Unknown - Quran 'fragment' manuscript - 1720

A very unusual fragmented Quranic manuscript scribed in India in the early C18th. The manuscript consists of 12 folios (6 pages), scribed within the gold framed burnished gold panels, with extensive commentary in the margins of folios 6-9 and 12. This indicates that the fragmented manuscript may well have been used in a teaching environment and passed down over the years.

The fragments contain the majority of the scripture from Surah At-Tur (52:4-49), concluding with the Bismillah of Surah 53, An-Najm. It is written in clear Naskh calligraphy, with verses indicators (red dots) and diacritical markings in red offering devotional guidance to the reader. Notes in the margins are later additions and likely to be the personal notes of the owner or tutor.

At-Tur is a Meccan chapter with 49 verses that opens with powerful divine oaths. Its core importance lies in defending the truth of the Day of Judgment, comforting the Prophet Muhammad, and contrasting the ultimate peace of righteous families with the fate of disbelievers. Its main themes are: Divine Oaths; Hereafter and Recompense; Family Reunion in Paradise and; Reassurance for the Prophet, defending Prophet Muhammad against the false accusations of his opponents (who called him a poet, soothsayer, or madman) and tells him to remain patient under God's watchful eye.

The general condition is fair, with wormhole damage to the margins, but not affecting the burnished gold scriptures. This is a most interesting historical fragment of an almost complete chapter of the Qur'an, and would grace any collection.

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