Exhibition of Rare Copies of Holy Quran at National Museum

Rare Copies of Holy QuranThe National Museum of Pakistan has some of the rarest manuscripts, especially Islamic ones, and these are there for scholars, students and researchers so that they may be able to further enlighten us on the Muslims’ valuable contribution to human advancement and the development of thought and intellect.

These were the words of Sindh Culture, Tourism & Antiquities Secretary Saeed Ahmed Awan while inaugurating an exhibition of the rare copies of the holy Quran at the National Museum on Friday evening.

Within the next few years, said Awan, further upgradation of the museum would be taking place which would enable the museum management to display a far larger number of exhibits.

“Besides, we shall also give impetus to the projection of our cultural and historical heritage by renovating and upgrading historical sites and landmarks.”

Earlier, National Interfaith Harmony Council of Pakistan Central Chairman Rao Nasir Ali Jehangir spoke of the glory of Islam and its contribution to human progress.

“It is God’s grace that we were born in the Islamic fold. The holy Quran is the only book in which there has not been an iota of change. The holy Quran is a complete code of conduct for life and is a guide for the most intricate situations that may confront man,” said Jehangir.

He said all the inventions we were seeing today, which were made by the West, had been written about in the holy Quran.

The museum’s director, Muhammad Shah Bokhari, compered the function. Later, Secretary Awan cut the ribbon to inaugurate the exhibition. Among the exhibits was the rarest large copy of the holy Quran. It is transcribed in gold in Bahar script.

It is said to be the only one of its kind in the world. The text has richly illuminated borders with geometric and floral designs.

The copy was completed in 1444 AD, or 851 AH, in the reign of Sultan Abu Muzaffar Mahmud Shah of the Sharqi Dynasty, the capital of which was Jaunpur, India.

There also was a copy of the holy Quran in Kufic script dating back a thousand years.

The National Museum of Pakistan has over 300 manuscripts of the holy Quran which are unparalleled and not found in other libraries and museums. Besides, there are long strips containing Quranic verses written in very fine script.

The highly informative and innovative exhibition runs up until August 13.

(TheNews)

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