Who Wrote the Quran and When Was the Quran Written?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Every Muslim begins with His name, because every journey toward knowledge starts with divine light. This question — “who wrote the Quran?” and “when was the Quran written?” — is one that has fascinated people for centuries. For Muslims, the answer is deeply spiritual. For historians, it is a subject of great academic interest.
Today, this blog explains both perspectives with clarity, compassion, and authenticity.
A Story to Begin the Journey
Imagine a man sitting alone in the stillness of a mountain cave. It is the year 610 CE, and the world around him is drowning in injustice, idol worship, and a lack of moral direction. Suddenly, a voice echoes through the darkness — the voice of Jibreel (Gabriel), commanding him to “Read!”
That single moment began one of the greatest transformations in human history.
This is where the story of the Quran’s revelation — and the question “when was the Quran written?” — truly begins.
What Is the Quran?
Before understanding who wrote the Quran, one must understand what the Quran is.
The Quran is:
- the final revelation sent by Allah
- a complete guidance for humanity
- a book of mercy, wisdom, and truth
- a cure for hearts and a light for souls
Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2)
Muslims believe the Quran is not written by any human — it is delivered from Allah Himself.

The Islamic Perspective: Divine Authorship of the Quran
The Islamic belief is clear: Allah is the one who revealed the Quran.
It was not authored by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), nor by any human being. The Prophet simply conveyed what was revealed to him.
Allah says:
“The Quran is a revelation sent down from the Lord of all worlds.”
(Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:192–194)
This means the question “who wrote the Quran in Islam?” has a simple answer:
- Allah revealed it
- Jibreel delivered it
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recited it
- Scribes wrote it down
Addressing the Literacy of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H)
A critical point often mentioned in Islamic and historical sources is that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was unlettered — he did not read or write.
Allah confirms this in the Quran:
“You (O Muhammad) did not read any book before this, nor did you write one with your hand.”
(Surah Al-Ankabut 29:48)

This fact makes it impossible for him to have “written” the Quran.
Even historians acknowledge that he had no formal education.
Therefore, answering the question “who wrote quran?” from any angle naturally leads to the conclusion that its origin is divine.
When Was the Quran Revealed?
To answer “when was the Quran written?” we must first know when it was revealed.
- Revelation began: 610 CE
- Revelation ended: 632 CE (the year the Prophet passed away)
- Duration: 23 years
The Quran was revealed gradually — sometimes one ayah, sometimes several pages — depending on events happening at the time.
This gradual revelation allowed the teachings to enter hearts deeply and transform society step by step.
The Role of Scribes: Who Actually Wrote the Quran Down?
Although Allah is the author, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recited the words, the physical writing of the Quran was done by professional scribes.
Some of the well-known scribes include:
- Zayd ibn Thabit
- Ali ibn Abi Talib
- Ubayy ibn Ka’b
- Abdullah ibn Mas’ud
Whenever revelation came, the Prophet (PBUH) called these scribes and instructed them exactly where to write each verse.
This answers the question:
- Who has written Quran physically?
The companions wrote it under the supervision of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The Compilation Process: From Revelation to Book
Many people ask: “when was the Quran written as a book?”
Here is the timeline:
1. During the Prophet’s life
- The Quran was memorize by thousands
- It was written on bones, leather, palm leaves, and parchment
- The Prophet (PBUH) himself reviewed the Quran every year with Angel Jibreel
2. During Abu Bakr’s Caliphate
After the Battle of Yamama, many memorizers were martyred. Omar (RA) suggested that the Quran be compiled into one book.
Zayd ibn Thabit was appointed to lead the collection of all written and memorized materials into one official manuscript.
3. During Uthman’s Caliphate
As Islam spread, differences in recitation appeared.
To preserve unity, Caliph Uthman produced standardized copies — these became known as the Uthmani Mushaf.
This process answers:
- when quran was write into book form
- the writing of the Quran
- who wrote the Quran Islamically and historically
Historical & Academic Perspectives
Even non-Muslim historians agree that:
- The Quran was preserve more accurately than any ancient text
- The time between revelation and compilation was extremely short
- The existence of early manuscripts matches today’s Quran
This supports the authenticity of the Quran even in historical scholarship.
Why Understanding the Quran’s Origins Matters
Know who wrote the Quran and when the Quran was written strengthens one’s connection to the Book of Allah.
It also helps clarify misconceptions for non-Muslims or new Muslims seeking truth.
The Quran is not just a religious scripture — it is a living miracle that transformed individuals, societies, and civilizations.
Conclusion
The Quran is a divine revelation from Allah, delivered to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) over 23 years. It was written down by trusted companions, preserved with extraordinary care, and compiled into book form shortly after the Prophet’s passing.
Understanding this journey inspires Muslims to appreciate the Quran not only as a holy book but as the preserved word of the One who created all things.
FAQs
Who truly wrote the Quran?
Allah is the author of the Quran, the companions wrote it physically under the Prophet’s supervision.
When was the Quran write as a book?
The Quran was compile into one book during the caliphate of Abu Bakr and standardized during Uthman’s era.
Did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) write the Quran?
No. Historical and Quranic evidence confirms he was unlettered.
When was the Quran Create?
Muslims believe the Quran is the eternal word of Allah, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) between 610–632 CE.
Which surah of Quran talks about revelation?
Surah Ash-Shu’ara and Surah Al-Qadr clearly describe the nature and time of revelation.