Qur'an (Koran)

Origin: Persian, Qajar Dynasty (1779-1925) 19th Century
Date: 1828
Medium: Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper, lacquer binding
Ackland Fund, selected by The Ackland Associates
96.4.1

The Qur'an is the foundation of Muslim practice throughout the world. Muslims believe the Qur'an came directly from Allah (God). The words were revealed to the prophet Muhammad in a series of encounters with the archangel Gabriel beginning in the year 610 B.C.E. Whatever their native language, Muslims try to memorize the Qur'an in Arabic, the language in which it originally came to the Prophet.

Islamic art generally avoids representing people or animals because of rules against idolatry. This Qur'an features intricate geometric and floral patterns that honor the message sent from Allah and suggest a vision of paradise. The entire manuscript was carefully handwritten in Arabic.