A rare Holy Qur'an manuscript written more than a thousand years ago is drawing visitors to the "Iqra" exhibition at the Grand Mosque in Makkah. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the manuscript is one of the exhibition's main attractions, highlighting the care Muslims have shown for the Qur'an across the centuries.
The exhibition is organised by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, in cooperation with the King Abdulaziz Endowment. It offers pilgrims and visitors a window into the artistic and scholarly heritage surrounding the Qur'an, presented in the very heart of Islam's holiest city.
A masterpiece by Ibn Al-Bawwab
The centrepiece is a rare copy of the Qur'an written by the renowned calligrapher Ali bin Hilal, widely known as Ibn Al-Bawwab, more than a thousand years ago. Ibn Al-Bawwab is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of Arabic calligraphy, remembered for refining and popularising the proportioned scripts that shaped Islamic manuscript art for generations.
The manuscript is displayed alongside a scholarly index and an analysis of its calligraphy and ornamentation. This allows visitors to explore the work's historical and artistic value, and to trace the development of Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation over the centuries. The presentation is intended to be educational as well as devotional, connecting worshippers with the long tradition of preserving and beautifying the sacred text.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the manuscript is considered one of the rarest Islamic manuscripts because of its exceptional scholarly, artistic and historical value. Only two known copies are believed to exist worldwide, a fact that underlines the high status the Qur'an has held throughout Islamic history.
Part of a wider effort to showcase Qur'anic heritage
The Iqra exhibition forms part of a broader initiative in Makkah and Madinah to present the history of the Qur'an to the millions of pilgrims and visitors who arrive each year. The effort complements the Holy Qur'an Museum in Makkah and other projects dedicated to displaying manuscripts, calligraphy and the story of the text's transmission.
For many visitors, encountering such a manuscript in the precincts of the Grand Mosque adds a reflective dimension to their journey. Beyond performing the rituals of Umrah or prayer, pilgrims are able to consider the generations of scholars, scribes and artists who devoted their lives to preserving the Qur'an with precision and reverence.
Practical tips for visitors
Pilgrims performing Umrah who wish to see the exhibition should ask staff or check signage within the Grand Mosque precincts for its exact location and opening hours, as arrangements can change with the seasons and crowd levels. Visiting outside the busiest prayer times can make for a calmer experience, particularly given the high volume of worshippers in the central area.
Visitors are reminded to treat the manuscripts and displays with respect, to follow the guidance of exhibition staff, and to avoid causing congestion for others. Photography rules may apply, so it is best to confirm what is permitted before taking pictures. Combining a visit to the exhibition with time for prayer and reflection can enrich the spiritual purpose of a journey to Makkah.