[Unknown] - Qur'an - Qajar - 1809

A high quality manuscript from a damaged Qur’an of the early Qajar dynasty (1794-1925) which had the exact date on the last page of AH1224, or AD 1809/10. It contains the complete chapter 103, Al-Asr (The 'Passage of Time' or 'The Declining Day'), and 104, Al-Hiumazah (The Slanderer), together with v.5-8 of chapter 102 At-Takathur and the beginning of chapter 105, Al-Fil (The Elephant).

Chapter 103 of the Quran is called Surah Al-Asr consists of just three verses but is considered a core summary of the entire Islamic way of life. It is a hugely important chapter to those of faith, presenting a solemn warning combined with a distinct formula for success. It outlines the core tenets that: time is humanity's most valuable, non-renewable resource; that \because time continuously passes and cannot be reclaimed, every human being is inherently in a state of loss or ruin; and sets out the 'Four Pillars of Salvation' form a complete guide to personal righteousness and social responsibility.

Chapter 104 warns against the destructive sins of gossip, backbiting, and obsessing over wealth, reminding humanity that worldly riches and mockery cannot grant immortality or save a person from divine judgment

Then script features Arabian text in naskh, with an interlinear Persian translation written in red in nasta'liq script. Highly decorative illuminated headers mark the chapters beginning. Simple gold roundels mark the verses and the whole being framed in a thick gold line.

Additional scholarly thoughts are contained in the tear-drop shaped gold medallions running down the left margin, and the condensed cursive text top and bottom of the manuscript, are commentary (tarsier) and devotional/historical notes written mostly in Persian. The condition is very good.


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