Discuss the role of Huffaz in the preservation of the Qur’ān.
Explanation
Ḥuffāẓ (Ḥāfiẓ) literally means “guardian” or “memorizer”. It is a term used by Muslims for someone who has completely memorized the Qur’ān.Ḥuffāz were the memorizers of the Qur’ān.
*The Prophet (S.A.W.) was the first Ḥāfiẓ.
*He dictated the verses of the Qur’ān to others who later memorized it.
*The Ḥuffāẓ wrote the revelation down on different objects such as tree barks, stones, animal skins, bones e.t.c
*Majority of the companions memorized the Qur’ān.
*The four principal memorizers under the Prophet’s guidance were: Abdullāh b. Mas’ūd, Salim Mawla Abī Hudhayfah, Mu’adh b. Jabal and Ubayy b. Ka’ab.
*The Prophet (S.A.W.) sent seventy of such memorizers as instructors of the Qur’ān to certain tribes.
*Victory at the Battle of Yamāmah is attributed to the Ḥuffāẓ although a great number of them lost their lives.
*The Ḥuffāẓ’s contribution during the compilation of the Qur’ān was quite significant.
*The leader of the committee for the compilation, Zayd b. Thabit was a Ḥāfiẓ.
*Upon the collection of the various fragments of the Qur’ān, their place and authenticity were determined by the Ḥuffāẓ.
*The Ḥuffāẓ recited portions from the Qur’ān in Ṣalāt and other devotional practices at social gathering.
*The Ḥufāz guided other Muslims on Qur’ānic memorization.
*The Ḥuffāẓ also played a leading role to standardize the variations in reading the Qur’ān.
*The role played by the Ḥuffāẓ stands the test of time.