612 — Ubayd Allah ibn Muhammad ibn Ahmad informed us; Ahmad ibn Kamil informed us; Abu Ja‘far Muhammad ibn Jarir narrated to us, saying:
“The first matter we shall address in this regard is Allah’s Speech and His revelation, for this is among the implications of affirming His oneness. The correct position, in our view, is that it is the uncreated Speech of Allah—regardless of how it is written, how it is recited, or where it is read: whether it is found in heaven or preserved on earth; whether it is written on the Preserved Tablet or inscribed on the writing tablets of schoolchildren; whether it is engraved upon stone or written on parchment; whether it is memorized in the heart or uttered by the tongue.
“Whoever says otherwise, or claims that there is a Quran in heaven or on earth other than the one we recite with our tongues and which is in our codices, or holds this belief in his heart, conceals it within himself, or professes it with his tongue as his religion—such a person is, by Allah, an unbeliever whose blood may lawfully be shed. He is cut off from Allah, and Allah has disassociated Himself from him. Allah, Exalted is He, says:
“Rather, it is a glorious Quran, inscribed on a Preserved Tablet.” [Surah al-Buruj, 85:22]
“And His true saying is:
“If any of the polytheists seeks your protection, then grant him protection so that he may hear the Word of Allah.” [Surah al-Tawbah, 9:6]
“Thus Allah, glorious is His praise, has informed us that it is on the Preserved Tablet and that it is heard from the tongue of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. It is one Quran: heard from Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace; written on the Preserved Tablet; preserved in hearts; and recited by the tongues of old and young alike.
“Whoever narrates from us, reports about us, fabricates statements in our name, or claims that we said anything other than this—upon him be the curse and wrath of Allah, as well as the curse of all who curse, the angels, and all people. Allah shall accept from him neither voluntary nor obligatory deed. May He tear away his veil and expose him before all witnesses, on the Day when the excuses of the wrongdoers will not benefit them; theirs will be the curse, and theirs will be the evil abode.”