The Role of Orientalists in Reviving Quranic Manuscripts and Codicology

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 PhD in Religions and Denominations University, Theology major, Quran and Hadith specialization, Faculty of Quran and Hadith, Quranic Sciences Department

2 Professor of the higher levels of the seminary

10.22034/jqopv.2025.20416.1418

Abstract

Qur’anic manuscripts, as a vital part of the cultural and religious heritage of the Islamic world, occupy a special place in Qur’anic studies. However, due to wars, natural disasters, and neglect, many of these manuscripts have been endangered or lost throughout history. In this context, Orientalists have played a significant role in discovering, preserving, and studying these manuscripts, though their activities have consistently sparked debate and criticism. On one hand, their efforts to revive Qur’anic manuscripts are commendable; on the other, their treatment of the Qur’an primarily as a historical and cultural text often stands in tension with Islamic perspectives. This article adopts a descriptive-analytical approach, using library and archival sources, to critically analyze the role of Orientalists in reviving Qur’anic manuscripts and assess the impact on codicological studies. The findings reveal that Orientalists, by uncovering important manuscripts such as the Ṣan‘ā’ palimpsest and undertaking large-scale digitization projects, have substantially contributed to preserving the Qur’anic heritage. Employing advanced scientific methods like radiocarbon dating and multispectral imaging, they have helped develop new techniques in Qur’anic codicology. Projects such as Corpus Coranicum and the Berlin Qur’an Project exemplify these achievements, enabling global access to Qur’anic manuscripts. Nevertheless, these activities have also introduced challenges. Some Orientalists approach the Qur’an through Western presuppositions that may conflict with Islamic viewpoints, leading, for instance, to historical-critical or linguistic claims about alterations in the Qur’an, which have been strongly contested by Muslim scholars. Additionally, ethical concerns over access to manuscripts - such as collecting them without the consent of rightful custodians - represent a serious issue. This article, by critically examining the accomplishments and challenges of Orientalist endeavors, offers recommendations for future research. These include comparative studies of Orientalist and Islamic methodologies, analysis of the impact of Orientalist projects on contemporary Qur’anic scholarship in the Muslim world, and evaluation of ethical considerations related to manuscript access. Such research can greatly enhance understanding of the role of Orientalists in Qur’anic studies and foster meaningful intercultural dialogue.

Keywords

References

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The Qur’an from Orientalists Point of View
Volume 20, Issue 38
March 2025
Pages 97-103

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  • Receive Date: 07 March 2025
  • Revise Date: 09 April 2025
  • Accept Date: 28 April 2025

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