Islam_in_Focus_text

man, and to safeguardit against corruption (cf. 4:82; 15:9; 17:9;
41:41-44; 42:7)
In testimony to God's Conservation, the Qur'an is the
only Scripture in human history that has been preserved in
its complete and original version without the slightest
change in style or even punctuations. The history of record-
ing the Qur'an, compiling its chapters and conserving its text
is beyond any doubt not only in the minds of the Muslims
but also in the minds of honest and serious scholars. This is
a historical fact which no scholar from any faith- who re-
spects his knowledge and integrity- has ever questioned. As
a matter of fact, it is Muhammad's standing miracle that if all
mankind were to work together they could not produce the
like of one Qur'anic chapter (2:22-24; 11:13-14; 17:88-89).
16. The true Muslim believes in a clear distinction be-
tween the Qur'an and the Traditions of Muhammad. The
Qur'an is the Word of God whereas the Traditions of Mu-
hammad are the practical interpretations of the Qur'an. The
role of Muhammad was to convey the Qur'an as he received
it, to interpret it, and to practice it fully. His interpretations
and practices produced what is known as the Traditions of
Muhammad. They are considered the Second Source of Is-
lamic Law and must be in complete harmony with the First
Source, namely the Qur'an, which is the Standard and the
Criterion. If there be any contradiction or inconsistency be-
tween any of the Traditions and the Qur'an, the Muslim ad-