Question # 382: i am back again, shaikh. one more question why do shiahs do not memorize the complete quran? has it something to do with completeness of quran … astagfirulla i do not mean in any way that the quran is incomplete or not correct – just want to understand the viewpoint of shias.

bismi-llahi r-raḥmani r-raḥīm,

Assalamu ‘laikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

All praise and thanks are due to Allah (سبحانه و تعالى), and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

Dear questioner,

First of all, we implore Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) to help us serve His cause and render our work for His sake.

Shorter Answer: As for the Sunnis, there is a consensus among all its school of thoughts that there has not been any alteration whatsoever to the Qur’an and it exists today in the same original form and order as was sent down to Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم). On the other hand, Shi’ahs question the completeness and accuracy and make the allegation that the Qur’an has been willfully distorted because the present Qur’an does not contain evidence that supports their core doctrines (Imamate). They preach that the true Qur’an was compiled only by Ali (which was rejected by the pious Companions of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم)) and this Qur’an was hidden by Ali which was passed onto the following Imam until it reached the 12th Imam Mahdi and now this Imam is hiding in some cave and when he will appear, he will produce the true Qur’an. Hence, their rejection of the present Qur’an is an inherent and integral part of their belief. In fact, Shia’s reference books contain over 2000 narrations falsely attributed (by Shia narrators & scholars) to Shia’s “Infallible” Imams verifying, affirming and confirming these beliefs. Furthermore, Shi’ahs curse the main preservers of the present-day Qur’an – they say that the three rightly guided caliphs turn disbelievers after the death of Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) and call them by bad names (drunkard and Shaytaan) and for Prophet’s wives – they claim that ‘A’ishah and Hafsah poisoned Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم). Not only did Allah praise the companions in the Qur’an but also called Prophet’s wives as the mothers of believers. Their belief is in total rejection of the Words of Allah.

Compare this fabricated belief to the ayats from Qur’an, where Allah states that:

  • He Himself would guarantee the preservation of the Qur’an (15:9; 75:17; 85:21-22) – This is one of the miracles that Allah has preserved the Qur’an not only in written form, but also in the hearts of millions of memorizers of the Qur’an worldwide.
  • “Indeed, upon Us is its collection…” (75:17), while on the other hand, Shi’ahs say ‘Anyone who says that he has collected the whole Qur’an is a great liar.’ (Usul al-Kafi)
  • “And those who disbelieve say: “Listen not to this Qur’an…” (41:26) – Allah aptly mentions about such deviated sects in this ayah.

Please refer to the long version of the answer which lists a number of citations from well-known Shi’ah sources showing their disrespect to Allah and His Qur’an with lies such as: Qur’an was not the only revealed book, the present Qur’an is distorted in terms of addition/deletions of verses, sequence alteration, removal of Ali’s name and Prophet’s family reference, and deletion of entire chapter (Soorah Wilayah) and much more.

Just ponder on some of the following statements from their lies and fabrications: We have with us a book. No one knows what that book is. That book is the [original] Qur’an which is 70 yards long; We have… a Qur’an which is three times larger than the [present] Qur’an; Ali’s Qur’an is different from the existing Qur’an in its sequence of verses and chapters and also in the addition and deletion of some words; ‘Do not recite this Qur’an now but follow the one that others read. When Imam al-Mahdi will reappear, he will then recite this Qur’an; The Qur’an that Jibril brought to Muhammad had 17,000 verses; The present Qur’an is in an altered, corrupted and distorted form; more than one third of the Qur’an was excised by the Sahaabah; Qur’an is like the Taurah and Injeel regarding fabrication and alteration in it and there are many more statements like the above – inconceivable to the common mind. In summary, the Shi’ah commentaries on the Qur’an and books of “hadith” narrations have clearly and repeatedly declared the unauthenticity of the existing Qur’an. This perhaps explains the reason why Shi’ahs do not memorize the whole of the Qur’an.

Lastly, we ask all Shi’ahs of rational mind, since the Shi’ahs claim that the real Qur’an does not exist in this world, “What, then, is the source of knowledge and guidance for the Shi’ahs?” If Shi’ahs still claim to believe in the present Qur’an, then isn’t is paradoxical that they derive their faith and beliefs from those same books that deny the authenticity of the Qur’an.

