This unusually large and extensively illuminated manuscript of the Islamic Holy Scripture contains not only the original Arabic text of the Holy Qur’an, but also the Tafsir al- Qur’an, which is an explanation of the Qu’ran. Completed in naskhī calligraphy on polished paper, the Qur’anic commentary is written horizontally, diagonally, and vertically. This specific copy contains information about the different interpretations of the Qur’an at important centers of Islamic learning, such as Mecca, Medina, Kufa, and Basra.
This special exhibition at the Folger features rare books from the collection of Stuart and Mimi Rose that present literary, cultural, and historical high points.
