During the time of Othman, the third Caliph, Islam spread fast and many companions moved out of Arabia. Amongst the many countries and provinces that accepted Islam were Syria and Iraq, but their language was not Arabic. One of Prophet's companions, Hothaifah-ibn el-Yaman, during his visit to Syria and Iraq learnt that people were reciting the Qur'an in different modes or style. This disturbed him very much and upon his return, he requested Othman to reproduce and distribute copies of the Qur'an that would help Muslims read or recite the Qur'an in a single consistent manner to avoid any conflict.

Othman appointed twelve members, headed by Zaid to write the Qur'an in the mode of the Quraish, the one used by the Prophet in his recitation.

Zaid along with the other companions, reproduced a number of copies based on the original volume produced during the time of Abu Bakr (refer to previous section). The handwriting was to agree with the Arabic dialect of the Quraish. These copies maintained the order of the Surah and the Ayat (verses) within the Surah as laid down by the Prophet and memorized by the Qur'an bearer. Of the completed official copies Othman ordered three to be sent to Syria, Iraq and Mecca respectively and one to be kept in Medina. The original manuscript was returned to Hafsah.

Othman then ordered that all the other Qur'anic materials whether written in fragmentary manuscripts or whole copies be burnt. This was a precautionary measure taken to prevent any future conflict in the mode of recitation or otherwise. Thus preventing the Qur'an from fabrication or corruption - This has been assured by Allah in the following verse: