The Holy Qur’an Museum at the Hira Cultural District in Makkah is showcasing a monumental handwritten copy of the Holy Qur’an, recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest Qur’an of its kind in the world. This magnificent manuscript represents an extraordinary fusion of artistic mastery and spiritual devotion.
The manuscript measures an astonishing 312 cm by 220 cm (approximately 10 feet by 7 feet) and comprises 700 pages, making it a breathtaking sight for the millions of pilgrims and visitors who pass through Makkah annually.
The displayed manuscript is a magnified reproduction of a historic Qur’an dating back to the 10th century AH (16th century CE), with the original copy measuring 45 cm by 30 cm. The chapters were written primarily in Thuluth script, while Surah Al-Fatiha was penned in Naskh, reflecting the refined artistic choices and calligraphic diversity of that era.
The manuscript showcases unique Arabic calligraphy, gilding, and bookbinding, featuring intricate decorations, sun-shaped motifs on the opening folio, and elaborately designed frontispiece and title pages that reflect a high level of artistic mastery. Every detail demonstrates the centuries-old Islamic tradition of beautifying the divine text.
The original manuscript was endowed as a waqf (religious endowment) in 1300 AH (1883 CE) and is currently preserved at the King Abdulaziz Complex for Endowment Libraries, serving as a testament to Muslims’ enduring reverence for the Qur’an.
The display at the Hira Cultural District provides visitors with an immersive experience of Islamic artistic heritage while deepening their spiritual connection to the holy text.
