Rare 1,000-Year-Old Quran Manuscript Goes on Display in Makkah

RIYADH: A rare 1,000-year-old handwritten copy of the Holy Quran has been put on public display in the holy city of Makkah, attracting the attention of pilgrims and visitors.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the priceless manuscript is being exhibited as part of the “Iqra” Exhibition, organized by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques. The exhibition features several ancient and rare Islamic manuscripts, but the millennium-old Quran has emerged as its centerpiece.

The manuscript was written approximately 1,000 years ago by the renowned calligrapher Ali ibn Hilal, widely known by his title Ibn al-Bawwab, one of the greatest masters of Arabic calligraphy in Islamic history.

The historic Quran is distinguished by its beautifully decorated margins and exquisite calligraphy, reflecting the remarkable artistic and scholarly achievements of early Islamic civilization.

The manuscript is regarded as exceptionally rare because of its immense historical, artistic, and academic value. According to the exhibition, only two complete copies of this remarkable manuscript are known to exist worldwide, making it one of the most treasured Quranic manuscripts in Islamic heritage.

The exhibition highlights the rich legacy of Quranic preservation and the deep reverence Muslims have shown toward the Holy Quran throughout history.