MANUSCRIPTS OF MASAHIF OF THE 12^TH CENTURY AH IN KING ABD AL-AZIZ LIBRARY IN AL-MADINAH AL-MUNAWWARRAH

Abstract

In its introduction the Paper speaks about  Islamic and Arabic libraries and the need for research  work in the field of codifying information about the Masahif. It points out that King Abd al-Aziz Library in Madinah is a major source of information relating to the manuscripts of masahif, their calligraphers and those who have given them as waqf; the types of writing styles and their development, and the types of paper used in writing them. The Paper then goes on to  explain the aims of the study, its limits, methodology and previous studies in this field.

The second chapter gives a brief introduction to King Abd al-Aziz Library dealing with its establishment, location, the endowment collections therein and the services it provides to researchers. It also provides information regarding the Glorious Mushaf Library, the manuscripts found therein, the periods in which they were written, number of their calligraphers, the time-frame for the their endowment and examples of the  names of endowment donors.

The third chapter deals with the number and kind of manuscripts, and speaks in detail about the types of paper used for the writing, the sizes of the manuscripts, their gilding and decoration with examples from the manuscripts under study. This chapter also includes a quick reference  the works on tafsir (exegeses) and translation of the meanings of the Qur’an.

The fourth chapter deals with the calligraphers of the mushafs and their contributions.

The fifth chapter is about the endowment donors and their contributions. Muslims have long been particular about giving Mushafs as endowments to mosques, libraries and ribats. This chapter discusses the number of mushafs given as endowment to the Mushaf Library during the period under review. This is presented in the form of tables with breakdown on the basis of periods of endowments and the donors. It also includes a study of the rules of waqf, its conditions and words used in making endowments.

The sixth chapter presents the results of the study and recommendations. It also contains specimens of mushafs dealt with in the study chosen on the basis of their types, writing styles, numbers and endowment.

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