إدريس عبدالله
_22 _April _2015هـ الموافق 22-04-2015م, 12:21 PM
The belief that the Quran has remained intact and uncorrupted is supported firmly by the Quranic verse in which Allah the Most high promises to guard it till the Day of Judgment from any alterations
Allah says: "We have, without doubt, sent down the Quran; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)." (Q15:V9)
Unfortunately, classical Shia books discuss "Tahreef" (Distortion of the Quran) theory in which they question the completeness and accuracy and make the allegation that the Quran has been willfully distorted because the present Quran does not contain evidence that supports the core doctrines of Shiism, most importantly, the Imamate doctrine.
With more than 2000 evidences from Shia's top scholars and top reference books supporting the Tahreef theory, we can easily conclude that the Tahreef is one of the main wicked beliefs of the Shia, which they attempt to conceal or deny using Taqiyyah. Shia scholar Ni'matallah al-Jaza'iri states, he could not find a single narration from the "Infallible" Imams that proves the contrary (meaning that proves there is no Tahreef).
The Shia in their classical reference books:
1. Provide their own interpretation of the hidden meaning of the Quran's verses that may vary significantly from the apparent meaning of the verses. The Shia believe that the true hidden meaning of the Quran's verses is known only by their Imams. Not even Prophet Mohammad knew this hidden meaning.
2. Point out in their reference books some of the words, verses, and even full chapters of the Quran they believe have been omitted.
For example, the Shia claim that Surah Al-Inshirah (Chapter 94) should contain a verse that says "And we made 'Ali your in-law" (Al-Kafi p.289)
3. Believe that the true, original Quran was compiled by Imam Ali, and later passed on to his descendent Imams. Currently, this original Quran is in the possession of Imam Al-Mahdi (whom the Shia also refer to as Al-Qaim) who will present it to people when he re-emerges from his occultation.
4. Believe in the existence of what Shia call "Mus-haf (Quran) of Fatima". Fatima is Prophet Mohammad's daughter and wife of Imam Ali. Shia's believe Fatima also received revelations from Allah. It is not clear whether Shia's believe Mus-haf of Fatima is the original Quran or just contains revelations she allegedly received. However, some of what the Shia believe regarding Mus-haf of Fatima is illustrated in the following narration:
"Shia narrator, Abu Baseer, reported that he said to Shia's Imam Ja'far As-Sadiq: "O Abu Abdullah (Imam Ja'far), what is Mus-haf Fatimah?" He replied "It is a Qur'an containing three times what is found in your copy of the Qur'an; yet by Allah, it does not contain even a single letter from your Qur'an." (Al-Kafi p. 385)
Shia's reference books contain over 2000 narrations falsely attributed (by Shia narrators & scholars) to Shia's "Infallible" Imams verifying, affirming and confirming these beliefs. Below are examples from their books:
- There are seventeen thousand (17,000) Ayah in the original Quran. (Al Shafi, Vol. 2, p. 616)
- A comparison between the present Quran and the original Quran (which was compiled by Imam Ali-may Allah be pleased with him- and will be brought by Imam Mahdi (Shia's 12th Imam) when he appears before the Day of Judgment. (Usool Kaafi, Vol. 2, p. 123)
- The Quran has been purposely altered by the drunkard Caliphs {Abu-Bakr, Umar and Usman -may Allah be pleased with them- The present Quran is false; It’s the duty of Imam Mehdi (Shia's 12th Imam) to bring it in its original form; When Imam Mahdi comes, then the Quran will be recited in its original form. (Quran Translation by Maqbool Hussain Delhvi, Chap.12, p. 384 & p.479 – Published in India)
- Original Quran will not be known until the manifestation of Imam Mahdi (Shia’s 12th Imam). (Anwaar-ul-Na'umania, Vol. 2, p. 360 - Published in Iran)
- No one possesses complete knowledge of the Quran except the Imams. (Usool Kaafi, Vol. 1, p. 228)
- After the death of Holy Prophet-peace be upon him-,the original Quran was in the custody of Ali -may Allah be pleased with him- and he brought it to Abu-Bakr, but Abu Bakr refused to allow this original version. That is why Muslim Ummah was deprived of original Quran. (Sheikh-e-Saqifah, p. 138 – Published in Pakistan)
- The present Quran is in an altered, corrupted and distorted form.. (Fatuhat-e-Shia, p. 129)
- Collectors of Quran deleted verses about the virtues of Prophet’s progeny from Surah Al-Ahzab which were about the length of Surah Al-Bakrah. (Haq-ul-Yaqeen, p. 66 - Published in Iran)
To illustrate Shia's allegations, we will break the evidence into two categories:
