1.
Amulet
Contains verses from the Koran and invocations to
protect the owner.
The manuscript consists of a long scroll of vellum (or
snake skin) (39.5 cm. x 6 cm.) written in a long central column
surrounded by eight different rectangular compartments in
different colors.
The amulet is placed in a silver hexagonal tube with a
cap. It has three loops where a chain can go through, so that it
can be worn as a necklace.
The amulet is written in a long central column
surrounded by eight different rectangular compartments in
different colors. The central part is written in black ink in
ruq`ah/naskhī script while the compartments are written in
large thuluth script. The central column contains SŪRAT ALQADR “The Chapter of Power (ch. 97)”, in reference to the
"Laylat al-Qadr" (The Night of Power) in which the Koran
was revealed to Muhammad, and falls on the 27th of Ramadan.
This is followed by SŪRAT AL-FĀTIHAH “The Opening
Chapter” (ch. 1) … followed by a long invocation asking God
for help and guidance, then followed by the famous Shī`ī
invocation of ‘Ali, the first imam, followed by a magic square.
All these verses and invocations are meant to have magical
powers to protect the owner of the amulet. The compartments
contain an elaborate invocation asking God to protect the
bearer of the amulet. This is a very colorful amulet, where the
compartments are written in blue, red, gold, and black. All
texts are ruled in gold.
Number of folios:
Date:
1 scroll
Most likely from the 19th cent.
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 595
Accession Number: 20050615-b
2.
al-Qanun fi al-Tibb [Canon of Medicine] / by Ibn Sina
(Avicenna; 980-1037). Parts IV and V only.
One of the most important works on medicine in the Middle
Ages. “The Arabic text of the Qanun was translated into Latin
as Canon medicinae by Gerard of Cremona in the 12th century
and into Hebrew in 1279. Henceforth the Canon served as the
chief guide to medical science in the West and is said to have
influenced Leonardo da Vinci. Its encyclopedic content, its
systematic arrangement and philosophical plan soon worked
its way into a position of pre-eminence in the medical literature
of Europe, displacing the works of Galen and becoming the
text book for medical education in the schools of Europe. The
text was read in the medical schools at Montpellier and Leuven
as late as 1650, and Arnold C. Klebs described it as ‘one of the
most significant intellectual phenomena of all times.’ In the
words of Dr. William Osler, the Qanun has remained ‘a
medical bible for a longer time than any other work’.”
Part 4 deals with the various diseases afflicting the human
body. Part 5 deals with medicinal remedies.
Part IV deals with the various diseases afflicting the
human body. Part V deals with medicinal remedies. The
manuscript is written in clear, elegant, and handsome naskhī
script in black ink with headings, key words, and markings in
red on white paper. Recent morocco (fine leather from
goatskin tanned with sumac), with a flap, in the Islamic style of
bookbinding. Many leaves are repaired, many wormholes,
minor loss of text, but still the manuscript is well taken care of.
Number of folios:
Date:
211
1 Rabi al-Awwal 1018 / June 4, 1609
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 580
Accession Number: 20041014-d
3.
Ijazah [License, Authorization, Certificate, Permission] /
given by Ali Rida ibn Yunus al-Janaki al-Fatsawi al-Fazmawi
to his student al-Hajj Abd al-Qadir al-Bazarjifi.
The teacher then goes on to numerate his teachers and
what he studied with them. The manuscript is written in clear
nasta‘līq script in black ink with keywords in red ink, on
yellowish paper. The opening page has a handsome heading in
gold, red and blue. All sentences are separated by gold discs.
All pages are ruled in gold, blue, and black. Folio 12a contains
some rubrics in gold. The manuscripts has contemporary cloth
binding and is loose within the binding. The cover slightly
affected by dampness and silverfish, otherwise in excellent
condition.
The teacher's seal appears at the very end of the
certificate.
Number of folios:
Date:
12
5 Dhu al-Qidah 1321 H / 23 Jan. 1904
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 605
Accession Number: 20051116-d
4.
Ijazah [License, Authorization, Certificate, Permission] /
given by Abu Muhammad al-Dhihni Uthman Nuri al-Hanafi
al-Miyawardi to his student Umar Lutfi ibn al-Hajj
Muhammad Hilmi known as Munla Isma‘ilzadah al-Arkhawi.
The teacher then goes on to numerate his teachers and what
he studied with them The manuscript is written in clear
nasta‘līq script in black ink on yellowish paper. The opening
page has a handsome heading in gold, red and blue. All
sentences are separated by gold discs. All pages are ruled in
gold, red, blue, and black. The opening two pages are
surrounded with vignette arabesque design in gilt. Folio 10a
contains some rubrics in gold. Contemporary board binding
with leather spine. The edges are a little rubbed. It has some
foxing, but still in a very good condition.
The teacher’s seal appears at the very end of the
certificate.
Number of folios:
Date:
10
4 Jumada al-Akhirah 1312 H / 3 Dec. 1894
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 606
Accession Number: 20051116-c
5.
Kitab al-Uyun al-Sawahir fi Rawdat al-Zawahir [The
Book of the Vigilant Eyes in the Flower Garden] / by Masud
ibn al-Sayyid al-Hijazi Masud.
A collection of prose and poetry covering over 50
subjects, collected from different sources and countries. An
autograph written in clear naskhi/ruq‘ah script in brown ink.
No reference could be found to the author or his work. It is
probably a unique manuscript. This manuscript might be
important because it could shed some light on the authors from
whom the prose and poetry were selected and could serve for
comparison with other manuscripts in which the selected
materials were mentioned.
Number of folios:
Date:
200
1 Muharram 1293 H / 28 Jan. 1876
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 614
Accession Number: 20060620-f
6.
