Appendix C: The Mushaf of Ali and Shi'i Textual Memory

This chapter is part of the book The Sacred Editors: Islam.

"I have compiled the Qur'an in the order it was revealed." — attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib

Sources and Methodology: This appendix draws primarily from classical Shi'i hadith collections including al-Kulayni's al-Kafi, al-Majlisi's Bihar al-Anwar, and modern Shi'i scholarship including works by al-Tabataba'i, al-Khu'i, and contemporary scholars. Sunni perspectives are represented through classical refutations and modern interfaith scholarship. All positions are presented with respect for their adherents' sincere convictions.

Important Note: This exploration aims to understand different community memories and scholarly discussions within the Islamic tradition. It does not endorse any particular theological position but seeks to present various perspectives with academic fairness and religious sensitivity.

Among the most significant and carefully discussed themes in Islamic textual history is the Shi'i preservation of alternative memories regarding the compilation of the Noble Qur'an—specifically, traditions concerning a collection said to have been assembled by Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah honor his face), cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the first Imam in Shi'i understanding.

While the mainstream Islamic community celebrates the unified Qur'an canonized during the caliphate of Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him), Shi'i sources preserve complementary narratives that honor Ali's unique role as both a Companion of the Prophet and the first in a line of divinely guided Imams.

This appendix respectfully explores what is known about the Mushaf of Ali, its place in Shi'i scholarly tradition, and how it reflects deeper questions about authority, interpretation, and the preservation of prophetic wisdom.

Understanding the Mushaf of Ali

Classical Shi'i Accounts

Sources: al-Kulayni's al-Kafi (d. 329/941), al-Nu'mani's Kitab al-Ghaybah, early Shi'i biographical works

According to cherished Shi'i traditions, Ali ibn Abi Talib undertook his own compilation of the Qur'an following the Prophet's death, distinguished by several characteristics:

Chronological Arrangement:

Organized according to the order of revelation (tartib al-nuzul) rather than the thematic arrangement known today
Provided historical context for each revelation
Maintained the Prophet's own explanations of circumstances

Enhanced Commentary:

Included the Prophet's ta'wil (inner interpretation) as transmitted to Ali
Contained guidance on the application of verses to specific situations
Preserved the Prophet's teachings about the Ahl al-Bayt (People of the House)

Spiritual Completeness:

Reflected Ali's unique position as the Prophet's spiritual heir
Demonstrated the comprehensive nature of prophetic teaching
Served as a guide for righteous leadership

Contemporary Shi'i Understanding

Crucial Clarification: Leading modern Shi'i scholars, including Ayatollah al-Khu'i, Ayatollah al-Tabataba'i, and Ayatollah al-Sistani, unanimously affirm that:

The textual content of the current Qur'an is complete and unaltered
No verses are missing from the standard mushaf
The Qur'an's divine preservation (hifz) is absolute and uncompromised
Ali's compilation represented an alternative arrangement and commentary, not different content

Sources: al-Khu'i's al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an, al-Tabataba'i's al-Mizan, contemporary Shi'i scholarly consensus

The Historical Narrative in Shi'i Sources

Ali's Presentation to the Community

According to Shi'i historical memory, Ali presented his compilation to the early Muslim community shortly after the Prophet's death. The community's response varied:

Respectful Acknowledgment: Many recognized Ali's unparalleled knowledge of the Qur'an and the Prophet's teachings

Practical Considerations: The need for unity and consensus led to preference for a compilation that all could easily accept

Political Dynamics: Some accounts suggest that Ali's emphasis on prophetic interpretation and the Ahl al-Bayt's role created sensitivities in the evolving political situation

The Preservation Strategy

Sources: Classical Shi'i hadith literature, works on the Hidden Imam

Shi'i traditions describe Ali's thoughtful response to this situation:

Withdrawal and Preservation: Ali respectfully withdrew his compilation while maintaining his commitment to the community's unity

Teaching Continuity: The interpretive insights from Ali's compilation were preserved through his teaching to students and family members

Future Restoration: Some traditions speak of the eventual return of Ali's complete compilation through the Awaited Imam (al-Mahdi), when justice will be fully established

Integration into Scholarship: Elements of Ali's interpretive approach became foundational to Shi'i tafsir traditions, particularly emphasis on the Ahl al-Bayt's role in understanding Qur'anic guidance

Sunni Scholarly Response and Clarification

Orthodox Position

Sources: Classical Sunni refutations, works by Ibn Taymiyyah, modern Sunni scholarship

Sunni scholars have consistently maintained:

Textual Integrity: The Qur'an's preservation is complete and perfect as it stands, with no missing or altered content

Divine Protection: Allah's promise to preserve the Qur'an ("Indeed, We have sent down the remembrance, and indeed, We are its guardians" - Q 15:9) ensures its completeness