Long Answer: Sunnis accept that the complete text of the Holy Qur’an as well as its order and arrangement is according to the revelation of Allah. They also affirm that the present arrangement of the Qur’an’s text was dictated by Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) according to the divine instruction through the angel, Gabriel. There have never existed two opinions on this issue since it was confirmed as fact by the consensus of the Prophet’s companions. The authenticity of the Qur’an has never been questioned by any of the Sunni jurisprudence schools – the Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali, or others less well known. It is universally conceded among Muslims that no alteration was ever affected in the Qur’an and that it exists today exactly as it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم). Several verses of the Qur’an as well as authentic hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) uphold this position very clearly. The following are verses from the Qur’an which testify to this fact:

  • “And indeed, it [i.e., the Qur’an] is the revelation of the Lord of the worlds which the Trustworthy Spirit [i.e., Gabriel] has brought down upon your heart, [O Muhammad], — that you may be of the warners in a clear Arabic language.” (Soorah ash-Shu’ara’, 26:192-195)
  • “Indeed, it is We [i.e., Allah] who sent down the message, and indeed, We will be its guardian.” (Soorah al-Hijr, 15:9)
  • “Indeed, upon Us is its collection and [insurance of] its recitation.” (Soorah al-Qiyamah, 75:17)
  • “But this is an honored Qur’an [inscribed] in a Preserved Slate.” (Soorah al-Burj, 85:21-22)
  • This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion) (Soorah Al-Ma’idah, 5:3)
  • And those who disbelieve say: “Listen not to this Qur’an, and make noise in the midst of its (recitation) that you may overcome.” (Soorah Fussilat, 41:26)

Based upon these and other verses, belief in the reliability and validity of the Holy Qur’an has always been an integral part of the Muslim’s faith.

On the other hand, Shi’ahs have developed their own views about the Qur’an, which are contrary to those historically accepted by the rest of the Muslim ummah. Numerous narrations of Shi’ah imams and the writings of their scholars, some of which will be presented in the following sections, testify to these beliefs.

But first, it must be pointed out that there is a consensus among scholars of the Muslim ummah that the entire Qur’an was recorded during the lifetime of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم). Whenever a verse was revealed, the Prophet(صلى الله عليه و سلم) would call one of his scribes and dictate to him the revealed verse. He would then indicate the exact placement of the revealed verse within the Qur’an. In addition, there were a large number of the Prophet’s noble companions who had memorized the whole Qur’an by heart. Thus, at the time of the Prophet’s death, the entire Qur’an had been preserved, not only in written form, but also in the hearts of many of his companions.

During the caliphate of Abu Bakr, a large number of companions who had memorized the whole Qur’an were killed. ‘Umar bin al-Khattab immediately suggested to Abu Bakr that the whole of the Qur’an should be collected and compiled into one volume. Abu Bakr appointed Zayd bin Thabit for this task. All of the written Qur’an was collected and reviewed by a number of those who had committed it to memory. Thus, the first Qur’anic manuscript was produced. It was then entrusted to the Prophet’s wife, Hafsah bint ‘Umar, and was the only complete and authentic reference for the divine revelation, although some other companions had their own personal copies.

Later, when Islam spread to Syria, Iraq, Egypt and Persia, differences arose over pronunciation, and it was feared that deviation would become apparent. Therefore, the third caliph, ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan, appointed a commission of four companions including Zayd to standardize the Qur’an according to the copy that had been kept with Hafsah, which was in the dialect of the Quraysh. He then had it distributed to various centers of the Muslim world to replace any other copies which might at that time have been in circulation. This became known as al-Mushaf al- ‘Uthmani, which, by consensus of the Prophet’s companions, contained the revelation from Allah exactly as it had been recited by Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم). The present Qur’an is reproduced from that mushaf, and no doubt has ever been expressed among followers of the Prophet’s sunnah about its reliability and authenticity.

The classical Shi’ah books discuss “Tahreef” (Distortion of the Qur’an) theory in which they question the completeness and accuracy and make the allegation that the Qur’an has been willfully distorted because the present Qur’an does not contain evidence that supports the core doctrines of Shiism, most importantly, the Imamate doctrine. The following quotations illustrate:

  • “The traditions of Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) pointing to the unreliability of the present Qur’an are numerous. Sayyid Ni’matullah Ha’iri has pointed out in some of his writings that these traditions number more than two thousand. A number of scholars such as Shaykh al-Muhaqqiq Dhimad and ‘Allamah al-Majlisi have also referred to these traditions. Another group states that the traditions of the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) referring to the present Qur’an are mutawatir [i.e., reported by a large number of transmitters].” (Fasl al-Khitab by at-Tabarsi, p. 227)
  • Jabir said: “I heard Imam al-Baqir say, ‘Anyone who says that he has collected the whole Qur’an is a great liar.’” (Usul al-Kafi, p. 39)

These writings plainly state the Shi’ahs’ rejection of the present Qur’an, an inherent and integral part of Shi’ah belief.

It is well known that when the Qur’anic revelations began in Makkah, ‘Ali was about ten years old, and al-Hasan and al-Husayn were not even born. Consequently, those imams had no part in the initial recording and preservation of the Qur’an.

‘Ali was indeed one of the scribes of the later revelations, and his contribution in this respect is acknowledged by all. It is obvious, however, that due to his youth he would have not been entrusted, as such, with the task of recording Makkan verses. The Prophet’s elder companions thus were the only group of believers who could have been entrusted with the task of memorizing, writing and preserving the revelations received by Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) at that stage.

