The Composition and Writing of the Qurʾān: Old Explanations and New Evidence

Purpose: This article takes up the view that the Qurʾān was left incomplete as a book and did not take final shape until well after the Prophet’s death. It considers whether this may be deemed valid upon analysis of a type of structural binding occurring in the text. Methodology: The study takes an analytical and historical approach. It examines center-periphery connection between adjacent sūras in various phases of revelation (structural consistency would suggest a single source for the text, whereas inconsistency would imply multiple hands involved in editing). The study furthermore compares results with those from recent statistical and thematic studies. Findings: The research highlights continuity. This accords with recent stylometric analysis of the text, which shows a coherent stylistic trajectory. It also accords with an examination of the theme of jihād in the Qurʾān, which reveals overall consistency and adherence to core principles. Originality: This is the first study to disclose consistency of center-periphery connection in the Qurʾān, strengthening our appreciation of the text’s composition. Furthermore, insofar as this research helps us to perceive links between adjacent sūras, it could aid in textual interpretation. Finally, since the findings call into question the notion that the Qurʾān was arranged later, an updated hypothesis for the early writing and copying of the Qurʾān is presented, taking into account the existence of minor variations in the old codices, the reports about an ʿUthmānic commission issuing a standard text, and the fact that no prototype manuscript has been discovered