Jeddah, March 10, 2025 – Visitors to the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale were treated to a truly exceptional display of Islamic heritage, featuring a unique Quranic manuscript that beautifully merges the elegance of Arabic calligraphy with the rich craftsmanship of Islamic art. This extraordinary piece, part of the exhibition organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, was on display at the Western Hajj Terminal in King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The manuscript, which encapsulates centuries of Islamic history, captivated attendees as they were given the opportunity to reflect on treasures of Islamic art through rare collections, with this particular Quran standing out for its historical and artistic significance.
The Quran in question was meticulously crafted nearly two centuries ago, with a unique history that ties it to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. It was transcribed by the skilled calligrapher Ghulam Mohiuddin in 1240 AH (1824 AD), specifically as a waqf (endowment) for the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. This manuscript is a part of a long-standing tradition in which patrons from across the Islamic world have donated precious manuscripts to enrich the spiritual and cultural heritage of these two revered cities. As with other such works, this Quran was not merely a religious text but also a masterpiece of Islamic artistry.
The Quran is particularly distinguished by its imposing size, measuring 139.7 × 77.5 cm, making it one of the largest known Quranic manuscripts. Its pages are adorned with intricate gold detailing and deep-colored pigments, which enhance its visual beauty and underscore its spiritual significance. The cover is equally remarkable, inlaid with precious stones such as rubies, emeralds, turquoise, and peridot, contributing to its status as one of the rarest and most opulent Quran copies in existence.
Historical documents trace the journey of this monumental Quran to Madinah in the mid-13th century AH, where it was first placed on a special stand near the Bab As-Salam (As-Salam Gate) of the Prophet’s Mosque. It remained there for many years before being transferred to the mosque’s treasury during restoration work carried out in 1273 AH (1857 AD). This manuscript’s journey through time not only reflects its importance as a religious and cultural treasure but also highlights the care and respect with which it has been preserved over the centuries.
The Quran’s calligraphy, written in the Naskh script with black ink, was executed by Mohiuddin, a renowned 19th-century calligrapher from northern India. He was known for his piety and generosity, often distributing hand-written parts of the Quran to those in need. Between the lines of the Naskh script, Mohiuddin included a Persian translation of the Quran in the elegant Nastaliq script, a distinctive feature that reflects the calligraphic traditions prevalent in the Indian subcontinent at the time.
Originally, the cover of the Quran was crafted from gilded leather and adorned with precious gemstones, symbolizing the reverence in which this manuscript was held. In 1302 AH (1884 AD), the cover was re-bound by Hajj Yusuf bin Hajj Masoom Nemankani, a renowned scholar in manuscript arts who had settled in Madinah after migrating from Uzbekistan. His expert restoration further ensured that the Quran would remain a lasting testament to the beauty and significance of Islamic manuscript art.
Today, this extraordinary Quran is housed in the King Abdulaziz Complex for Endowment Libraries in Madinah, where it continues to be a source of inspiration for scholars and visitors alike. Its presence at the Islamic Arts Biennale provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the enduring beauty of Islamic art and the historical legacy of Islamic philanthropy. The Quran serves not only as a spiritual and artistic treasure but also as a living testament to the deep-rooted tradition of giving and preservation that has characterized Islamic culture for centuries.
The inclusion of this rare Quran in the Biennale exhibition highlights the importance of such artifacts in understanding the richness of Islamic art and history. It is a profound reminder of the enduring legacy of Islamic civilization and the pivotal role that art and culture have played in the development of the Islamic world. Through this exceptional manuscript, the Islamic Arts Biennale offers a window into a past that continues to inspire and influence the present, allowing visitors to connect with the splendor and spirituality of centuries-old Islamic artistry.