The original Koran, in its entirety, does not exist in one single location as it was revealed and compiled over time. However, various fragments of very early copies exist.
The BBC News YouTube video titled 'Oldest' Koran found in Birmingham discusses some of these early fragments:
According to the video, experts have dated some fragments as being more than 1300 years old, which makes them among the earliest known fragments of the Quran anywhere in the world. These fragments are most likely made from sheep or goat skin.
It's important to understand:
- The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over a period of approximately 23 years.
- It was initially preserved through memorization and written on materials like parchment, leaves, and bone.
- These early fragments are not the entire text of the Quran but rather sections of it.
- The fragments in the video are not the "original" Quran, but very early copies.
Therefore, instead of focusing on finding the 'original' Koran in one single piece, it is more accurate to refer to some of the oldest known *fragments* of the Quran.
Key Takeaways
- There isn't a single complete "original" Koran.
- Instead, there are fragments of very early copies.
- The fragments discussed in the video are over 1300 years old and made from animal skin.
Important Considerations
The pursuit of understanding the Quran often involves examining these early fragments along with studying the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
