur’an and its transmission
The chapter examines ancient accounts mentioning differences in recitation, forgotten passages and questions related to the compilation of the text.
The author cites in particular traditions attributed to Ibn Omar and Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari.
These accounts are part of complex historical and theological debates.
Their existence does not automatically mean that all the conclusions drawn by the author are accepted by specialists.
The Qaim and the new Book
The book reports traditions attributed to Imam Al-Baqir according to which the Qaim would appear with a new matter, a new Book and a new law.
The author interprets these words as an indication that knowledge or a text different from the one currently known could be revealed.
This interpretation belongs to the doctrine of the Seventh Covenant.
The distinction between revelation and transmission
The chapter invites us to distinguish between several questions.
What was revealed?
How were the texts transmitted?
How were they understood?
These questions are not identical.
A historical analysis of manuscripts does not necessarily answer all theological questions, and vice versa.
A debate that demands precision
The preservation of the Qur’an is a subject on which there are differing traditions, schools of interpretation and academic studies.
The book defends a particular position.
To study it seriously, one should examine the references cited, their context and the competing interpretations.
Conclusion — What does it mean to preserve a revelation?
The twenty-ninth Door questions the relationship between the transmitted text, its understanding and the spiritual authority charged with explaining it.
Does fidelity to a revelation consist only in preserving its words, or also in understanding its true meaning?