Unknown - Quran - India (Bihar) - 1425

An exceptional large format Qur'anic folio, circa 1425, originating from Bihar, India, a prosperous state, lying south of Nepal close bordering the Ganges river, became Muslim in the 12th century originally under the Bengal Governors. It is large format

This folio contains verses 116-26 of Chapter 19, Surah Maryam, (Mary), one of the most spiritually celebrated passages in the entire Qur'an and entirely devoted to Mary. The narrative is the miraculous conception of Jesus and the profound distress Mary faced during labor. The passage delivers a message of divine comfort, affirming that God's plans are easily fulfilled and urging Mary to trust in His providence. THe verses cover the Annunciation, Seclusion and Despair and Divine Reassurance.

For Muslims this passage carried immense theological and emotional weight. Mary is the only woman mentioned in the Qur'an and is regarded as the most virtuous women infall creation. THe miraculous birth of Isa (Jesus) - understood in Islam as a great Prophet and Messenger to God, born of a virgin by divine command - is a cornerstone is Islamic belief in God's absolute power (Audra) over natural law.

The script is written in a unique cursive style called 'Bihari' which was used by India Qur'ans between the late C14th-C16th. The scripts main features re wide, extended horizontal lines and more delicate verticals. Decorative aya in gold separate the verses of the scripture. It is in remarkable condition given its age.

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