The Holy Quran, as the main source of Islamic law, has received particular attention and focus from Western scholars. The rapid transfer of information in the present era and, on the other hand, the extensive studies by orientalists regarding the Quran, make it even more necessary to accurately clarify their views and opinions. Among them is Alford T. Welch, an American scholar of Oriental studies.
This study attempts to review and analyze Welch’s opinions through a descriptive-analytical approach, focusing on the topics of Quran compilation, arrangement, and the sources of revelation.
The results indicate that, from Welch's perspective, the collection and compilation of the Quran began during the time of the Prophet (pbuh) and continued after his lifetime. He believes that the lack of clarity about the speaker and the source of revelation in the Meccan surahs, the absence of signs proving the divine origin of the message, and the diversity in the revelation are reasons that reinforce the involvement of human factors (messengers) in the formation of the Quran. This approach distinguishes Western methodologies in Quranic studies—an approach that seeks to understand the history of Islam as a cultural phenomenon, with the Quran being a key milestone in this cultural event.