A rare manuscript of the Holy Quran, attributed to one of the greatest calligraphers in Islamic history, is drawing visitors to the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The manuscript forms the centrepiece of the Iqra exhibition, organised by the Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque in cooperation with the King Abdulaziz Endowment. According to Arab News and the Saudi Press Agency, the copy was penned by Ali bin Hilal, known as Ibn Al-Bawwab, more than a thousand years ago.

A treasure of Islamic calligraphy

Ibn Al-Bawwab is remembered as one of the finest calligraphers the Muslim world has produced. He refined the proportional script developed by Ibn Muqla and set standards that scribes followed for centuries. The manuscript on display is widely regarded as the only genuine surviving copy of the Quran in his hand, which places it among the rarest Islamic manuscripts in existence.

Visitors to the exhibition can view the manuscript alongside a scholarly index and an analysis of its calligraphy and ornamentation. The presentation traces how Arabic script and Islamic decorative art developed over the centuries. Organisers say the aim is to help pilgrims and visitors appreciate both the spiritual and the artistic heritage of the Quran while they are in the holy city.

Part of a wider effort to showcase Quranic heritage

The Iqra exhibition sits within a broader push by Saudi authorities to make the written heritage of the Quran accessible to the millions who pass through Makkah and Madinah each year. The King Abdulaziz Endowment and the Holy Quran Museum in the Hira district have both mounted displays of rare manuscripts, sections of the Kaaba's kiswah, and historic printed copies in recent seasons.

For pilgrims performing Umrah in the current season, such exhibitions offer a chance to connect with the history of the Book they recite in prayer. The Presidency of Religious Affairs oversees a range of educational programmes inside the two holy mosques, including guided orientation, Quran memorisation circles, and displays of Islamic scholarship. The Iqra exhibition extends that mission into the visual and historical study of the Quran itself.

Why this matters for pilgrims

Many pilgrims arrive in Makkah focused entirely on the rites of Umrah, and rightly so. Yet the days spent in the holy city also offer moments for reflection and learning between the acts of worship. An exhibition of this kind allows visitors to deepen their bond with the Quran by seeing how earlier generations preserved and beautified it by hand, long before the age of printing.

The manuscript is a reminder of the care Muslims have always given to the text of the Quran. Every letter copied by hand carried a responsibility to transmit the revelation accurately. Scribes such as Ibn Al-Bawwab combined that duty with extraordinary skill, producing works that were both faithful and beautiful.

Practical tips for visitors

Pilgrims who wish to see the exhibition should plan around the busiest prayer times, when the areas around the Grand Mosque become extremely crowded. Visiting in the quieter hours between the daily prayers is usually more comfortable, especially during the warm summer months.

  • Check timings on arrival: exhibition hours can change during peak periods, so confirm with staff or signage inside the mosque precinct.
  • Follow crowd guidance: obey the instructions of security and organising staff, particularly near entrances and exits.
  • Stay hydrated: carry water and take advantage of the Zamzam dispensers, especially in the summer heat.
  • Be considerate: keep noise low and avoid blocking walkways so that fellow visitors can view the display and worshippers can move freely.

For those unable to attend in person, the Presidency of Religious Affairs continues to document and publicise Quranic heritage through official channels, allowing Muslims worldwide to learn about these treasures from home.