In verse 75:17, Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) stated that He Himself would guarantee the preservation of the Qur’an. Included among the noble companions who initially played a major part in its preservation and who, according to Shi’ah doctrine later turned disbelievers, were three of the righteous caliphs. Muslim scholars all know that the Qur’an of today was collected, compiled, preserved and propagated by those three caliphs.

Shi’ah hatred for the first three caliphs is so intense that every year during the month of Muharram, special religious meetings are held for the purpose of cursing and abusing them. These are known as “tabarru” meetings and are an integral part of Shi’ah practice. Often, such gatherings have led to bitter fighting between Shi’ahs and Muslims who defend the honor of the righteous caliphs.

Among those of the Prophet’s companions insulted by the Shi’ahs are the Prophet’s wives, whom Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) regards as the mother of all believers in the Qur’an:

  • “The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than one of another, and his wives- are their mothers.” (Soorah al-Ahzab, 33:6)

Hafsah was one of the pious wives, and it was she who was entrusted with the first completed written manuscript of the Qur’an. The following quotations indicate Shi’ah feelings about her:

  • “One should detest the four idols, namely, Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman and Mu’awiyah, and four women, namely, ‘A’ishah, Hafsah, Hind and Umm al-Hakam.” (Haqq al-Yaqeen, p. 685)
  • ‘Ayashi reported from reliable sources that Imam Ja’far as-sadiq said: “‘A’ishah and Hafsah killed the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) by poisoning.” (Hayat al-Qulub, vol. 2, p. 870)

The sources of the aforementioned narrations, Hayat al-Qulub and Haqq al-Yaqeen, are two of the most well-known works of Mulla Baqir al-Majlisi, the renowned Shi’ah scholar of twelfth century hijrah. It should be noted that the respected contemporary Shi’ah scholar, Ayatullah Khomeini, has frequently quoted him in his writings and has recommended to all Shi’ahs al-Majlisi’s books, especially Haqq al-Yaqeen.

One could thus deduce that contemporary Shi’ah scholars share al-Majlisi’s view that the Mother of Believers, who was entrusted with the very first complete manuscript of the Qur’an, poisoned Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم).

The following citations from well-known Shi’ah sources represent the Shi’ah perspective on the Holy Qur’an. These citations are arranged under four of their basic arguments as given below:

  1. The Qur’an was not the only revealed book:

(Note: None of the alleged books mentioned in this section are available for reference, although it is said that there are copies of “Fatimah’s Qur’an” kept secretly by certain people. Shi’ahs believe that the complete, unaltered Qur’an was removed from this world with the disappearance of the twelfth imam, who will recite it upon his return to earth.

The 70-Yard-Long Qur’an

  • Imam Ja’far said: “We have with us a book. No one knows what that book is. That book is the [original] Qur’an which is 70 yards long.” (Usul al-Kafi, p. 41)

Fatimah’s Qur’an

  • The Imam [Ja’far as-Sadiq] said: “We have a book of Fatimah, and do you know what this book of Fatimah is? It is a Qur’an which is three times larger than the [present] Qur’an, and I swear by Allah that it does not contain a single word from your [present] Qur’an.” (Usul al-Kafi, p. 146)

Two More Revealed Books

  • The narrator told Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq that [the sects of] Zaydiyyah and Mu’tazilah have gathered around Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah [the son of al-Hasan bin ‘Ali]. Then he asked the imam if Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah had any proof for his claim to be imam. The imam [Ja’far as-Sadiq] said, “By Allah, we have two books in which are written the names of all the messengers [of Allah] and all those who would ever rule any part of this world. Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah’s name is in neither of those books.” (Usul al-Kafi, p. 146)

A Book Written by ‘Ali

  • The narrator said: “I heard Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq say, ‘We have something as a result of which others need us and we need no one. It is a book. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) personally supervised its writing, and ‘Ali wrote it. It contains [the details of] what is lawful and what is prohibited.” (Usul al-Kafi, p. 146)

The Special Qur’an of ‘Ali

  • “Ameer al-Mu’mineen [i.e., ‘Ali] had a special copy of the Qur’an which he personally compiled after the demise of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم). He presented it to the Prophet’s companions, but they rejected it. He therefore hid it [in his house]. This Qur’an was kept by ‘Ali’s descendants and inherited from one imam to another as part of the office of imamate and prophethood. It is now with Imam al-Mahdi Allah will soon resolve this problem. He will bring forth that Qur’an with his reappearance [in the world] and order the people to recite it. That Qur’an is different from the existing Qur’an in its sequence of verses and chapters and also in the addition and deletion of some words. Since truth was with ‘Ali and ‘Ali was the truth, it is evident that the existing Qur’an has been altered in both these respects.” (Fasl al-Khitab by at-Tabarsi, p. 97)
  1. Some Qur’anic verses are lost or missing:

The following Shi’ah “hadiths” are sufficient to summarize their views regarding the Qur’an’s authenticity. It should be noted that the source of these narrations is Usul al-Kafi, the most respected source of Shi’ah “hadiths.” The narrations are attributed to their most revered imams.

