200-Year-Old Indian Quranic Manuscript on Display in Jeddah!

A rare Indian Quranic manuscript is being exhibited at the Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This sacred manuscript was penned by Indian Islamic calligrapher Ghulam Mohiuddin on 6 Muharram 1240 Hijri (August 31, 1824) in North India.

The Quran was waqf (dedicated) for Masjid an-Nabawi, highlighting the deep historical ties between India and Islamic heritage. This exceptional manuscript measures 139.7 × 77.5 cm and is adorned with gold, rich colors, and rare gemstones such as ruby, emerald, turquoise, and peridot.

It features Arabic text in Naskh script and Persian translation in Nasta‘liq script, representing the finest example of Indo-Persian calligraphy.

Historical records suggest that this Quran reached Medina in the 13th century Hijri and was initially placed near Bab as-Salam. During the reconstruction of Masjid an-Nabawi in 1273 Hijri (1857 CE), it was preserved in the mosque’s treasury. In 1302 Hijri (1884 CE), renowned Uzbek scholar and master calligrapher Haji Yusuf bin Haji Masum Nemankani crafted a new binding for it.

Today, this priceless manuscript is housed at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Endowment Libraries and is regarded as a remarkable symbol of the historical and artistic connections between India and the Islamic world.