Islam and Scripture: Difference between revisions

{{QualityScore|Lead=3|Structure=4|Content=3|Language=2|References=3}}Islam acknowledges two primary varieties of '''scripture''', the [[Quran]] and the [[hadith]]. The Quran is believed to be directly spoken, eternal, and yet "uncreated" word of Allah, while the hadith comprise reports of varying authenticity from [[Sahabah|Muhammad's companions (the ''sahabah'')]], transmitted through various members of successive generations regarding specific actions, statements, or 'tacit approvals' of Muhammad. The 'tacit approvals' of Muhammad include any event where Muhammad was present or regarding which Muhammad was aware of or made aware of and against which he did not protest - his silence in these cases is held to count as his approval. [[Textual History of the Qur'an|The textual history of the Quran]] is complex and subject to interminable debate, but it is generally agreed that some final version of the Quran was compiled and authorized by the [[Rashidun Caliphs|''Rashidun'' ("rightly guided") Caliphs]] within a decade of [[Muhammad's Death|Muhammad's death]], with all competing versions being outlawed and destroyed. While a select few hadiths were written down in the first century after Muhammad's death, these were, as a rule, not recorded with their chains of transmission (pl. ''asaneed'', s. ''Isnad''). Vastly more hadiths were compiled in writing in the period 150-200 years following Muhammad's death. While Islamic scholars to this day place great faith in the historicity and preservation of the [[sahih]] ("reliable") hadith and especially the Quran, the traditional narrative regarding the preservation of either has been increasingly challenged by professional historians. The hadith in particular have been subjected to wide-ranging criticism and are said to bear the clear marks of early sectarian influence, hagiographic idealization, and the competing fancies of early scholars of [[Fiqh (Islamic Jurisprudence)|Islamic jurisprudence (''fiqh'')]].