Textual Integrity of the Qur’an: Sunni and Shi'i Historical Narrations on the Falsification

Project Information

TIQ

Grant agreement ID: 101022180

DOI

10.3030/101022180

Project terminated on 8 November 2023

EC signature date 9 March 2021

Start date 1 June 2021

End date 31 May 2024

Funded under

• EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Total cost

€ 251 434,52

EU contribution

€ 251 434,52

Coordinated by

LUNDS UNIVERSITET
Sweden

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - TIQ (Textual Integrity of the Qur’an: Sunni and Shi'i Historical Narrations on the Falsification)

Reporting period: 2023-04-01 to 2024-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

My first goal in the "Textual Integrity of the Qur'an" project was to train in Sunni approaches to Quranic studies at the University of Toronto for 22 months under Professor Walid Saleh's supervision. I aimed to deepen my understanding of early Muslim historical and legal data, including hadith studies, at the University of Goettingen for two months and later at Lund University for twelve months under Professor Oliver Scharbrodt.

My second goal was to push the limits of the isnad-cum-matn method by analyzing the earliest Sunni and Shi'i sources. I wanted to pinpoint when the idea of falsification of the Qur'an might have first emerged and track how these traditions influenced interactions between Sunni and Shi'i scholars.

The third goal was to equip myself with the knowledge to address the tensions between Shi'is and Sunnis, both in Europe and globally. By sharing the historical insights from my research, I hoped to challenge existing misconceptions and contribute to peace and community cohesion in Europe.

However, I had to terminate the project earlier than planned, when I received a permanent job offer for an Assistant Professor position from the University of Groningen. After consulting with my supervisors and managers, I decided to accept this fantastic opportunity. Although I started my new role, I remained involved with the TIQ project by participating in community outreach events in the Netherlands and the UK, thus meeting the project's outreach goals at the return phase.

During this time, I also signed a contract with Bloomsbury to publish a handbook on contemporary Islam studies, which includes selected papers from a conference I co-organized in Toronto. I'm currently editing this handbook, set for publication in 2026.

I am profoundly thankful for the opportunities the Marie S. Curie Fellowship provided, and I am excited about continuing my academic and outreach efforts. Thank you so much!

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

My book, "The Integrity of the Qur'an: Sunni and Shi‘i Historical Narratives," published by the University of Edinburgh Press, offers several key insights into early Islamic history. Here are the major contributions of my work:

-I enhance the method of isnad-cum-matn analysis, offering a deeper understanding of the early Islamic period.
- I establish one of the earliest datings of the Qur'anic codex using hadith studies.
-I contribute new findings to the textual history of the Qur'an.
-I analyze major claims about the integrity of the Qur'anic text.
- I include case studies on verses related to stoning and breastfeeding, which add contemporary relevance to my research.

I delve into Muslim narratives about Qur'anic distortion in this book through detailed hadith analysis. By applying isnad-cum-matn analysis, I trace the historical roots of these narratives, emphasizing the complex interactions between Sunni and Shi'i traditionists. My study proves that isnad-cum-matn analysis is crucial not only for dating hadiths but also for identifying forgeries. By pinpointing individuals involved in forgery, I reveal the culture of forgery in early Muslim society.

My findings shed light on the debates concerning the textual integrity and evolution of the Qur'anic text, providing fresh perspectives on the early history of Islam. This book pushes the boundaries of isnad-cum-matn methodology and advances the scholarly reconstruction of the canonized Qur'an’s textual integrity.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

This project marks a significant leap forward in the study of early Islamic history by innovatively applying isnad-cum-matn analysis to complex questions about the Qur'an’s integrity. Moving beyond traditional studies, my research employs a methodologically rigorous approach to date hadiths and detect forgeries. By systematically identifying sources of fabrication, it provides clear insights into the origins and development of narratives surrounding Qur’anic distortion.

Moreover, the research pioneers in establishing one of the earliest datings of the Qur'anic codex based on hadith studies, offering an evidence-based framework that challenges or redefines earlier scholarly conclusions about the Qur'an’s compilation and transmission.

Expected Results Until the End of the Project

By the end of this project, I produced:

-A refined, evidence-supported framework for isnad-cum-matn analysis that can be applied broadly in early Islamic studies.
-A comprehensive examination of Sunni and Shi'i perspectives on the Qur'an's integrity, aiming to bridge gaps in understanding within Islamic historical scholarship.
-Case studies that highlight critical issues in early Islamic jurisprudence, such as those related to stoning and breastfeeding verses, which remain relevant in contemporary legal and religious debates.

I have shared the results through publications, conferences, and lectures.

Potential Socio-Economic Impact and Wider Societal Implications:

This project enhances the intellectual resources and analytical tools available to academic institutions, benefiting researchers and students involved in Islamic studies. It promotes methodological rigor and analytical approaches that are transferable to other disciplines, particularly those involving historical-critical analysis like history and religious studies Additionally, it furthres contemporary discussions on texts, promoting mutual understanding among Muslim communities by elucidating the historical roots of sectarian claims about Qur'anic integrity. This understanding can help reduce sectarian tensions and support informed dialogues between Sunni and Shi'i communities. Furthermore, the insights from this book have potential implications for public and community education, especially as they address common misconceptions regarding the Qur’an's historical authenticity.

In summary, this project advances academic understanding and serves broader societal goals of fostering intercommunal respect, enhancing historical awareness, and enriching educational efforts.

Book Cover