A. Statements from Shia scholars regarding the Tahreef.
B. Narrations falsely attributed (by Shia scholars & narrators) to the Shia Imams regarding the Present Quran.
A. Statements by Shia Scholars
In the earliest Shia Tafseer (Quran Interpretation) book, Al-Qummi (which is the source and base for all Shia Tafseer books) clearly states the belief of the Shi'ites regarding the authenticity of the Book of Allah, the Qur'an, saying:
"Therefore, part of the Qur'an is an Abrogator and Abrogated, part is clear (Muhkam) and part is ambiguous (Mutashabih), part is in the general context, and part is particularized, part of it was placed forward and part is placed in the rear, part of it is severed and part of is connected, part of it is a letter in a place of another, and part of it is contrary to the manner revealed by Allah." (Tafseer al-Qummi,Introduction, vol.1, p.17 )
In Al-Qummi's Tafseer (Quran Interpretation, which is highly acclaimed by the majority Shia scholars, Shiite Sayyid Tayyib Musawi al-Jaza'iri, wrote in its "Introduction":
"First: This Tafseer is the base of so many other Tafseer books.
Second: The narrations contained therein are from the two Sadiqs [as] (Imam Abu Ja'far & Imam Abu Abdallah) with the least number of middle narrators, hence, author of al-Thari'ah (ila Tasaanif Ash-Shi'a: Agha Buzurg At-Tahrani) said: "In fact, it is the Tafseer of the two Sadiqs [as]".
Third: The author lived during the era of Imam al-Hasan al-'Askari [as].
Fourth: His father, who reported these narrations to his son, was a companion of Imam Rida [as].
Fifth: (the book) contains a wealth of knowledge on the virtues of Ahlul-Bayt [as] which their enemies attempted to remove from the Holy Qur'an".
Sixth: (the book) took care of clearing the meaning of so many misunderstood verses through the guidance of Ahlul-Bayt, the Qur'an reciters." (Al-Qummi's Tafseer)
In another highly-regarded Shia Tafseer book, Tafseer of Al-Ayyashi, Al-Ayyashi was one of al-Kash-shi's Sheikhs, and in the same rank of Al-Kulayni, as ranked by At-Tahrani in his al-Thari'ah vol. 4, p. 295. Al-Ayashi wrote in the "introduction" of his Tafseer, quoting the Shia's Imam Abu Ja'far:
"Maysar narrated from Abu Ja'far [as]: If it wasn't for the adding and deleting in the Book of Allah, our right (in Imamah - leadership) would've been clear for anyone with a sound mind." (Tafseer al-Ayyashi, Muhammad bin Mas'oud al-Ayyashi, Introduction)
Shia scholar, Sayyid Hashim At-Tubari Al-Bahrani, wrote in his Tafseer Al-Burhaan:
" Know, that the truth which there is no way around it, because of the traceable narrations (mutawatir), is that the Qur'an which we have in our hands today, has suffered some changes after the Messenger of Allah [pbuh]. Those who collected it after him, dropped and deleted many words and verses, and that the protected Qur'an from such changes and agreeable to the (true & original) revelation of Allah (Ta'ala) is the one which was collected by Ali [as] and guarded until it reached his son Al-Hasan [as] and so on until it ended in the possession of Al-Qa'im (Imam Mahdi) who has it with him today."
