From Hijazi script dating to the second half of the 7th century to a Holy Quran completed just months after the Ottoman conquest of Baghdad in 1638, these rare and priceless manuscripts are among 81 previously unseen treasures now showcased at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. The exhibition, titled Eternal Letters: Qur’an Manuscripts from the Abdul Rahman Al Owais Collection, spans over 1,300 years of history and represents regions from China to Al-Andalus and the Mediterranean to South Asia. Running from November 20, 2024, to May 25, 2025, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into the evolution of Arabic calligraphy through the sacred art of Quranic manuscript creation. Among the highlights is a folio from a Hijazi Quran, believed to have originated in the 7th to 8th century CE. Written on parchment in Hijazi script, it features 23 lines per page and includes verses from Surah Al-Tawbah. This early manuscript reflects the simplicity and elegance of Arabic script in Islam’s formative years. Another captivating piece is a Holy Quran completed in July 1639 by Muhammad al-Hafiz, known as Imam, for Sultan Murad IV. This manuscript, produced to commemorate Ottoman military victories, showcases exquisite craftsmanship with illuminations in gold and ultramarine […]