Unknown - Qur'an - Bihar India - 1425

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

The folio contains the concluding verses of the Medinian chapter 33, al-Ahzab (The Enemy Alliance), v.68-73, followed by the illuminated header of chapter 34, and its Bismillah.Surah Al-Ahzab v.68–73, depict the regret of disbelievers in the afterlife blaming their misleading leaders, warns believers to avoid slandering prophets like Moses, commands truthful speech, introduces the heavy moral "Trust" (free will/responsibility) accepted by humanity, and separates the hypocrites from the true believers.

It is written in a Arabic naskh (possibly Maghribi) script, with black ink and red diactritical markings to guide the devotee through prayer. In this case there are 16 lines of fine script with gold 'aya' marking the verses and multiple 'Allah' in gold thuluth font. The folio has two decorative marginals, the first marking the 70th verse of chapter 33 and the second, the illuminated header of the subsequent chapter.

The folio is in fair condition owing to the water damage and treatment of the left margin to strengthen it. There is some minor worming seen only when held to the light.

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