A Qur’an with Different Verses / Distorted Version

  • Salim bin Salim narrated: “A certain person recited a few verses before Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq, and I heard words, none of which are seen in the Qur’an that we recite. Thereupon the imam said, ‘Do not recite this Qur’an now but follow the one that others read. When Imam al-Mahdi will reappear, he will then recite this Qur’an.”‘ (Usul al-Kafi, p. 671)
  • Abu ‘Abdullah, recipient of divine supreme covenant, has said “The Holy Qur’an that Jibril brought to Muhammad, recipient of divine supreme covenant, had seventeen thousand (17,000) verses” (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 2, p. 616)

Pursuing this claim, Allaama Qazweni, the Shi`i commentator of Al-Kaafi; explains: “The purport of Imam Ja`far Saadiq’s statement is that a great part of the original Qur’an has been omitted and that (original Qur’an) is not among the well-known present texts of the Qur’an.” (Sharhul Kaafi – Baab Fadhlil Qur’an)

  • Shia narrator, Jabir, reported that he heard Imam Baqir saying: “No one can claim that he has compiled the Qur’an as Allah revealed except a liar. The only person to compile it and memorize it according to its revelation was Ali ibn Abi Talib and the Imams who succeeded him.” (Usul al-Kafi, vol 1 p. 228)
  • A comparison between the present Qur’an and the original Qur’an (which was compiled by Imam Ali and will be brought by Imam Mahdi (Shi’ah’s 12th Imam) when he appears before the Day of Judgment. (Usul al-Kafi, Vol. 2, p. 123)
  • After the death of Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم), the original Qur’an was in the custody of Ali and he brought it to Abu-Bakr but Abu Bakr refused to allow this original version. That is why Muslim Ummah was deprived of original Qur’an. (Sheikh-e-Saqifah, p. 138 – Published in Pakistan)
  • “Imam Ja`far Sadiq said: ‘When Ali brought and competed it (the Qur’an) he came to the people (i.e. the Sahaabah) and said to them: This is the book of Allah Azza Wa Jal, as Allah has revealed it to Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم). The people said: This volume with us contains the Qur’an. We are not in need of it (i.e. the Qur’an of Ali). Then he (Ali) said: By Allah! After this day you will not see it.” (Usul al-Kafi)
  • The Qur’an has been purposely altered by the drunkard Caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman); The present Qur’an is false; It’s the duty of Imam Mahdi (Shi’ah’s 12th Imam) to bring it in its original form; When Imam Mahdi comes, then the Qur’an will be recited in its original form. (Qur’an Translation by Maqbool Hussain Delhvi, Chap.12, p. 384 & p.479 – Published in India)
  • Imam Baqir said: “None among mankind but a great liar claims that he has compiled the whole Qur’an as it was revealed. No one compiled it nor memorized it as Allah revealed each, but Ali Bin Abi Taalib and the Imams after him.” (Usul al-Kafi)
  • Shaikhain (Abu Bakr & Omar) refused to accept the Qur’an which was compiled by Ali. (Fasal-ul-Khitab, p. 64)
  • Original Qur’an will not be known until the manifestation of Imam Mahdi (Shi’ah’s 12th Imam). (Anwaar-ul-Na’umania, Vol. 2, p. 360 – Published in Iran)
  • “The present Qur’an is abridged whereas the Original Qur’an is kept by Imam Mahdi.” (Hazaar Tumhari Das Hamari, p. 553)
  • No one possesses complete knowledge of the Qur’an except the Imams. (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 228)
  • The present Qur’an is in an altered, corrupted and distorted form… (Fatuhat-e-Shia, p. 129)
  • In another highly-regarded Shi’ah Tafseer book is Tafseer of Al-Ayyashi, Al-Ayyashi was one of al-Kash-shi’s Sheikhs, and in the same rank of Al-Kulayni, as ranked by At-Tahrani in his al-Thari’ah vol. 4, p. 295. Al-Ayashi wrote in the “introduction” of his Tafseer, quoting the Shia’s Imam Abu Ja’far: “Maysar narrated from Abu Ja’far [as]: If it wasn’t for the adding and deleting in the Book of Allah, our right (in Imamah – leadership) would’ve been clear for anyone with a sound mind.” (Tafseer al-Ayyashi, Muhammad bin Mas’oud al-Ayyashi, Introduction)
  • In Ihtijaaj Tabresi which the Shi`ah clergy regards as one of the most authentic and highly-placed books of Shi`ism. Ali is alleged to have said that between two particular verses of the Qur’an, more than one third of the Qur’an was excised by the Sahaabah. The following lie is attributed to Ali by the Shi’ah priest: “This pertains to what I had mentioned earlier regarding the omission from the Qur’an by the Munaafiqeen (hypocrites). Between the statement “fil Yataama” and “Nikahin Nisaa” more than one third of the Qur’an has been excised.” (Ihtijaaj Tabresi)
  • Among the arguments in substantiation of the Shi`i clan of a fabricated Qur’an, Noori presents the following: “Fourthly, are the specific narrations which explicitly assert or imply that the Qur’an is like the Taurah and Injeel regarding fabrication and alteration in it. (These narrations) indicate that in the domination of those Munaafiqeen (a reference to Abu Bakr and Umar) who settled as leaders over the Ummat is the way followed by Bani Israel in the matter of the Taurah and Injeel. This is an independent proof for the claim that the Qur’an has been tampered with.” (Faslul Khitaab)