"Therefore, and in accordance with a clear narration which we will soon mention, when Allah (the Exalted) knew, in His perfect pre-knowledge, that such evil deeds will be perpetrated by those who mischief in Religion, that whenever they see a clear declaration against their interests but in favor of him (Ali) and his purified offspring [as] (children), they will change it immediately."
" When it was of His (Allah's) perfect Will and comprehensive Insight, to guard the issue of al-Imamah and Walayah, and to protect the aspects of the virtues of him (Ali) [as] and the Imams [as] in a manner that will be safe from corruption and distortion of people, but at the same time, keep to the people of truth the (hidden) meaning and maintain the charge, He (Allah) did not contend only with what was clear in His Glorious Book, but made the overwhelming majority of such declarations in accordance with the inner meanings and exegetic methods but within the framework of what the outer revelation leads to. He (Allah) further alluded to many of the proofs by way of indication and expression of signs and allegories, thus His proofs on the creation are established even after being deleted by those who deleted them after they were clear in the best manner."
(Al-Burhaan fi Tafseer al-Qur'an: Sayyid Hashim At-Tubari Al-Bahrani, Introduction: the second premise, volume 1, p.36 and last paragraph, p. 49)
Some of Shia's scholars deny that Shia's believe in Tahreef (Distortion of Quran) theory. However, such denials could be: (a) personal opinion of the scholar, or (b) an intentional attempt to deceive Sunni Muslims, justified by a well-known and frequently-used Shia doctrine called Taqiyya (which allows a Shiite to lie about his true beliefs or the beliefs of the Shia in general, to protect himself or to protect the Shia in general). A well-known Shia scholar says that Taqiyya is nine tenth of their religion, meaning 90% of their religion is based on lies & deception.
Abu Mansur Ahmed Tibrisi, a prominent Shi'ite scholar of the 8th century (H), wrote:
" Enumerating the distortions and omissions of this sort (from the present Quran) would become laborious and it will disclose what Taqiyyah (Shi'ite practice to conceal the 'truth' for religious purposes) requires me not to disclose: the virtues of Allah's friends and the vices of His enemies." (AI-Ihtijaj by Tibrisi: 1:254)
Mullah Muhsin Kashani, an 11th century Shi'ite scholar commented on the above quoted statement:
" It is clear from all of these traditions and quotations from the Family of the Prophet-peace be upon him- that the present Quran is not the complete Quran which was revealed to the Prophet -peace be upon him- . In fact, there are verses that contradict what was revealed; verses that have been distorted and places where omissions have been made such as the names of Ali, the Family of Muhammad -peace be upon him- and, on several occasions, there were the names of the hypocrites. Moreover, the present order of the Quran (chapters) is not according to the preferred order of Allah and His Messenger. Ali ibn Ibrahim (a renowned Shia commentator) also holds this opinion." (Tafseer of Saafi: l:32)
B. Narrations falsely attributed by Shia scholars & narrators to the Shia Imams regarding the Present Quran
Shia narrator, Jabir, reported that he heard Imam Baqir saying: "No one can claim that he has compiled the Quran as Allah revealed except a liar. The only person to compile it and memorize it according to its revelation was Ali ibn Abi Talib and the Imams who succeeded him." (Usul Kafi: 1:228)
" A man said that someone was reciting the Quran in the company of Imam Ja'far (r.a.) . The (Shia) narrator said that he heard certain verses in the recitation which were not according to the recitation of the common people. Imam Ja'far told the person reciting: 'Do not recite like this. Recite as the common people recite it until the (Imam) Mahdi arrives. When the (Imam) Mahdi arrives, he will recite the Quran according to its original revelation and the Qu'ran compiled by Ali will be brought forward." (Usul Kafi: 2:622)
