Unknown - Qur'an - Bihar India - 1425

An illuminated folio miniature from a Qur'an originating in the state of Bihar, India, circa 1425.

The folio contains the end verses of chapter 6, Al-Anam (Cattle) and the chapter heading and opening verse of chapter 7, Al-Araf (The Heights). The end verses serve as a profound conclusion to the Surah. They outline the core principles of Islamic faith, emphasizing absolute unity, divine justice, individual accountability, and the purpose of human life.

These closing verses can be broken down into these primary themes:
1. Condemnation of Sectarianism (Verse 159). The Quran vehemently rejects religious division and schism. It asserts that those who fracture the core principles of the true religion and break into factions are completely disconnected from the Prophet Muhammad's teachings.
2. Divine Justice and Accountability (Verse 160). This verse outlines a fair scale of divine justice. Every good deed is rewarded tenfold, while an evil deed is punished only with an equal, corresponding measure. In this system of fairness, no one will be wronged or treated unjustly.
3. Total Surrender to the One God (Verses 161-163)Believers are instructed to declare that they are guided to the "straight path". This path reflects the pure, upright faith of Abraham. It is emphasized that prayer, acts of devotion, life, and death are dedicated entirely to the Lord of the worlds, with no partners associated with Him.
4. Personal Responsibility (Verse 164) Every individual is held strictly accountable for their own actions. No soul will bear the sins of another. Ultimately, all of humanity will return to God, and He will clarify the matters regarding which they used to differ.
5. The Test of Life (Verse 165)God appointed humanity as successors (khalifah) on Earth, raising some people above others in rank, wealth, and status. This differentiation is not for favoritism, but to serve as a test to see how individuals handle what they have been given. It reminds believers of God's swiftness in retribution alongside His immense forgiveness and mercy.

It is written in a Arabic naskh script, with black ink and red diactritical markings to guide the devotee through prayer. In this case there are 11 lines of fine script with gold 'aya' marking the verses and several 'Allah' in gold thuluth font. The folio has two decorative marginals marking the beginnings of these short chapters which come towards the end of the Qur'an.

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