ibn ‘Uqba al-Sūrī—one of those who recorded hadith at that time, not the author of al-Maghāzī (The Military Expeditions), who was an earlier figure associated with the Successors. Ahmad regarded this claim as outrageous and cited the relevant scriptural texts and transmitted reports, such as the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him:

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

And his saying:

“A heart containing nothing of the Quran is like a ruined house.”

There are other such reports. The purpose here, however, is merely to draw attention to this point briefly.

Whoever says that this resembles the Christians’ position knows neither the Christians’ position nor that of the Muslims—or else knows both but denies what he knows. For the Christians say that the Word—which, in their view, is a divine substance and a Lord who is worshipped—clothed itself in human nature and united with it as water and milk unite; or dwelt within it as water dwells in a vessel; or mingled with it as fire and iron mingle. Muslims do not say that the Quran is a self-subsisting substance that is worshipped. Rather, it is Allah’s speech, which He spoke; nor do they say that it united with a human being.

As for describing it as indwelling in written copies and hearts, many of those affiliated with the Sunnah, among the people of Khurāsān and elsewhere, use this expression. Others, among the Iraqis and elsewhere, deny this and say that it is present in them by way of manifestation, not indwelling.