Unknown - Qur'an - Herat - 1460

Qur'an - Herat - Timurid - AD1460. A bi-folio manuscript from a Qur'an scribed shortly after Shah Rukh’s reign at a time of great political turmoil. Shah Rukh or Shahrukh Mirza (Uzbek: Shohruh, Persian: شاهرخ, Šāhrokh; 20 August 1377 – 13 March 1447) was the ruler of the Timurid Empire between 1405 and 1447.

The leaves contain scripture from the final 10 verses of Chapter 45, Al-Jathiyah (The Kneeling), v.27-36, and the header and first 4 verses of chapter 46, Al-Ahqaf (The Sand Hills). Both folios contain illuminated marginal, those on the right folio marking the 35th and 30th verses; that on the left folio marking the beginning of the chapter. The scriptures in these leaves are of great value to the reader, particularly in these turbulent times.

Verses 27-36 of chapter 45 focus on the Day of Judgment, the presentation of records of deeds, and the final consequences for believers and disbelievers. They describe the Day the Hour appears, when the falsifiers will lose, and every nation will kneel and be presented with their record of deeds. The records accurately document everything that was done. Those who believed and did righteous deeds will be admitted into Allah's mercy, achieving a clear attainment. As for the disbelievers, they will be reminded that they were arrogant and criminal when Allah's verses were recited to them and they doubted the coming Hour. They will face the evil consequences of their actions and be enveloped by what they ridiculed. On that day, they will be told that they are forgotten as they forgot the meeting of that Day, and their refuge will be the Fire without helpers. This is because they ridiculed Allah's verses and were deluded by worldly life, and they will remain in the Fire without being asked to appease Allah. The passage concludes by praising Allah, Lord of the heavens, earth, and worlds

Verses 1-4 of Chapter 46 (Surah Al-Ahqaf) introduce this chapter by asserting the divine origin of the Quran, highlighting the purposeful nature of creation, and challenging polytheistic beliefs. Verse 1, Ha-Mim, is a device known as Al-Muqatta'at (disjointed letters), whose precise meaning is known only to Allah, thereby remarking Allah as unique andall knowing. Verse 2 confirms the Quran is a revelation from Allah. Verse 3, states that the universe was created with truth and purpose for a set duration, but disbelievers ignore these signs and warnings, while verse 4 challenges those who worship others besides Allah to provide evidence of their deities' creative power or proof from a prior scripture or verifiable knowledge to support their claims.

Each leaf contains evenly spaced scripture in elegant Naskhi script in black ink. Notably the right folio contains some scripture 'overspill. where the tribe has used the margin to fit in the wording before starting the next page. Multiple free-hand 'aya' in a simple gold spiral mark out the verses on the leaf. Diacritical advisory marks in red provide the reader with devotional guidance. The leaves are each framed in gold and blue lines.

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