The Qur’an Having Four Portions

  • Imam al-Baqir narrated that the Qur’an was revealed in four portions: one fourth dealing with attributes of the Prophet’s family members, one fourth condemning the enemies of the Prophet’s family members, one fourth dealing with similes and metaphors, and one fourth dealing with obligatory duties and prayers.” (Usul al-Kafi, p. 669)
  • The Qur’an descended (was revealed) in four parts, whereas present Qur’an consists of three parts. (Shia Aur Tehreef-e-Qur’an, p. 62)
  1. The sequence of verses has been altered in the Qur’an:

The following quotation summarizes Shi’ah beliefs regarding alterations in the words and verses of the Qur’an:

  • “These hadiths, particularly the ones narrated by the Prophet’s family members, clearly say that the Qur’an we have today is not the same as what was revealed to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم). A few of its verses are in clear contradiction to Allah’s original revelations, a few of them have been altered, and a few deleted. Surely and certainly, a number of things have been deleted from the Qur’an, for example, ‘Ali’s name has been removed from various places. Moreover, the hadiths also state that the arrangement of the present Qur’an is not the one which was approved by Allah and His Messenger. ‘Ali bin lbraheem al-Qummi also held similar views.” (Tafseer as-Safi, Introduction)
  1. Substantial alterations have been made in the words of the Qur’an:

Shi’ah commentaries of the Qur’an and their books of “hadith” cite innumerable examples of alleged alterations within the Qur’an. All of these “alterations” deal exclusively with the attributes of ‘Ali and his descendants, whom the Shi’ahs consider their imams. If one were to collect all of these citations, he would end up with an entirely new Qur’an.

The following are sufficient to give a glimpse of Shi’ah claims in this regard:

Alterations in Soorah al-Baqarah

  • ”And if you are in doubt about what We have sent down upon Our Servant [i.e., Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)], then produce a surah the like thereof and call upon your witnesses [i.e., supporters] other than Allah, if you should be truthful.” (Soorah al-Baqarah, 2:23)

The commentary given about this verse is that Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq said: “Gabriel brought this verse [to Prophet Muhammad] mentioning ‘Ali as follows: ‘If you are in doubt as to what We have sent down to Our Servant regarding ‘Ali…”‘ (Usul al-Kafi)

  • ”But those who wronged changed [those words] to a statement other than that which had been said to them, so We sent down upon those who wronged a punishment [i.e., plague] from the sky because they were defiantly disobeying.” (Soorah al-Baqarah, 2:59)

Imam al-Baqir said: “Gabriel brought this verse to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) as follows: ‘But those who usurped the rights of the Prophet’s family members changed the words that were said to them, so We sent down on those who usurped the rights of the Prophet’s family members a punishment from the sky because they were defiantly disobeying.'” (Usul al-Kafi)

Alterations in Soorah Aali Imran

  • “Certainly, Allah has chosen Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of Imraan above the (families of the) worlds.” (Soorah Aali Imran, 3:33)

Shia Scholar, Ali ibn Ibrahim AI-Qummi (one of the early Shi’ite commentators of the Qur’an) said concerning this verse:     ” The Imam said: ‘The phrase “the family of Muhammad” were also revealed along with “the family of Al-Imraan.” They (the Companions of prophet Mohammad) removed the phrase “the family of Muhammad” from the original text (of the Qur’an).” (Al-Qummi’s commentary: p.308)

Alterations in Soorah an-Nisa’a

  • “O you who have been given the Scripture, believe in what We have sent down [to Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم)], confirming that which is with you, before We obliterate faces and turn them toward their backs or curse them as We cursed the Sabbath-breakers. And the decree of Allah is [always] accomplished.” (Soorah an-Nisa’a, 4:47)

Shi’ah traditions state that Gabriel brought this verse to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) as follows: “O people, believe in what We have sent down about ‘Ali, confirming what is with you … ” (Usul al-Kafi, p. 669)

  • “But if they had done what they were instructed, it would have been better for them and a firmer position [for them in faith].” (Soorah an-Nisa’a, 4:66)

