Unknown - Quran - 1080

A rare opening bi-folio from a large format Seljuk Qur'an, written in bold early naskh script on ancient laid paper, dating to the C11th. The leafs come from the opening bi-folio of Surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War), making it highly desirable as it contains the illuminated surah header. The muhaqqag/naskh transitional hand, the medallion verse-count/ornamental roundels in a number of decorative forms as shown in the pictures above, and the rectangular Surah-heading cartouche are all consistent with late C11th century Seljuk manuscript.

Verses 1–13 of Surah Al-Anfal (Chapter 8 of the Quran) explain the distribution of the spoils of war, define the true traits of a believer, and recount the divine intervention and psychological reassurance granted to Muslims during the Battle of Badr, which was fought on March 13, 624 CE (17 Ramadan, 2 AH). It is presented as a miraculous turning point for early Muslims, when a small, poorly armed Muslim force of around 313 men unexpectedly faced a much larger Meccan Quraysh army of about 1,000 fighters and defeated them. The Quran recounts that God aided the outnumbered believers by sending thousands of angels to reinforce them and granting them psychological tranquility and rain to firm the ground.

Manuscripts of this nature and quality are scarce.

It is classified as 'fair' because of the mild water damage staining, the repairs made to the edges of the page to secure it from further damage. The folio must be handled with care.

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