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About this Item

Title

  • Qur'anic verses

Created / Published

  • 14th-15th centuries

Headings

  • -  Calligraphy, Arabic
  • -  Manuscripts, Arabic--Washington (D.C.)
  • -  Egypt
  • -  Arabic script calligraphy
  • -  Illuminated Islamic manuscripts
  • -  Islamic calligraphy
  • -  Islamic manuscripts
  • -  Masahif

Notes

  • -  29th chapter of the Qur'an entitled al-'Ankabut (The Spider), from the Mamluk period, written in the Masahif script.
  • -  Dimensions of Written Surface: Recto: 10.5 (w) x 11.3 (h) cm. Dimensions of Written Surface: Verso: 13 (w) x 19.5 (h) cm
  • -  Executed in black masahif script, the text is surrounded by lightly outlined cloud bands. In the interstitial spaces appear vine leaves and palmettes on a background of parallel striations. Such motifs are typical of Mamluk Qur'ans produced in Egypt during the 14th and 15th centuries (see 1-88-154.8b R & V and 1-89-154.168 R & V). Verse markers consist of six-petalled gold rosettes with blue and red dots on the perimeters.
  • -  Recite what is sent of the Book by inspiration to you, / And establish regular prayer, / for prayer restrains from shameful] and unjust deeds; / and remembrance of God is the greatest thing without doubt. / And God knows what you do.
  • -  That is how We have revealed this Book to you, / And those to whom We have sent down the Book will believe in it. / Only those who disbelieve will deny it.
  • -  The verso of this folio contains verses 46 and 47 which continue verse 45 from the fragment's recto and initiates a new section (juz') in the Qur'an. In particular, verse 47 reads:
  • -  This fragment includes the 45th verse of the 29th chapter of the Qur'an entitled al-'Ankabut (The Spider). This verse initiates a new and separate section of the surah, in which the Qur'an is discussed as a sign of revelation, a tool in teaching the distinction between right and wrong, and a vehicle in understanding the Hereafter. Verse 45 reads:
  • -  This particular Qur'anic fragment has placed the verses within a gold illuminated panel, in which the upper register includes a statement on red background that the text belongs to the third section (juz') of the Qur'an. The text in the lower panel is partially lost due to damage. The gold frame and marginal medallions with long finials provide an ornamental break in the Qur'an and thus serve as a visual reference point.
  • -  Script: masahif
  • -  1-84-154.16

Repository

  • Library of Congress African and Middle Eastern Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA

Digital Id

Library of Congress Control Number

  • 2019714527

Online Format

  • pdf
  • image

Additional Metadata Formats

IIIF Presentation Manifest

Rights & Access

The contents of the Library of Congress Selections of Arabic, Persian, and Ottoman Calligraphy are in the public domain or have no known copyright restrictions and are free to use and reuse.

Credit Line: Library of Congress, African and Middle East Division, Near East Section Persian Manuscript Collection

Cite This Item

Citations are generated automatically from bibliographic data as a convenience, and may not be complete or accurate.

Chicago citation style:

Qur'anic Verses. 14th-15th Centuries. Manuscript/Mixed Material. https://www.loc.gov/item/2019714527/.

APA citation style:

Qur'anic Verses. 14th-15th Centuries. [Manuscript/Mixed Material] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2019714527/.

MLA citation style:

Qur'anic Verses. 14th-15th Centuries. Manuscript/Mixed Material. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/2019714527/>.