Unknown - Qur'an - Ottoman - 1700

An illuminated manuscript leaf from a damaged Qur'an likely produced in the Ottoman dating back to AD1700. The scripture is from the Medinian Chapter 3, Ali-Imran (The Family of Imran), v.26-29.

Verses 26 & 27 focus on the absolute sovereignty and power of Allah (God) over all creation, and His omniscience (all-knowing nature). Specifically v.26 instructs the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and believers to affirm Allah as the "Owner of Sovereignty" (or "Lord of Power"). It declares that Allah gives power and dominion to whom He wills, takes it away from whom He wills, exalts whom He wills, and humbles whom He wills. All good is in His hand, and He has power over everything. This serves as a reminder that worldly status and power are temporary and entirely subject to God's will. V.27 provides examples of Allah's absolute power in the natural world such as: causing the night to enter the day and the day to enter the night (regulating the seasons and time); bringing the living out of the dead and the dead out of the living (e.g., a plant from a seed, a chicken from an egg, a believer from a disbeliever, and vice versa).

Verses 28 and 29 address the relationship between believers and non-believers, stressing loyalty to the Muslim community and the inescapable knowledge of Allah. Specifically v.28 warns believers against taking disbelievers as close allies or protectors in preference to other believers. It cautions that anyone who does so has no support from Allah, unless it is a precautionary measure to protect themselves from harm (a dispensation in case of necessity). The underlying message emphasizes unity among Muslims and avoiding alliances that could compromise their faith or security. v.29 reinforces the fact that Allah is fully aware of people's inner intentions, whether they hide their true feelings of disloyalty in their hearts or disclose them and has the power to hold them to account.

The leaf consists of three headings in bold Muhaqqaq script and two blocks of scripture each of 6 lines in Muhaqqaq, which are flanked with wonderful elaborate gold floral arabesque columns. The first header is a beautifully illuminated border tacting as both a header and decoration. The other two are pain large Muhaqqaq script. There are simple but very decorative aya marking the verses and diacritical (devotional marks) in red guiding the reader. Each of the passages of scripture is framed with arabesque gold columns, while the whole is framed with a more complex series of five (5) frame lines consiting of black, gold, red and finally a dark blue line. A decorative marginal Juz sits in the left margin defining the change in the subject matter.

The condition is very good for its age and the colours still very vibrant.

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