A rare Quran manuscript dating back more than 1,000 years has become one of the main attractions at the “Iqra” Exhibition, organized by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque at King Abdulaziz Endowment in Makkah.
The exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s rarest Islamic manuscripts, with only two known copies believed to exist globally.
Written by the Legendary Calligrapher Ibn al-Bawwab
The exhibition features a copy of the Holy Quran written by the renowned Islamic calligrapher Ali ibn Hilal, better known as Ibn al-Bawwab, one of the greatest masters of Arabic calligraphy in Islamic history.
Created more than a millennium ago, the manuscript reflects the exceptional craftsmanship and artistic excellence that characterized early Quranic manuscripts.
Exceptional Historical and Artistic Value
The rare manuscript is displayed alongside scholarly documentation and detailed analysis of its calligraphy and decorative elements, allowing visitors to appreciate the evolution of Quranic writing, manuscript illumination, and Islamic artistic traditions over the centuries.
Experts regard the manuscript as one of the finest surviving examples of classical Arabic calligraphy.
Only Two Copies Known Worldwide
The manuscript is considered one of the rarest Islamic artifacts ever preserved, with only two known copies believed to exist worldwide.
Its rarity highlights the extraordinary care Muslims devoted to preserving, copying, and beautifying the Holy Quran throughout Islamic history.
Preserving Islamic Heritage
The “Iqra” Exhibition aims to enrich visitors’ understanding of the history of the Holy Quran by showcasing rare manuscripts, historical documents, and educational displays that illustrate the development of Quranic transcription and Arabic calligraphy.
The exhibition also reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to preserve Islamic heritage and introduce visitors to the rich cultural and scholarly legacy associated with the Holy Quran across the centuries.
