Birmingham Qur'an manuscript

The Birmingham Quran manuscript is a significant artifact consisting of two parchment leaves from an early Quranic text, currently housed at the University of Birmingham. Radiocarbon dating conducted in 2015 indicates that these leaves date back to between 568 and 645 CE, placing them close to the time of the Islamic prophet Muhammad (c. 570–632 CE) .

Manuscript Details

The manuscript is part of the Mingana Collection, which encompasses over 3,000 Middle Eastern documents collected by Alphonse Mingana during his expeditions in the 1920s. Funded by Quaker philanthropist Edward Cadbury, this collection was aimed at enhancing Birmingham's status as a center for religious studies .

The manuscript features text from Surahs (chapters) 18 to 20, written in an early form of Arabic script known as Hijazi. The leaves are folio-sized (343 mm by 258 mm) and display a layout that would later become standard for complete Quran texts, with chapter divisions indicated by linear decorations and verse endings marked by clustered dots.

Historical Significance

The dating of the Birmingham Quran manuscript is crucial as it suggests that parts of the Quran were in circulation shortly after Muhammad's death. This finding challenges earlier assumptions regarding the timeline of Quranic compilation and canonization during the caliphates of Abu Bakr and Uthman.

Scholars have pointed out that the parchment could have originated from an animal alive during Muhammad's lifetime, indicating that its text closely resembles what was revealed.

Scholarly Debate

Despite its significance, there has been debate concerning the accuracy of the radiocarbon dating and its implications for understanding Quranic history. Some experts argue that certain features of the manuscript suggest it may not date as early as proposed.

However, proponents of the early dating assert that this manuscript supports traditional Islamic views on Quranic preservation and authenticity. The high number of manuscripts and fragments from the first century after Muhammad's death has made this text a focal point for academic discussion.

Conclusion

The Birmingham Quran manuscript represents a critical piece of evidence for both Islamic studies and historical scholarship. Its early dating opens new avenues for understanding the formation and transmission of the Quranic text throughout history while prompting ongoing discussions about its implications for Islamic tradition and scholarship .