Shia scholar, Ahmad ibn Abu Talib Tibirsi, narrates falsely on the authority of Abu Zarr al-Ghafari –may Allah be pleased with him: "When the Holy Prophet passed away, 'Ali gathered the Qur'an and produced it to the Immigrants (the Muslims who immigrated from Mecca to Madina) and the Ansar (the people of Madina who supported Prophet Mohammad and became Muslims) as the Holy Prophet had bided him to do so. When Abu Bakr opened the first page, he found some denunciation of the Quraish tribe. At this, 'Umar leapt forward and said: "O 'Ali, take it back for we are not in need of it." Ali took it back. Just then Zaid ibn Thabit, a prominent reciter of the Qur'an appeared, and 'Umar told him: "'Ali was here a short while ago with a Qur'an which despises the Immigrants and the Al-Ansar . I think we should compile such a Qur'an wherein all these aspects are omitted." Zaid agreed with him, but he added: "Once I have completed the Qur'an according to this method and 'Ali sees it, will your version be not invalidated?" 'Umar then asked: "What trick should we employ then?" Zaid replied: "You know better of such tricks." At this, 'Umar said: "There is no roundabout trick but to kill Ali and be relieved from him in this way." 'Umar then thought of having him killed by Khalid bin Al-Walid, but this plan failed. When 'Umar assumed the leadership of Muslims after some time, the people asked Ali to present his Qur'an. 'Umar asked him: "O 'Ali, present the Qur'an which you showed Abu Bakr so that we may agree on it." At this, 'Ali said: "This is not possible, I only showed it to Abu Bakr so that the proof may be established on you people, and so that you may not say on the day of Judgement: "We were unaware of it," "You did not produce it." The Qur'an in my possession will not be touched except by the pure, and the designated ones of my family." 'Umar asked: "Is the time known when it will be presented." Upon this Ali replied: "Yes, when the Saviour of Times (Shia's Imam Mahdi) emerges, it will be presented and all the people will agree to it." (Al-Ihtijaj, Najaf, p. 225. Also see Tafsir al-Safi p. 11, and Fasl al-Khitab p. 7)
Shia scholar, Kulaini, narrates that Imam Abu 'Abdulah said: "Jibra'il (Angel Gabriel) descended upon Muhammad with the following verse in this way: "O people of the Book, bring forth what we have revealed regarding 'Ali, the magnificent light." (Usul al-Kafi, Indian edition, p. 680)
Kulaini also narrated on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abu Nasr who said: "Abu al-Hasan (Imam Ali) gave me a manuscript and told me to see what was written therein. I opened it, and under the verse "Those who disbelieve..." were written the names of seventy individuals ---- along with the names of their father." (Usul al-Kafi, Indian edition, p. 680)
Allah says in verse 32 of Surah Al Imraan (Chapter 3): "Certainly Allah has chosen Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of Imraan above the (families of the) worlds."
Shia Scholar, Ali ibn Ibrahim AI-Qummi (one of the early Shi'ite commentators of the Quran) said concerning this verse: " The Imam said: 'The phrase "the family of Muhammad" was also revealed along with "the family of Al-Imraan." They (the Companions of Prophet Mohammad s.a.w.) removed the phrase "the family of Muhammad" from the original text (of the Quran)." (Al-Qummi's commentary: p.308)
Allah says in verse 115 of Surah Taha (Chapter 20): "And We had given Adam an order before, but he forgot and We did not find any resolve in him (to disobey the order)."
However, according to Shia's top reference book, Usul Kafi (Vol. 1: p. 416) and the footnotes of Shia scholar Maqbool's translation of the Quran, p. 637, Imam Ja'far is reported to have said that Allah had originally revealed this verse (Surah Taha, Verse 115) with the following words:
"We had ordered Adam before with some words about Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hassan, Hussain and the Imams from their offspring, but he (Adam) forgot."
According to these 2 Shia books (Usul Kafi and Maqbool's translation of the Quran), Imam Ja'far said: 'By Allah, these were the words which were revealed to Muhammad.'
Allah says in verse 9 of Surah Muhammad (Chapter 47): " That is because they resented what Allah revealed, so Allah in turn cancelled their deeds."
