Unknown - Qur'an Manuscript Leaf - 1550

A single illuminated manuscript folio page from a 16th Century Safaivid Qur'an. The page contains the final verse of Chapter 54, Al-Qamar (The Moon), together with the Surah of Chapter 55, Ar-Rahman (The Most Compassionate) and the first 19 verses. A decorative illuminated marginal, typical of the calligraphy of the time, marks the 5th verse of the chapter. These verses focus on the themes of Allah’s mercy, the revelation of the Quran, the creation of humanity, and the balance in the universe. A defining feature of this chapter is the repeated refrain, "Then which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?", which is meant to emphasise God’s boundless blessings and demand accountability from both humanity and jinn (spirits made from "smokeless fire" who live in a parallel, mostly invisible, or "concealed" realm). It serves as a rhythmic, reflective reminder to be grateful and to recognize divine generosity in worldly, spiritual, and heavenly provisions.

The illuminated decorative Surah heading sits within a red and gold frame. The script within the heading is in white Thuluth surrounded by gold and bordered with a decorative blue arabesque book-ends. The script in bold nastaliq with simple but vibrant gold aya verse markings. There is a little smudging, but overall the folio is in good condition for tis age.

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