Technology

Pages From an Old Quran

Text shows that Islam's most sacred book has changed little over the centuries.

By Gemma TarlachNov 30, 2015 6:00 AM
quran.jpg
The Cadbury Research Library/University of Birmingham

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

For decades, two inscribed leaves of parchment sat in a research library at the University of Birmingham, England. Only by chance did a scholar notice them and suspect what they were: part of one of the first Qurans. By July, radiocarbon dating confirmed the parchment was made between A.D. 568 and 645. “The scribe may have heard the Prophet Muhammad speak, have seen him, or may even have known him [before his death in 632],” says David Thomas, professor of Christianity and Islam at Birmingham. The text is almost identical to that of the modern Quran, shedding light on Islam’s earliest period and suggesting its most sacred book has changed little in 14 centuries.

1 free article left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

1 free articleSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2023 Kalmbach Media Co.