Shia Scholar AI-Qummi states that Imam Muhammad Baqir said that Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) had transmitted this verse as: " That is because they resented what Allah revealed about Ali." But then the (Prophet Mohammad's) Companions removed Ali's name (from the Quran). (Al-Qummi's commentary: p. 1011)
Allah says: "We have, without doubt, sent down the Quran; and We will assuredly guard it (from corruption)." (Q15:V9)
Unfortunately, classical Shia books discuss "Tahreef" (Distortion of the Quran) theory in which they question the completeness and accuracy and make the allegation that the Quran has been willfully distorted because the present Quran does not contain evidence that supports the core doctrines of Shiism, most importantly, the Imamate doctrine.
With more than 2000 evidences from Shia's top scholars and top reference books supporting the Tahreef theory, we can easily conclude that the Tahreef is one of the main wicked beliefs of the Shia, which they attempt to conceal or deny using Taqiyyah. Shia scholar Ni'matallah al-Jaza'iri states, he could not find a single narration from the "Infallible" Imams that proves the contrary (meaning that proves there is no Tahreef).
The Shia in their classical reference books:
1. Provide their own interpretation of the hidden meaning of the Quran's verses that may vary significantly from the apparent meaning of the verses. The Shia believe that the true hidden meaning of the Quran's verses is known only by their Imams. Not even Prophet Mohammad knew this hidden meaning.
2. Point out in their reference books some of the words, verses, and even full chapters of the Quran they believe have been omitted.
For example, the Shia claim that Surah Al-Inshirah (Chapter 94) should contain a verse that says "And we made 'Ali your in-law" (Al-Kafi p.289)
3. Believe that the true, original Quran was compiled by Imam Ali, and later passed on to his descendent Imams. Currently, this original Quran is in the possession of Imam Al-Mahdi (whom the Shia also refer to as Al-Qaim) who will present it to people when he re-emerges from his occultation.
4. Believe in the existence of what Shia call "Mus-haf (Quran) of Fatima". Fatima is Prophet Mohammad's daughter and wife of Imam Ali. Shia's believe Fatima also received revelations from Allah. It is not clear whether Shia's believe Mus-haf of Fatima is the original Quran or just contains revelations she allegedly received. However, some of what the Shia believe regarding Mus-haf of Fatima is illustrated in the following narration:
"Shia narrator, Abu Baseer, reported that he said to Shia's Imam Ja'far As-Sadiq: "O Abu Abdullah (Imam Ja'far), what is Mus-haf Fatimah?" He replied "It is a Qur'an containing three times what is found in your copy of the Qur'an; yet by Allah, it does not contain even a single letter from your Qur'an." (Al-Kafi p. 385)
Shia's reference books contain over 2000 narrations falsely attributed (by Shia narrators & scholars) to Shia's "Infallible" Imams verifying, affirming and confirming these beliefs. Below are examples from their books:
- There are seventeen thousand (17,000) Ayah in the original Quran. (Al Shafi, Vol. 2, p. 616)
- A comparison between the present Quran and the original Quran (which was compiled by Imam Ali-may Allah be pleased with him- and will be brought by Imam Mahdi (Shia's 12th Imam) when he appears before the Day of Judgment. (Usool Kaafi, Vol. 2, p. 123)
- The Quran has been purposely altered by the drunkard Caliphs {Abu-Bakr, Umar and Usman -may Allah be pleased with them- The present Quran is false; It’s the duty of Imam Mehdi (Shia's 12th Imam) to bring it in its original form; When Imam Mahdi comes, then the Quran will be recited in its original form. (Quran Translation by Maqbool Hussain Delhvi, Chap.12, p. 384 & p.479 – Published in India)
- Original Quran will not be known until the manifestation of Imam Mahdi (Shia’s 12th Imam). (Anwaar-ul-Na'umania, Vol. 2, p. 360 - Published in Iran)
- No one possesses complete knowledge of the Quran except the Imams. (Usool Kaafi, Vol. 1, p. 228)
- After the death of Holy Prophet-peace be upon him-,the original Quran was in the custody of Ali -may Allah be pleased with him- and he brought it to Abu-Bakr, but Abu Bakr refused to allow this original version. That is why Muslim Ummah was deprived of original Quran. (Sheikh-e-Saqifah, p. 138 – Published in Pakistan)
- The present Quran is in an altered, corrupted and distorted form.. (Fatuhat-e-Shia, p. 129)
- Collectors of Quran deleted verses about the virtues of Prophet’s progeny from Surah Al-Ahzab which were about the length of Surah Al-Bakrah. (Haq-ul-Yaqeen, p. 66 - Published in Iran)
To illustrate Shia's allegations, we will break the evidence into two categories:
