By: Tohed.com❖ The Objection by Christian Orientalists
Certain Christian Orientalists cite a narration from Sunan Ibn Majah to claim that some verses of the Qur'an were lost because a goat ate the paper on which they were written. Let us examine this narration in detail and uncover the reality behind such claims.❖ The Text of the Narration
Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها stated:“The verse of stoning and the verse of ten sucklings were revealed. These were written on a paper and placed under my bed. While we were engaged with the funeral of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, a goat came and ate that paper.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 1944; Musnad Ahmad: 6/229; Musnad Abi Ya‘la: 4587)
❖ The Chain of Transmission and Authenticity
In examining this narration, it is essential to analyze its chain of narrators:➊ The Issue of Tadlis with Muhammad ibn Ishaq
One of the narrators is Muhammad ibn Ishaq, who is known for practicing tadlis, i.e., omitting direct sources by using ambiguous terms like “from.” When such narrators do not explicitly confirm hearing from their source, their narrations are deemed weak.
➋ Critical Evaluation
In other chains, such as in Musnad Ahmad, the narration concerning suckling is transmitted from Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها without any mention of the goat or the eaten paper. This indicates that the mention of the goat is unique to Muhammad ibn Ishaq and is contrary to more reliable versions, thereby weakening its credibility.
❖ Even If the Narration Were Accepted
Even if we hypothetically accept the narration, it does not affect the integrity of the Qur'an. Here’s why:➊ Regarding the Verse of Stoning
Various narrations confirm that the Prophet ﷺ instructed not to include the stoning verse in the Qur'an.
Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه, as reported by Zaid ibn Thabit رضي الله عنه, sought permission to include the stoning verse, but the Prophet ﷺ disapproved of it.
➋ Abrogation of the Suckling Verse
The mention of adult suckling (رضاعت کبیر) appears in Sahih Muslim, narrated by Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها. She stated:
“Allah first revealed that ten sucklings make a relationship unlawful, then it was abrogated to five sucklings.” (Sahih Muslim: 2634)
This proves that the verse was later abrogated and thus no longer part of the Qur’an.
❖ Evidence of the Qur’an’s Preservation
Even if the incident of the goat were taken as factual, it still doesn’t imply any loss in the Qur’an:➊ Position of Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها
Hazrat Aisha رضي الله عنها was alive during the compilation of the Qur’an in the time of Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Uthman رضي الله عنهما. If she had known of any verse being lost, she would have informed the Companions.
➋ The Compilation Process
The Qur'an was compiled in several phases with a large number of memorizers (huffaz) involved. Even if a physical copy was lost, the verse would still be preserved through oral transmission.
❖ Conclusion
Based on the evidence presented, the narration in Sunan Ibn Majah regarding the goat is weak in its chain of transmission and cannot be relied upon. Even if it were accepted, it has no impact on the protection or completeness of the Qur’an. The Qur’an remains fully preserved under the divine protection of Allah, and no part of it has been lost.
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