Rare15th-century Quranic manuscript displayed at Holy Quran Museum in Makkah

2026-02-04 - 07:06

MAKKAH – A rare Quranic manuscript dating back to the ninth century Hijri has been put on public display at the Holy Quran Museum located in the Hira Cultural District in Makkah. The historic manuscript represents the 25th juz (part) of the Holy Quran and was written in the 15th century AD. Al Arabiya.net reported that the manuscript was produced in the Levant region in fine Naskh calligraphy and features intricate decorative patterns and rich gold embellishments. One of its distinctive features is the use of gold leaf to write the word “Allah,” reflecting the high level of reverence and craftsmanship in Islamic calligraphy. The manuscript also highlighted the early tradition of dividing the Holy Quran into separate parts, demonstrating the methods adopted by Muslims for the preservation and compilation of the sacred text. The rare manuscript belongs to the collection of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies and has been placed on display at the museum under a cultural partnership. The exhibition aims to make valuable Quranic manuscripts accessible to the public and to promote awareness of the art of Islamic calligraphy and illumination. The Holy Quran Museum is Makkah’s first dedicated museum of its kind, showcasing the history, transcription, and compilation of the Holy Quran through modern exhibition techniques. The museum is located near Jabal al-Nour, the site where the first verses of the Quran were revealed, and is a key part of the Hira Cultural District, which brings together religious, historical and cultural heritage. ‘Miracle amid flames’: Copies of Holy Quran remain unharmed in Gul Plaza mosque