Imam al-Baqir said: “This verse was revealed as follows: ‘But if they had done what they were [actually] told about ‘Ali, it would have been better for them …”‘ (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 521)

  • ”But Allah bears witness to that which He has sent down to you. He has sent it down with His knowledge, and the angels bear witness [as well]. And sufficient is Allah as Witness.” (Soorah an-Nisa’a, 4:166)

In Tafseer al-Qummi is a narration attributed to Ja’far as-Sadiq that this verse was revealed to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) as follows: “But Allah bears witness to that which He has sent down to you concerning ‘Ali, He has sent it down with His knowledge …” (Translation and Commentary of Qur’an, p. 124)

  • “Indeed, those who disbelieve and commit injustice – never will Allah forgive them, nor will He guide them to a path.” (Soorah an-Nisa’a, 4:168)

Al-Kulayni related from Imam al-Baqir: “Gabriel revealed this verse to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) as follows: ‘Those who usurp the rights of Prophet’s family- never will Allah forgive them …”‘ (Usul al-Kafi) It is also narrated in Tafseer al-Qummi that Abu ‘Abdullah (Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq) recited this verse as follows: “Those who disbelieved and usurped the right of the Prophet’s family member- never will Allah forgive them…” (Translation and Commentary of Qur’an, p. 124)

  • “O mankind, the Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe; it is better for you. But if you disbelieve, then indeed, to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth. And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.” (Soorah an-Nisa’a, 4:170)

The translation of the Qur’an by the learned Shi’ah scholar Maqbul Ahmad and the famous scholar al-Majlisi has rendered this verse as follows: “O mankind, the Messenger has come to you with the truth from Allah regarding the wilayah [succession] of ‘Ali…” (Hayat al-Qulub, vol. 3, p. 355)

Alterations in Soorah al-Hijr

  • “[Allah] said, ‘This is a way to Me [that is] straight.'” (Soorah al-Hijr, 15:41)

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq said: “This verse was recited as follows: ‘This way of ‘Ali is straight [to Me].”‘ (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 521)

Alterations in Soorah an-Nahl

  • “And be not like a woman who untwisted her spun thread after it was strong [by] talking your oaths as [means of] deceit between you so that an ummah [i.e., community] may be more plentiful than another ummah.” (Soorah an-Nahl, 16:92)

According to the Shi’ah tradition, this verse was revealed to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) as follows: “And be not like a woman who untwisted her spun thread after it was strong [by] taking your oaths as [means of] deceit between you lest one ummah should be more virtuous than your imams.” The narrator said, “The word in Soorah an-Nahl is ummah [and not a’immah], but he [the imam] answered, ‘No, it is a’immah.”‘ (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 377; “a’immah” is the plural of “imam”)

Alterations in Soorah al-Kahf

  • ”And say, ‘The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills – Jet him believe; and whoever wills – Jet him disbelieve. ‘ Indeed, We have prepared for the wrongdoers a fire whose walls surround them.” (Soorah al-Kahf, 18:29)

Abu Ja’far said that Gabriel brought this verse to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) as follows: “The truth is from your Lord concerning the wilayah [succession] of ‘Ali, so whoever wills – let him believe; and whoever wills – let him reject the Prophet’s family members. Indeed, We have prepared for the wrongdoers a fire …” (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 53; Hayat al-Qulub, vol. 3, p. 215)

Alterations in Soorah Ta Ha

  • “And We had already taken a covenant from Adam before, but he forgot; and We did not find in him determination.” (Soorah Ta Ha, 20:115)

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq said: “The ‘covenant’ was concerning Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم), ‘Ali, Fatimah, al-Hasan and al-Husayn and the imams from among their descendants. Adam forgot them. By Allah, this verse was revealed to Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) as follows: ‘We had already taken a covenant from Adam before concerning Muhammad, ‘Ali, Fatimah, al-Hasan, al-Husayn and the imams from among [their] descendants, but he forgot.'” (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 153)

Alterations in Soorah Al-Furqaan

  • And those who say: “Our Lord! Bestow on us from our wives and our offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and make us leaders for the Muttaqun” (Soorah Al-Furqaan, 25:74)

The Shia claim that “And make us a leader for the Muttaqun” should be replaced with the following statement: “And make for us a leader (Imam) from among the Muttaqun”

Alterations in Soorah al-Ahzab

  • ”He [i.e., Allah] will amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment.” (Soorah al-Ahzab, 33:71)

In Usul al-Kafi and Tafseer al-Qummi, it is narrated from Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq that this verse was revealed as follows: “He will amend for you your deeds and forgive your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger regarding the wilayah [succession] of ‘Ali and his imams has certainly attained a great attainment.” (Translation and Commentary of Qur’an, p. 512)

Alterations in Soorah ash-Shura

  • “Difficult for the polytheists is that to which you invite them. Allah chooses for Himself whom He wills and guides to Himself whoever tums back [to Him].” (Soorah ash-Shura, 42:13)

