History of Quran in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 18, 2026

The Quran is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be the direct word of God (Allah). Organized into 114 chapters (surahs) composed of verses (ayat), it is considered the supreme authority in Islam, guiding Muslims on faith, worship, ethics, and law. Beyond its religious importance, the Quran is revered as a masterpiece of Arabic literature and has profoundly impacted the Arabic language and culture. It outlines principles of justice, compassion, and submission to God, providing a comprehensive framework for life according to Islamic beliefs.

1911: Oldest Gurmukhi Translation Printed

In 1911, the oldest Gurmukhi translation of the Quran Sharif was printed in village Lande of Moga district of Indian Punjab.

1924: Al-Azhar University Publishes Standardized Edition

In 1924, Cairo's Al-Azhar University published a standardized edition of the Quran, the result of long preparation. This edition standardized Quranic orthography and became the basis for later editions.

1936: Quran Translations Reach 102 Languages

In 1936, translations of the Quran were known to exist in 102 languages, marking a significant milestone in its dissemination worldwide.

1937: Richard Bell's Translation of the Quran

In 1937, Richard Bell produced a scholarly translation of the Quran into English, contributing to the growing body of English translations of the Quran.

1955: Arthur John Arberry's Translation of the Quran

In 1955, Arthur John Arberry produced another translation of the Quran into English, further enriching the English-language resources for studying the Quran.

1972: Discovery of Sanaa Manuscripts

In 1972, manuscripts consisting of 12,000 pieces were discovered in a mosque in Sanaa, Yemen. These manuscripts were later proven to be the oldest Quranic text known at the time, containing palimpsests with faint underlying text. Radiocarbon dating indicates the parchments are dated to the period before 671 CE.

2008: Melchert's Analysis of Quran Variant Readings

In 2008, Melchert's analysis of Quranic variant readings indicated that the majority of disagreements pertain to vowel markings, with a smaller portion concerning the placement of dots, contributing to the understanding of textual variations.

2010: Quran Presented in 112 Languages at Tehran Exhibition

In 2010, the Quran was presented in 112 languages at the 18th International Quran Exhibition in Tehran, as reported by the Hürriyet Daily News and Economic Review, showcasing the continued expansion of Quranic translations.

2015: Discovery of Early Quran Folio in Birmingham

In 2015, a single folio of a very early Quran was discovered in the library of the University of Birmingham, England, dating back approximately 1370 years. Tests indicated the parchment dated from between 568 and 645 CE. The manuscript is written in Hijazi script, an early form of written Arabic.