Kaust: The Museum of the Holy Quran in Makkah's Hira Cultural District is showcasing a rare and historically significant Kufic mushaf, representing an important example of early Quranic transcription and the development of Islamic calligraphy during the first centuries of Islam.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the manuscript is believed to date back to the 2nd or 3rd century AH (8th-9th century CE) and is written in Kufic script on parchment, one of the earliest materials used for Quranic manuscripts. It features a horizontal layout that was common in early Qurans, reflecting the artistic and technical conventions of that period.
The manuscript begins at verse 50 of Surah Al-Imran and continues to the end of Surah Abasa, illustrating the circulation of partial Qurans in the early Islamic era for teaching, memorization, and scholarly study.
Currently preserved at the King Fahd National Library, the Kufic mushaf is displayed as part of the museum's mission to highlight rare Quranic manuscripts and document the history of Quranic preservation.
The museum provides visitors with insight into the history of the Holy Quran, showcasing the evolution of Arabic calligraphy and highlighting the efforts of Muslims over centuries to safeguard and transcribe the Quran in refined artistic forms.
The display enhances the cultural and educational experience of visitors to the Hira Cultural District and underscores Makkah's historical status as a cradle of Quranic and Islamic heritage, as well as a global destination for those interested in the history, sciences, and artistry of the Holy Quran.