Imam ar-Ridha said that Allah’s actual words in the Qur’an were: “Difficult for those who deny the wilayah of ‘Ali: is that to which you invite them.” (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 514)

Alterations in Soorah al-Ahqaf

  • “Say, I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me, and I am not but a clear warner.’” (Soorah al-Ahqaf, 46:9)

According to Shi’ah “hadiths,” this verse was revealed as follows: “I am not something original among the messengers, nor do I know what will be done with me or with you. I only follow that which is revealed to me regarding ‘Ali, and I am not but a clear warner.” (Translation and Commentary of Qur’an, p. 602)

Alterations in Soorah Muhammad

  • “That is because they said to those who disliked what Allah sent down, ‘We will obey you in part of the matter.’ And Allah knows what they conceal.” (Soorah Muhammad, 47:26)

According to Shi’ah tradition, Gabriel brought this verse to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) as follows: “That is because they said to those who disliked what Allah sent down to the Prophet concerning ‘Ali, ‘We will obey you in part of the matter.’ And Allah knows what they conceal.” (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 516)

Alterations in Soorah adh-Dhariyat

  • “Indeed, you [disbelievers] are in discordant speech. Deluded away from it [i.e., the Qur’an] is he who is deluded.” (Soorah adh-Dhariyat, 51:8-9)

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir said that this verse was revealed to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) as follows: “Indeed, you are in discordant speech concerning the wilayah [succession] of ‘Ali.” He added, “He who denies the wilayah of ‘Ali is deprived of Paradise.” (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 518)

Alterations in Soorah al-Mulk

  • “Say, ‘He is the Most Merciful; we have believed in Him, and upon Him we have relied. And you will know who it is that is in manifest error.’” (Soorah al-Mulk, 67:29)

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq said in explanation of this verse: “The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said, ‘And you will know who it is that is in manifest error, O disbelievers! I had informed you of the wilayah of ‘Ali after me. Now, who is in clear error?’ This explanation was revealed with the verse.” (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 517)

Alterations in Soorah al-Ma’arij

  • “A questioner asked about a punishment bound to happen to the disbelievers; of it there is no preventer. [It is] from Allah, owner of the ways of ascent.” (Soorah al-Ma’arij, 70:1-3)

Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq said that this verse was revealed to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) as follows: “A questioner asked about a punishment bound to happen to the disbelievers for denying the wilayah of ‘Ali, of which there is no preventer.” (Usul al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 518)

Alterations in Soorah al-Muzzammil

  • “And leave Me [to deal] with the deniers, those of ease [in life}, and allow them respite a little.” (Soorah al-Muzzammil, 73:11)

Usul al-Kafi contains a narration by Imam Musa al-Kathim that this verse was revealed to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) as follows: “And leave me [to deal] with the deniers of your will concerning the wilayah [succession of’ Ali], those of ease, and allow them respite a little.” (Translation and Commentary of Qur’an, p. 688)

Alterations in Soorah al- Inshirah

The Shia claim that Soorah Al-Inshirah (Chapter 94) should contain a verse that says “And we made ‘Ali your in-law” (Usul al-Kafi, p.289)

Soorah al- Wilayah

A number of Shi’ah scholars claim that the Qur’an once contained a chapter entitled, “al- Wilayah” (“Succession”), wherein Almighty Allah mentioned ‘Ali’s name and declared his immediate succession and imamate after Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم). Muhsin al-Kashmeeri, a Persian scholar, has published this alleged soorah of seven verses in his book ‘Dabastan-e-Mazahib’. Several editions have been printed and are available in Iran. ‘Allamah Nuri at-Tabrisi has also mentioned in his book (Fasl al-Khitab, p. 22) that the chapter al- Wilayah declaring ‘Ali’s imamate has been deleted from the existing Qur’an. Professor Noeldek in his History of the Qur’an (Vol II, p. 102) has reproduced this chapter (Soorah) from the Persian book ‘Dabastan-e-Mazahib’. The same is reproduced below.

Its translation is as follows:

  1. O you who have believed, believe in the Prophet and in the wali [successor], both of whom We sent to lead you to a straight path.
  2. The Prophet and the wali – they are of one another, and I am the Knowing, the Aware.
  3. Indeed, those who fulfill the covenant of Allah will have Gardens of Pleasure.
  4. And those who, when Our verses are recited to them are, of Our verses, deniers –
  5. For them in Hell is a terrible position when they will be called, “Where are the unjust, the deniers of the messengers?”
  6. He did not create the messengers except in truth, and Allah would not manifest them for [only] a short term.
  7. And exalt with praise your Lord, and ‘Ali is among the witnesses.

