The compilation of the Quran under Caliph Abu Bakr was a crucial event in the preservation of the Islamic holy text. This task was undertaken shortly after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, during Abu Bakr’s caliphate, which lasted from 632 to 634 CE. 

Here are the key aspects of the compilation:

1. Historical Context:
   • The Prophet Muhammad received the Quran as a series of revelations over 23 years, memorized by many of his companions and recited during prayers.
   • These revelations were initially written on various materials like palm leaves, bones, parchment, and stones. Many companions also memorized the Quran in its entirety.
2. The Need for Compilation:
   • After the Prophet’s death, the Islamic community faced battles, such as the Battle of Yamama, where many who had memorized the Quran (known as hafiz) were killed.
   • This loss highlighted the urgent need to compile the Quran into a single, cohesive text to ensure its preservation and accurate transmission to future generations.
3. Initiation by Abu Bakr:
   • Caliph Abu Bakr, advised by his prominent companion and advisor Umar ibn al-Khattab, initiated the compilation effort to safeguard the Quran. Abu Bakr entrusted this task to Zaid ibn Thabit, who had been one of the Prophet’s scribes.
4. Compilation Process:
   • Zaid ibn Thabit undertook the meticulously careful task of collecting the Quranic material. He gathered written fragments and verified them against the memories of those who had learned the Quran directly from the Prophet.
   • Strict criteria were applied to ensure authenticity, requiring written evidence and corroboration by multiple trustworthy witnesses.
5. Completion and Preservation:
   • The compiled text was completed and held in the custody of Caliph Abu Bakr. After his passing, it was passed to his successor, Caliph Umar, and then to Hafsa bint Umar, Umar’s daughter, who was also one of the Prophet’s wives.
6. Significance:
   • The compilation under Abu Bakr laid the foundation for preserving the Quran in a singular textual form. It ensured consistency and accuracy in the Quranic text across the growing Muslim world.
   • This effort was critical in preventing alterations and variations in the recitation and understanding of the Quran, especially as Islam expanded beyond the Arabian Peninsula.

The compilation of the Quran under Abu Bakr was a momentous achievement that cemented the Quran’s status as a preserved and universally consistent sacred text for Muslims, preserving the integrity and authenticity of its message for generations to come.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.