AhlulBayt News Agency: A rare and ancient copy of the Quran, written four centuries ago, is being preserved in a village northeast of Cairo, Egypt.
This manuscript, dating back to 1028 AH (1618 AD), is being kept by people in the village of Birkat al-Hajj.
This Quran copy, also known as Mushaf Matbouli, is currently safeguarded by the family of Mahmoud Abdul Ghaffar, a resident of the village. During the renovation of Matbouli Mosque, Abdul Ghaffar took the Quran to his home for protection, Arabi 21 reported.
The manuscript measures 40 cm in length and 28 cm in width, weighing over 5.75 kg. It includes not only the Quranic text but also interpretations and word meanings in the margins.
Abdul Ghaffar mentioned that numerous organizations, including the Egyptian Awqaf Ministry, have attempted to acquire this Quran. However, the villagers have steadfastly refused, ensuring the manuscript remains under their care, as entrusted by the mosque's imam.
Saber al-Qazi, a specialist in historical works, highlighted that this manuscript is the only surviving material artifact from the early Islamic centuries in the village.
For centuries, Birkat al-Hajj has been a significant stop for Hajj pilgrims from Egypt and North and West African countries.
In addition to the Quranic verses and surahs, this historical Mushaf contains Asbab al-Nuzul (circumstances of revelation), the classification of verses as Makkai or Madani, and commentaries by prominent scholars.
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This manuscript, dating back to 1028 AH (1618 AD), is being kept by people in the village of Birkat al-Hajj.
This Quran copy, also known as Mushaf Matbouli, is currently safeguarded by the family of Mahmoud Abdul Ghaffar, a resident of the village. During the renovation of Matbouli Mosque, Abdul Ghaffar took the Quran to his home for protection, Arabi 21 reported.
The manuscript measures 40 cm in length and 28 cm in width, weighing over 5.75 kg. It includes not only the Quranic text but also interpretations and word meanings in the margins.
Abdul Ghaffar mentioned that numerous organizations, including the Egyptian Awqaf Ministry, have attempted to acquire this Quran. However, the villagers have steadfastly refused, ensuring the manuscript remains under their care, as entrusted by the mosque's imam.
Saber al-Qazi, a specialist in historical works, highlighted that this manuscript is the only surviving material artifact from the early Islamic centuries in the village.
For centuries, Birkat al-Hajj has been a significant stop for Hajj pilgrims from Egypt and North and West African countries.
In addition to the Quranic verses and surahs, this historical Mushaf contains Asbab al-Nuzul (circumstances of revelation), the classification of verses as Makkai or Madani, and commentaries by prominent scholars.
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