Perhaps some readers may consider all these citations old and obsolete, [but the following] quote from the recent Shi’ah imam, Ayatullah Khomeini, who openly declared and reemphasized the Shi’ah claim that the Qur’an had been altered by the Prophet’s companions. “Those (companions of the Prophet] who cared only for material gains and worldly powers, those who had no interest in Islam or the Qur’an, and those who exploited the Qur’an for their own crooked plans – for them it was very easy to delete those verses of the Qur’an [i.e., the ones which declare ‘Ali’s imamate], to modify the heavenly Scripture, and to hide the [true] Qur’an from the public eye in such a way that it has become a blot for the entire Muslim ummah until the Day of Judgment. The Muslims’ accusation that Christians and Jews altered their heavenly scriptures is proved against the Prophet’s companions as well.” (Kashf al-Asrar, p. 111)

One can justly ask the followers of lmam al-Khomeini, since they claim that the real Qur’an does not exist in this world, “What, then, is the source of knowledge and guidance for the Shi’ahs?”

The above citations are a few examples of Shi’ah teachings in regard to the Qur’an. Anyone who is interested in pursuing this matter further may obtain more details from Fasl al-Khitab fi lthbat Tahreef Kitab Rabb al-Arbab (Conclusive Proof of Alteration in the Book of the Lord of Lords). This is a remarkable work of Mirza Husayn bin Taqiyy, a Shi’ah scholar. The author has collected hundreds of “hadiths” from Shi’ah imams and quotations from Shi’ah scholars for the purpose of showing that the existing Qur’an has undergone innumerable alterations. When the book was first published in Tehran in 1298 A.H., it caused great uproar and agitation in Shi’ah circles. Shi’ah scholars were much perturbed to see so many of their “hadiths” and quotations openly documented in a book. They realized that their secret doctrines about the Qur’an were now exposed to the rest of the Muslim ummah. A number of Shi’ah scholars then hastened to write explanatory notes on the book. A few others openly protested against its publication. The author, Mirza Husayn, later responded to all the objections of Shi’ah scholars in another book, entitled Raddu Ba’dhish-Shubuhati ‘an Fasl al-Khitab fi lthbat Tahreef Kitab Rabb al-Arbab (A Refutation of Doubts about Conclusive Proof of Alteration in the Book of the Lord of Lords). Both these books were so widely acclaimed that when the author died in 1320 A.H., he was given the highest Shi’ah honor and distinction bestowed on anyone: to be buried at ‘Ali’s mausoleum at Najaf in Iraq.

The Shi’ah commentaries on the Qur’an and books of “hadith” narrations have clearly and repeatedly declared the unauthenticity of the existing Qur’an, but Shi’ahs still claim to believe in the Qur’an. It is paradoxical that they derive their faith and beliefs from those same books that deny the authenticity of the Qur’an. One can only explain the disparity between Shi’ah sayings and Shi’ah writings on the basis of their practice of taqiyyah (dissimulation), which encourages Shi’ahs to conceal truth under certain conditions and to declare something they do not believe at all. Thus, it is logical to conclude that what is recorded in Shi’ah books is the true Shi’ah belief, while what Shi’ahs state verbally is only taqiyyah.

Abu Mansur Ahmed Tibrisi, a prominent Shi’ite scholar of the 8th century (H), wrote: “Enumerating the distortions and omissions of this sort (from the present Qur’an) would become laborious and it will disclose what taqiyyah (Shi’ite practice to conceal the ‘truth’ for religious purposes) requires me not to disclose: the virtues of Allah’s friends and the vices of His enemies.” (AI-Ihtijaj by Tibrisi: 1:254)

There are more than 2000 evidences from Shi’ahs top scholars and top reference books supporting the Tahreef theory… The Shi’ah scholar Ni’matallah al-Jaza’iri states, he could not find a single narration from the “Infallible” Imams that proves the contrary (meaning that proves there is no Tahreef).

This perhaps explains the reason why Shi’ahs do not memorize the whole of the Qur’an. On the contrary, the Sunni Muslim ummah has always produced innumerable huffath (memorizers the entire Qur’an) from beginning to end with precise tajweed. Every year in the month of Ramadan, these huffath recite the whole Qur’an aloud during taraweeh prayers before congregations of worshippers. The Qur’an consists of a little over 6,000 verses and a total of 244,744 words made up of innumerable letters and diacritical marks. To memorize all these verses with the necessary detail of phonetics and punctuation would not be humanly possible but for the will of Almighty Allah. Through His special blessing Allah gives this honor to those who have the proper faith and respect for the Qur’an, while He deprives those who would cast doubts on its authenticity of that blessing.

(Most part of the above answer is based on the book ‘Sunni and Shiah – Perspective on Islam’ by Dr. Ahmad Abdullah Salamah with some information from the following:  Discoveringislam.org and the book ‘Shi’ism Exposed’)

Allahu A’lam (Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) knows best) and all Perfections belong to Allah, and all mistakes belong to me alone. May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى) forgive me, Ameen.

Wassalaam