A rare copy of the 'Blue Quran', dating back to the 3rd century AH, is on display at the Quran Museum in Mecca, highlighting the rich heritage and artistic history of the Islamic Quranic tradition.
The Quran Museum in the cultural neighborhood of Hiraa in Mecca is showcasing a rare manuscript known as the 'Blue Quran', which features verses from Surah Al-Baqarah, specifically from the end of verse 37 to the beginning of verse 42. This exhibition emphasizes the richness of the Islamic Quranic heritage and its artistic history, celebrating the magnificence of ancient written works.
This unique manuscript is one of the rarest and most luxurious handwritten Qurans in Islamic civilization. It was penned in pure gold using ancient Kufic script against a deep blue background, creating a distinctive artistic style that reflects the early Muslims' commitment to the aesthetics of Quranic writing and their reverence for the holy text. The manuscript dates back to the 3rd century AH, which corresponds to the 9th century CE, granting it immense historical and scholarly value as it witnesses the evolution of Arabic calligraphy and ornamentation during the early Islamic periods.
The display of this exceptional copy is part of the Quran Museum's efforts to educate visitors about the history of the holy Quran and its artistic phases, providing them with the opportunity to view remarkable examples of Quranic manuscripts. Given the rarity of remaining copies and the limited distribution of its pages across a few museums and global collections, such exhibitions serve to elevate appreciation for the preservation of Islamic art and heritage.
