Unknown - Qur'an - Persia - 1680

An understated illuminated manuscript folio page from a 17th Century Persian Qur'an. The scripture contains 15 lines of naskh script in black ink. Simple gold aya, best seen when tilting the manuscript to the light, mark the verses. Between this is Persian commentary in red, separated by thin black horizontals lines. The whole scripture is framed with a thick gold frame, with a simple but highly effective arabesque border of vine leaves in gold and red bleeding to the edges.

The folio contains scripture from chapter 2, Al-Baqarah (The Cow) v.18-26. describe the spiritual state of hypocrites and provide a foundational call to humanity to worship God. The section emphasizes the distinction between guidance and misguidance. It uses the analogy of a violent rainstorm filled with darkness, thunder, and lightning sowing paralysis by confusion. The hypocrites are likened to those who are terrified of death and try to block out the truth ("put their fingers in their ears"). When a moment of truth ("lightning") illuminates the path, they move forward, but when it becomes difficult, they stand still, fearful and confused. The verse notes that if God willed, He could take away their hearing and sight completely. If the disbelievers fail to meet the challenges obtaining the spiritual state of belief, (2:24) -and it is stated they will never be able to—they are warned of the Fire (Hell), whose fuel is people and stones, prepared specifically for those who reject faith. The Promise (2:25): In contrast, good news is given to those who believe and do righteous deeds: they will have gardens (Paradise) under which rivers flow, with perfect spouses, and will abide therein forever.

The manuscript is small enough to have been carried which suggests it was made for an individual to support him on his journeys. It is a fine manuscript.

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