A. Statements from Shia scholars regarding the Tahreef.
B. Narrations falsely attributed (by Shia scholars & narrators) to the Shia Imams regarding the Present Quran.
A. Statements by Shia Scholars
In the earliest Shia Tafseer (Quran Interpretation) book, Al-Qummi (which is the source and base for all Shia Tafseer books) clearly states the belief of the Shi'ites regarding the authenticity of the Book of Allah, the Qur'an, saying:
"Therefore, part of the Qur'an is an Abrogator and Abrogated, part is clear (Muhkam) and part is ambiguous (Mutashabih), part is in the general context, and part is particularized, part of it was placed forward and part is placed in the rear, part of it is severed and part of is connected, part of it is a letter in a place of another, and part of it is contrary to the manner revealed by Allah." (Tafseer al-Qummi,Introduction, vol.1, p.17 )
In Al-Qummi's Tafseer (Quran Interpretation, which is highly acclaimed by the majority Shia scholars, Shiite Sayyid Tayyib Musawi al-Jaza'iri, wrote in its "Introduction":
"First: This Tafseer is the base of so many other Tafseer books.
Second: The narrations contained therein are from the two Sadiqs [as] (Imam Abu Ja'far & Imam Abu Abdallah) with the least number of middle narrators, hence, author of al-Thari'ah (ila Tasaanif Ash-Shi'a: Agha Buzurg At-Tahrani) said: "In fact, it is the Tafseer of the two Sadiqs [as]".
Third: The author lived during the era of Imam al-Hasan al-'Askari [as].
Fourth: His father, who reported these narrations to his son, was a companion of Imam Rida [as].
Fifth: (the book) contains a wealth of knowledge on the virtues of Ahlul-Bayt [as] which their enemies attempted to remove from the Holy Qur'an".
Sixth: (the book) took care of clearing the meaning of so many misunderstood verses through the guidance of Ahlul-Bayt, the Qur'an reciters." (Al-Qummi's Tafseer)
In another highly-regarded Shia Tafseer book, Tafseer of Al-Ayyashi, Al-Ayyashi was one of al-Kash-shi's Sheikhs, and in the same rank of Al-Kulayni, as ranked by At-Tahrani in his al-Thari'ah vol. 4, p. 295. Al-Ayashi wrote in the "introduction" of his Tafseer, quoting the Shia's Imam Abu Ja'far:
"Maysar narrated from Abu Ja'far [as]: If it wasn't for the adding and deleting in the Book of Allah, our right (in Imamah - leadership) would've been clear for anyone with a sound mind." (Tafseer al-Ayyashi, Muhammad bin Mas'oud al-Ayyashi, Introduction)
Shia scholar, Sayyid Hashim At-Tubari Al-Bahrani, wrote in his Tafseer Al-Burhaan:
" Know, that the truth which there is no way around it, because of the traceable narrations (mutawatir), is that the Qur'an which we have in our hands today, has suffered some changes after the Messenger of Allah [pbuh]. Those who collected it after him, dropped and deleted many words and verses, and that the protected Qur'an from such changes and agreeable to the (true & original) revelation of Allah (Ta'ala) is the one which was collected by Ali [as] and guarded until it reached his son Al-Hasan [as] and so on until it ended in the possession of Al-Qa'im (Imam Mahdi) who has it with him today."
"Therefore, and in accordance with a clear narration which we will soon mention, when Allah (the Exalted) knew, in His perfect pre-knowledge, that such evil deeds will be perpetrated by those who mischief in Religion, that whenever they see a clear declaration against their interests but in favor of him (Ali) and his purified offspring [as] (children), they will change it immediately."
