Unknown - Qur'an - Herat - 1460

Qur'an - Herat - Timurid - AD1460. This manuscript leaf from a Koran scribed shortly after Shah Rukh’s reign at a time of great political turmoil. It was relatively small for ease of carriage, thus was most likely for private use.

The leaf contains scripture from the Medinian Chapter 5, Ali-Ma'idah (The Spread Table) v.37-42, which covers the punishment in the afterlife for disbelievers, the legal punishment for theft, the potential for repentance, and a condemnation of those who reject divine law while seeking human judgment.

Verse 5:37: This verse describes the plight of disbelievers in the Fire (Hell), stating they will perpetually wish to escape but will never emerge, facing an enduring punishment.
Verse 5:38: It establishes the legal punishment for theft (male or female) as the amputation of the hand. This is described as a recompense for their actions and an exemplary deterrent from Allah, who is Mighty and Wise.
Verse 5:39: This offers a path to mercy, stating that anyone who repents after committing wrongdoing and makes amends will be forgiven by Allah, who is All-Forgiving and All-Compassionate.
Verse 5:40: It reminds believers that Allah holds dominion over the heavens and the earth, punishing or forgiving whomever He wills, as He is All-Powerful.
Verse 5:41: This verse addresses the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), advising him not to grieve over those who hasten into disbelief. It describes people who claim belief outwardly but whose hearts lack faith, as well as Jews who eagerly listen to falsehood, distort scripture, and selectively apply divine law. It warns that those whom Allah intends to test will have no protection from Him and will face disgrace in this world and a great punishment in the Hereafter.
Verse 5:42: It continues the description of the disbelievers and certain Jews, calling them avid listeners to lies and "greedy devourers of unlawful earnings" (such as usury). It gives the Prophet the discretion to either judge between them if they approach him or turn them away. Crucially, it instructs that if he chooses to judge, he must do so with justice, for Allah loves those who act justly

The leaf contains 14 lines of evenly spaced and elegant naskhi script in black ink and in an educated calligraphic hand. Multiple free-hand 'aya' in a simple gold spiral mark out the verses . The leaf has a single marginal(Juz) in gold marking the final 40th verse division of the Chapter. The leaf is fully framed in gold and blue lines.

There is some devotional use staining bottom left through page turning, but otherwise this is a good clean copy and very well preserved for its age dating from around the time of the fall of Constantinople to Islam in 1453.

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