“a glorious Quran, in a Preserved Tablet.” It is as He Most High says:

“Indeed, it is in the Mother of the Book with Us, exalted and full of wisdom.”

It is also in people’s hearts, as the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said:

“Keep reviewing the Quran, for it slips away from men’s hearts more readily than camels escape their tethers.”

The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—also said:

“A person who has nothing of the Quran within him is like a ruined house.”

What lies between the two covers of the copy of the Quran written by the Companions—may Allah be pleased with them—is the speech of Allah, as the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said:

“Do not travel with the Quran to enemy territory, for fear that it should fall into their hands.”

This “general statement” suffices a Muslim concerning this subject. As for the details of the disputes that have arisen over it, in many cases both opposing unqualified assertions are mistaken, and the truth lies in making distinctions. In other cases, each disputant possesses some part of the truth, yet each denies the truth held by the other.

This is among the division and disagreement that Allah Most High has condemned and forbidden. He says:

“Indeed, those who differ over the Scripture are in deep discord.”

He also says:

“Do not be like those who became divided and differed after clear proofs had come to them.”

And He says:

“Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.”

And He says:

“None differed over it except those who had been given it, after clear proofs had come to them, out of mutual jealousy.”