" When it was of His (Allah's) perfect Will and comprehensive Insight, to guard the issue of al-Imamah and Walayah, and to protect the aspects of the virtues of him (Ali) [as] and the Imams [as] in a manner that will be safe from corruption and distortion of people, but at the same time, keep to the people of truth the (hidden) meaning and maintain the charge, He (Allah) did not contend only with what was clear in His Glorious Book, but made the overwhelming majority of such declarations in accordance with the inner meanings and exegetic methods but within the framework of what the outer revelation leads to. He (Allah) further alluded to many of the proofs by way of indication and expression of signs and allegories, thus His proofs on the creation are established even after being deleted by those who deleted them after they were clear in the best manner."
(Al-Burhaan fi Tafseer al-Qur'an: Sayyid Hashim At-Tubari Al-Bahrani, Introduction: the second premise, volume 1, p.36 and last paragraph, p. 49)
Some of Shia's scholars deny that Shia's believe in Tahreef (Distortion of Quran) theory. However, such denials could be: (a) personal opinion of the scholar, or (b) an intentional attempt to deceive Sunni Muslims, justified by a well-known and frequently-used Shia doctrine called Taqiyya (which allows a Shiite to lie about his true beliefs or the beliefs of the Shia in general, to protect himself or to protect the Shia in general). A well-known Shia scholar says that Taqiyya is nine tenth of their religion, meaning 90% of their religion is based on lies & deception.
Abu Mansur Ahmed Tibrisi, a prominent Shi'ite scholar of the 8th century (H), wrote:
" Enumerating the distortions and omissions of this sort (from the present Quran) would become laborious and it will disclose what Taqiyyah (Shi'ite practice to conceal the 'truth' for religious purposes) requires me not to disclose: the virtues of Allah's friends and the vices of His enemies." (AI-Ihtijaj by Tibrisi: 1:254)
Mullah Muhsin Kashani, an 11th century Shi'ite scholar commented on the above quoted statement:
" It is clear from all of these traditions and quotations from the Family of the Prophet-peace be upon him- that the present Quran is not the complete Quran which was revealed to the Prophet -peace be upon him- . In fact, there are verses that contradict what was revealed; verses that have been distorted and places where omissions have been made such as the names of Ali, the Family of Muhammad -peace be upon him- and, on several occasions, there were the names of the hypocrites. Moreover, the present order of the Quran (chapters) is not according to the preferred order of Allah and His Messenger. Ali ibn Ibrahim (a renowned Shia commentator) also holds this opinion." (Tafseer of Saafi: l:32)
B. Narrations falsely attributed by Shia scholars & narrators to the Shia Imams regarding the Present Quran
Shia narrator, Jabir, reported that he heard Imam Baqir saying: "No one can claim that he has compiled the Quran as Allah revealed except a liar. The only person to compile it and memorize it according to its revelation was Ali ibn Abi Talib and the Imams who succeeded him." (Usul Kafi: 1:228)
" A man said that someone was reciting the Quran in the company of Imam Ja'far (r.a.) . The (Shia) narrator said that he heard certain verses in the recitation which were not according to the recitation of the common people. Imam Ja'far told the person reciting: 'Do not recite like this. Recite as the common people recite it until the (Imam) Mahdi arrives. When the (Imam) Mahdi arrives, he will recite the Quran according to its original revelation and the Qu'ran compiled by Ali will be brought forward." (Usul Kafi: 2:622)
