The Integrity of the Qur'an
Sunni and Shi‘i Historical Narratives
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Edinburgh University Press
Published:31st Jul '24
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This book delves into early Islamic history, employing isn?d-cum-matn analysis to explore hadith and Qur?anic distortion, revealing the interplay between Sunni and Shi?i traditions and addressing forgery culture.
The Integrity of the Qur'an by Seyfeddin Kara delves into the complexities of early Islamic history through a detailed examination of Muslim narratives regarding Qur'anic distortion. Employing the isn?d-cum-matn analysis technique, Kara meticulously explores the origins of the contentious claim of Qur'anic alteration, shedding light on the intricate relationship between Sunni and Shi'i traditions. His research reveals how this analytical method serves not only as a means for dating hadiths but also as a vital tool for identifying forgeries within early Islamic texts.
Kara's work offers fresh perspectives on the culture of forgery in early Muslim society by pinpointing the individuals involved in the creation of false narratives. This examination provides valuable insights into the debates surrounding the textual integrity and evolution of the Qur'anic text itself. By addressing these issues, the book contributes to a deeper understanding of the historical context in which these narratives emerged, highlighting the dynamic interplay of various sects and their interpretations.
Ultimately, The Integrity of the Qur'an pushes the boundaries of traditional methodologies in the study of early Islamic history. Kara's advancements in isn?d-cum-matn analysis not only enhance our understanding of the canonized Qur'an's integrity but also offer a more nuanced reconstruction of its early history. This book is a significant contribution to Islamic studies, inviting readers to reconsider established narratives and engage with the complexities of the Qur'an's textual journey.
In this technically complex book with its sophisticated methodology, Seyfeddin Kara persuasively argues that the Quran was compiled and fixed within two years of the Prophet Muhammad’s death, and that narratives within certain small Sunni and Twelver Shii groups about the Quran’s textual distortion are historically untenable. -- Tahera Qutbuddin, University of Oxford
Professor Kara’s book will become the work on the history of the codification of the Qur’an. It is an overdue study and offers new analysis of the data. This is the first study that takes into consideration not only Sunni sources but also Shiite sources. Kara’s work will become the standard work on the history of the Qur’anic text. -- Walid Saleh, University of Toronto
ISBN: 9781474462235
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
280 pages