Hira Quran Museum exhibits rare rab‘a display

Hira Quran Museum exhibits rare rab‘a display
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The Quran Museum in the Hira Cultural District in Mecca is displaying a rare rab‘a of the Holy Quran, highlighting an important chapter in the history of Quranic manuscripts and Islamic book arts.

The exhibited piece contains the twenty-fifth part (juz’) of the Quran and dates back to the ninth century AH, corresponding to the fifteenth century CE. It was produced in the Levant and written in naskh script, and is distinguished by its fine decorative elements and elaborate gilding. The word “Allahumma” is rendered in gold, reflecting the reverence accorded to the Quranic text and the care devoted to its presentation.

The manuscript represents a notable example of so-called rab‘at al-masahif, specialized boxes designed to preserve the Quran in separate parts. Such artifacts illustrate the development of organized methods for safeguarding Quranic texts and demonstrate the historical commitment to their protection and preservation.

The manuscript is preserved at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies and is being displayed at the Quran Museum as part of joint efforts to showcase rare Quranic treasures and manuscripts, enriching the cultural and educational experience of visitors.

The exhibit underscores the historical and artistic value of Quranic manuscripts and reflects the aesthetic traditions of Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation in the Levant. The Quran Museum, the first institution of its kind in Mecca, is located near Mount Hira and aims to introduce visitors to the Quran, its global significance, and the diverse forms of care devoted to it through history.