Shia scholar, Ahmad ibn Abu Talib Tibirsi, narrates falsely on the authority of Abu Zarr al-Ghafari –may Allah be pleased with him: "When the Holy Prophet passed away, 'Ali gathered the Qur'an and produced it to the Immigrants (the Muslims who immigrated from Mecca to Madina) and the Ansar (the people of Madina who supported Prophet Mohammad and became Muslims) as the Holy Prophet had bided him to do so. When Abu Bakr opened the first page, he found some denunciation of the Quraish tribe. At this, 'Umar leapt forward and said: "O 'Ali, take it back for we are not in need of it." Ali took it back. Just then Zaid ibn Thabit, a prominent reciter of the Qur'an appeared, and 'Umar told him: "'Ali was here a short while ago with a Qur'an which despises the Immigrants and the Al-Ansar . I think we should compile such a Qur'an wherein all these aspects are omitted." Zaid agreed with him, but he added: "Once I have completed the Qur'an according to this method and 'Ali sees it, will your version be not invalidated?" 'Umar then asked: "What trick should we employ then?" Zaid replied: "You know better of such tricks." At this, 'Umar said: "There is no roundabout trick but to kill Ali and be relieved from him in this way." 'Umar then thought of having him killed by Khalid bin Al-Walid, but this plan failed. When 'Umar assumed the leadership of Muslims after some time, the people asked Ali to present his Qur'an. 'Umar asked him: "O 'Ali, present the Qur'an which you showed Abu Bakr so that we may agree on it." At this, 'Ali said: "This is not possible, I only showed it to Abu Bakr so that the proof may be established on you people, and so that you may not say on the day of Judgement: "We were unaware of it," "You did not produce it." The Qur'an in my possession will not be touched except by the pure, and the designated ones of my family." 'Umar asked: "Is the time known when it will be presented." Upon this Ali replied: "Yes, when the Saviour of Times (Shia's Imam Mahdi) emerges, it will be presented and all the people will agree to it." (Al-Ihtijaj, Najaf, p. 225. Also see Tafsir al-Safi p. 11, and Fasl al-Khitab p. 7)
Shia scholar, Kulaini, narrates that Imam Abu 'Abdulah said: "Jibra'il (Angel Gabriel) descended upon Muhammad with the following verse in this way: "O people of the Book, bring forth what we have revealed regarding 'Ali, the magnificent light." (Usul al-Kafi, Indian edition, p. 680)
Kulaini also narrated on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abu Nasr who said: "Abu al-Hasan (Imam Ali) gave me a manuscript and told me to see what was written therein. I opened it, and under the verse "Those who disbelieve..." were written the names of seventy individuals ---- along with the names of their father." (Usul al-Kafi, Indian edition, p. 680)
Allah says in verse 32 of Surah Al Imraan (Chapter 3): "Certainly Allah has chosen Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of Imraan above the (families of the) worlds."
Shia Scholar, Ali ibn Ibrahim AI-Qummi (one of the early Shi'ite commentators of the Quran) said concerning this verse: " The Imam said: 'The phrase "the family of Muhammad" was also revealed along with "the family of Al-Imraan." They (the Companions of Prophet Mohammad s.a.w.) removed the phrase "the family of Muhammad" from the original text (of the Quran)." (Al-Qummi's commentary: p.308)
Allah says in verse 115 of Surah Taha (Chapter 20): "And We had given Adam an order before, but he forgot and We did not find any resolve in him (to disobey the order)."
However, according to Shia's top reference book, Usul Kafi (Vol. 1: p. 416) and the footnotes of Shia scholar Maqbool's translation of the Quran, p. 637, Imam Ja'far is reported to have said that Allah had originally revealed this verse (Surah Taha, Verse 115) with the following words:
"We had ordered Adam before with some words about Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hassan, Hussain and the Imams from their offspring, but he (Adam) forgot."
According to these 2 Shia books (Usul Kafi and Maqbool's translation of the Quran), Imam Ja'far said: 'By Allah, these were the words which were revealed to Muhammad.'
Allah says in verse 9 of Surah Muhammad (Chapter 47): " That is because they resented what Allah revealed, so Allah in turn cancelled their deeds."
Shia Scholar AI-Qummi states that Imam Muhammad Baqir said that Jibreel (Angel Gabriel) had transmitted this verse as: " That is because they resented what Allah revealed about Ali." But then the (Prophet Mohammad's) Companions removed Ali's name (from the Quran). (Al-Qummi's commentary: p. 1011)