The Story of Hatun Tash Discovering Multiple Arabic Qur'ans

Hatun Tash, a Christian evangelist known for her critiques of Islam, had a significant turning point in her research when she discovered that there were multiple versions of the Arabic Qur'an. Here is the detailed account:

Discovery in Northern Africa

1. Initial Belief:

   • Hatun Tash initially believed the common Islamic assertion that there is only one unchanged Arabic Qur'an.

2. Visit to a Bookshop:

   • While in Northern Africa, she visited a bookshop to purchase a Qur'an. Expecting a single version, she was surprised when the shopkeeper asked her which version she wanted.

3. Multiple Versions:

   • The shopkeeper explained that there are multiple versions of the Arabic Qur'an. Intrigued and shocked by this revelation, she decided to explore further.

4. Purchase of Different Qur'ans:

   • Hatun ended up buying about six different Arabic Qur'ans from the shop. Each version represented a different qira'at (recitation).

5. Comparison and Research:

   • Upon returning to England, Hatun began comparing the different Qur'ans. She discovered significant variations in text, pronunciation, and grammar among the versions she had acquired.

Types of Differences Found

Hatun's comparison revealed various types of differences among the Qur'ans, including:

1. Extra Words:

   • Some versions included extra words or phrases not found in others.

2. Graphical/Basic Letter Differences:

   • Differences in the basic letters of certain words, altering their form and sometimes their meaning.

3. Diacritical Differences:

   • Variations in diacritical marks, which affect pronunciation and sometimes the meaning of words.

4. Vowel Differences:

   • Differences in vowel markings, leading to changes in pronunciation and grammatical structure.

5. Basmalah Differences:

   • The inclusion or exclusion of the Basmalah ("In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful") at the beginning of surahs.

Impact and Public Demonstration

1. Public Awareness:

   • Hatun Tash's findings significantly impacted her understanding of the Quranic text's transmission and preservation. She began publicly sharing her discoveries to challenge the traditional Islamic narrative of a single, unchanged Qur'an.

2. Speakers' Corner:

   • Hatun, along with others like Jay Smith, presented these findings at public forums such as Speakers' Corner in London, physically showing the different Qur'ans to highlight the textual variations.

Conclusion

Hatun Tash's experience in Northern Africa and subsequent research in England revealed that there are indeed multiple versions of the Arabic Qur'an, each with distinct differences. This discovery challenges the traditional claim of a single, unchanged Qur'anic text and underscores the complexity of the Quran's transmission history. Her work has contributed to ongoing discussions and debates about the textual integrity of the Qur'an.

References

1. Arthur Jeffery, "Materials for the History of the Text of the Qur'an: The Old Codices": Brill, 1937.

2. Gerd Puin, "Observations on Early Qur'an Manuscripts in San'a": In Stefan Wild (ed.), "The Qur'an as Text," Brill, 1996.

3. Cyril Glasse, "The Concise Encyclopedia of Islam": 4th ed. 2013.

These sources provide foundational knowledge on the textual variations and historical context of the Qur'an's transmission.