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distributed widely <strong>in</strong> the new territories which came <strong>in</strong>to<br />

contact with <strong>Islam</strong>. Most of the <strong>in</strong>habitants did not see Mu-<br />

hammad or hear him. Due to regional and geographical fac-<br />

tors, they were read<strong>in</strong>g the Qur'an with slightly different ac-<br />

cents. Differences <strong>in</strong> recitation and <strong>in</strong>tonation began to arise<br />

and cause disputes among Musiims. 'Uthman acted swiftly<br />

to meet the situation. After mutual consultation with all the<br />

lead<strong>in</strong>g authorities, he formed a committee of four men<br />

made iip of the former Scribes of Revelations. Ali the copies<br />

<strong>in</strong> use were collected and replaced by one Standard copy<br />

which was to be used accord<strong>in</strong>g to the accent and dialect of<br />

Quraish, the very same dialect and accent of Muhammad<br />

himself. That dialect was adopted and standardized because<br />

it was the best of all dialects and the one <strong>in</strong> which the Qur'an<br />

was revealed. Thus, the Qur'an was aga<strong>in</strong> restricted to the<br />

accent and dialect of the man who received it. And from that<br />

time onwards, the same standardized version has been <strong>in</strong> use<br />

without the slightest change <strong>in</strong> words or order or even punc-<br />

tuation marks.<br />

From these observations, scholars have concluded that<br />

the Qur'an stands today as it first came down, and as it al-<br />

ways will be. To it there has never been any addition; from it<br />

there was no omission; and <strong>in</strong> it there occurred no corrup-<br />

tion. Its history is as clear as daylight; its authenticity is un-<br />

questionable; and its complete preservation is beyond doubt.<br />

The Qur'an is full of unexemplified wisdom with regard<br />

»•>'•!*::'-:•:»:•«-:

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