Unknown - Qur'an - Herat - 1460

Qur'an - Herat - Timurid - AD1460. This manuscript leaf from a Koran scribed shortly after Shah Rukh’s reign at a time of great political turmoil. It was relatively small for ease of carriage, thus was most likely for private use.

The leaf contains scripture from the Medinian Chapter 47, Muhammad (Muhammad) v.34-38, together with the header ()Surah) and first two verses of chapter 48, Al-fath (The Triumph). These final verses conclude the surah by focusing on themes of faith, steadfastness in the face of conflict, the temporary nature of worldly life, and the obligation to support the cause of Allah. They contrast the fate of disbelievers with the responsibilities of believers, encouraging financial and physical sacrifice for the sake of God. They emphasise that unbelievers who oppose the truth to the end are not forgiven; that believers must not show cowardice in times of war or conflict; that the world is transient; true value is in the Hereafter; and that Allah does not need humanity; they need Him, and He can replace any group that turns away from their faith.

The leaf contains 13 lines of evenly spaced and elegant naskhi script in black ink and in an educated calligraphic hand. Multiple free-hand 'aya' in a simple gold spiral mark out the verses. The Sarah of chapter 48 is written in gold condensed thuluth script, placed between two simple gold lines The leaf has a single marginal(Juz) in blue. The leaf is fully framed in gold and blue lines.

There is some devotional use staining bottom left through page turning, but otherwise this is a good clean copy and very well preserved for its age dating from around the time of the fall of Constantinople to Islam in 1453.

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