Community Consensus: The ijma' (consensus) of the Companions on the Uthmanic text demonstrates its authenticity

Rejection of Tahrif: Any suggestion that the Qur'an is incomplete constitutes the heretical doctrine of tahrif (textual corruption)

Interfaith Sunni-Shi'i Understanding

Modern Sunni-Shi'i dialogue has reached important clarifications:

Shared Affirmation: Both communities agree on the textual integrity of the current Qur'an

Different Emphases: Differences lie in interpretive authority and the role of the Ahl al-Bayt, not in textual content

Historical Sensitivity: Recognition that early political developments influenced how different communities remembered and organized religious authority

Common Ground: United commitment to the Qur'an's divine origin and preserved status

Theological and Scholarly Significance

Questions of Authority and Interpretation

The Mushaf of Ali traditions illuminate several important themes:

Interpretive Authority:

Who has the right to explain the Qur'an's deeper meanings?
What role should the Prophet's family play in preserving his teachings?
How do communities balance unity with comprehensive understanding?

Historical Memory:

How do different communities preserve their understanding of sacred history?
What happens when political and religious authority diverge?
How do narratives of "what might have been" shape religious identity?

Spiritual Completeness:

Beyond textual preservation, how is the Qur'an's full spiritual meaning maintained?
What is the relationship between outer text and inner understanding?
How do communities ensure that prophetic wisdom remains accessible?

Contemporary Relevance

Academic Study: Modern scholarship examines these traditions as windows into early Islamic community dynamics and the development of denominational identities

Interfaith Relations: Understanding these different memories helps build bridges between Sunni and Shi'i communities

Hermeneutical Questions: The traditions raise ongoing questions about the relationship between text and interpretation in religious communities

Unity and Diversity: They demonstrate how the same sacred text can be approached through different but sincere methodological frameworks

Respectful Understanding Across Traditions

For Sunni Readers

The Shi'i preservation of these traditions reflects:

Deep love and respect for Ali ibn Abi Talib as a model Muslim
Commitment to comprehensive understanding of prophetic teaching
Concern for maintaining spiritual authority in the community
Sincere devotion to preserving all aspects of divine guidance

These concerns deserve respectful consideration even when theological conclusions differ.

For Shi'i Readers

The Sunni emphasis on textual unity reflects:

Devotion to community cohesion and avoiding division
Confidence in divine preservation of the sacred text
Respect for the Companions' collective judgment
Commitment to accessible religious practice for all Muslims

These priorities deserve understanding even when interpretive approaches differ.

For All Students

The existence of these different traditions demonstrates:

The richness of early Islamic scholarly culture
The complexity of preserving both text and meaning
The ongoing challenge of balancing unity with comprehensive understanding
The continued relevance of prophetic wisdom across different approaches

Modern Scholarship and Ongoing Dialogue

Academic Contributions

Contemporary scholars from both traditions have contributed to understanding:

Textual Studies: Analysis of manuscript evidence supporting textual consistency

Historical Methodology: More sophisticated approaches to early Islamic narratives

Comparative Religion: Insights into how different communities preserve sacred memory

Interfaith Dialogue: Frameworks for respectful discussion of sensitive topics

Shared Commitments

Despite different emphases, both traditions share:

Absolute commitment to the Qur'an's divine origin
Reverence for the Prophet Muhammad and his teachings
Dedication to preserving sacred knowledge
Desire for authentic spiritual understanding

Conclusion: Memory, Meaning, and Mutual Respect

The traditions surrounding the Mushaf of Ali represent not a challenge to Qur'anic integrity, but a testament to the deep concern within the early Muslim community for preserving every aspect of prophetic guidance. Whether understood as historical fact or cherished memory, these traditions reflect the sincere devotion of believers committed to honoring both the letter and spirit of divine revelation.

For contemporary Muslims and students of Islam, these traditions invite:

Deeper appreciation for the complexity of early Islamic history
Greater understanding of different community perspectives
Renewed commitment to both textual preservation and spiritual understanding
Enhanced respect for the sincere faith of all who cherish the Qur'an

In recognizing these different memories, we honor not division but the richness of devotion that has characterized the Muslim community's relationship with its sacred text across the centuries.

For Further Study:

Primary Sources:

Al-Kulayni, al-Kafi (sections on the Qur'an)
Al-Majlisi, Bihar al-Anwar (compilation materials)
Classical Sunni refutations in works of hadith criticism

Modern Scholarship:

Al-Khu'i, al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an
Al-Tabataba'i, al-Mizan (introduction)
Contemporary Sunni-Shi'i dialogue literature

Comparative Studies:

Academic works on early Islamic manuscript culture
Studies in Islamic hermeneutics and authority
Interfaith approaches to sensitive historical questions