The Master of Readers: Ubai ibn Kab and the "Extra" Surahs

Episode Summary: If Abdullah ibn Masud was the "Master of the Quran," Ubai ibn Kab was undoubtedly the "Master of the Readers" (Sayyid al-Qurra). Personally hand-picked by Muhammad as one of the four elite Quranic teachers, Ubai occupied a position of unparalleled authority. Yet, despite his stellar reputation, his personal collection of the Quran contained material that simply does not exist in the Quran we have today.

In this episode, we investigate the "Extra Surahs" found in the codex of Ubai ibn Kab—specifically Surah al-Khal and Surah al-Hafd. Drawing on classical Muslim authorities like Al-Suyuti and Ibn Sa’d, we explore the startling admission by the second Caliph, Umar, that while Ubai was the best reciter,  ...