Qur’an [Koran]
Chapters from the Koran in beautiful large Chinese
Arabic script, in black ink on white glossy paper. The text is
vocalized throughout with Koranic recitation markings in
red. All the headings of the chapters are written in red ink.
The opening two pages are illuminated in gold, blue, green,
red, and other colors. The last page is also illuminated in
green, gold, brown, and other colors. The text is ruled in
two red lines. Undated, but it was probably copied in the
eighteenth century. Contemporary morocco, wallet style
with a flap, in the Islamic style. Covers embossed with
central medallions, and borders are embossed in floral
design, a little worn, slight smudging, but still a very good
copy. Chinese manuscripts of the Koran are extremely rare.
Number of folios:
Date:
63
Undated; copied prob. in the 18th cent.
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 578
Accession Number: 20040331-e
7.
Talisman
This is a very elaborate talisman, written in clear naskhī
script in black ink with keywords in red ink, on white paper by
the calligrapher Muhammad Rasim, a student of Muhammad
Dhakir, known as Hafiz al-Quran (Memorizer of the Koran).
The following sentences, written in red and repeated 10 times,
are interspersed in the text:
“Our enemies will not reach us through spirit or other
means.
They have no power to inflict harm on us under any
circumstances.”
The opening page has a handsome heading in gold, blue
and other colors. There are also 4 different marginal
medallions in gold, blue, and other colors on folios 1b, 5a, 0a,
and 11a. Contemporary blue wrapper, hand decorated in gilt,
very slightly rubbed and very slightly affected by dampness,
otherwise it is in a very good condition.
Number of folios:
Date:
12
1267 H / 1850
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 594
Accession Number: 20050615-c
8.
Futuh Afiqiya [The Conquests of Africa]. Book I / by
Muhammad ibn Umar al-Waqidi (747-823)
One of the earliest works on the Islamic conquests in
Africa. Written in clear maghribī script in brown ink with
headings, keywords, and markings in red ink, on yellowish
paper. It appears that the first 10 leaves were lost and
replaced by a different hand. The present manuscript is
significantly different from the printed version. It was copied
by Ahmad Ibn Ibrāhīm of Banī Sālih and completed on 1
Sah`bān 1083 H/21 November 1672. Recent cloth, the top hand
corner of the book is affected by dampness, but the text is quite
legible, some foxing, a few leaves frayed, some of the pages are
repaired without loss of text. The present manuscript is
significantly different from the printed version.
Number of folios:
Date:
155
1 Shaban 1083 H / 21 Nov. 1672
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 598
Accession Number: 20050615-e
9.
A Collection of 12 Arabic Manuscripts
1. A short prayer (folios 1a -2a)
2. Mukhtasar wiqayat al-riwayah fi masa’il al-hidayah (folios: 6a – 178a) / by
Sadr al-Sharī‘al-Thānī, `Ubayd Allāh Ibn Mas`ūd Ibn Mahmūd Ibn Ahmad
(d. 747 H/1346) (Summary of Protecting the Transmission [of Hadīth
{sayings and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad}] Regarding the Questions of
Guidance). The original work, Wiqayat al-Riwayah (Protection of the
Transmission) is by Mahmūd ibn Sadr al-Sharī`ah al-Awwal, `Ubayd Allāh
al-Mahbūbī (d. 673 H/1274), the grandfather of the present author. It is an
important work on jurisprudence. Number of. This particular copy was
copied in 1292 H/1875.
3. Fara’id al-Fawa’id li-Tahqiq Ma’ani al-Isti’arah wa-Aqsamiha (folios 190b –
193a) / by Abū al-Qāsim ibn Abī Bakr al-Laythī al-Samarqandi (d. ca. 888
H/1563) (The Necklace of Benefits to Ascertain the Meaning of Metaphor
and its Categories).
4. Sharh Ma’ani al-Isti’arah (Commentary on Ma’ani al-Isti’arah (The
Meanings of Metaphor) (folios: 194b – 209b) / by al-Isfarā’īnī, `Isām ad-Dīn
Ibrāhīm ibn Muhammad Ibn `Arabshāh, known as al-`Isām (d. ca. 951
H/1544)
5. Tarikat al-Mayyit (The Estate of the Diseased) (folios 210b – 231b) /
by.Anonymous.
6. Untitled treatise on the division of inheritance (folios: 232a – 233b) / by
Anonymous.
7. Untitled treatise on the burden of proof for a claimant (folio 234a) / by
Anonymous.
8. Untitled treatise on the structure of the Arabic language (folios: 234b –
236b) / by Anonymous.
9. Untitled treatise on case-endings in the Arabic language (folios: 236b – 263a)
/ by Anonymous.
10. al-Risalah al-Shamsiyah fi al-Qawaid al-Mantiqiyah (The Shamsī Epistle on
the Rules of Logic) / by Najm al-Dīn `Alī Ibn `Umar Ibn `Alī al-Qazwīnī alKatibi (600 – 675 H/1204 – 1277). The epistle was called (The Shamsī
Epistle) because it was specifically written for Shams al-Dīn ibn Muhammad.
The author, al-Kātibī, was a prominent student of the famous Islamic
philosopher, Nasīr ad-Dīn al-Tūsī (d. 672 AH/1274).
11. Untitled commentary on a grammatical treatise / by anonymous.
12. al-Risalah al-Jami’ah li-Khamasat Ashya / by Anonymous.
Number of folios:
Date:
267
Undated; copied prob. late 19th cent.
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 620
Accession Number: 20060620-o
10. A Collection of 13 Arabic Manuscripts By different
authors on different subjects:
1. Kitab al-Dumu’ (The Book of Tears) (folios 1b – 55a. Dated 1181 H/1767)/ by Ibn
al-Jawzī, Abū al-Faraj `Abd al-Rahmān Ibn `Alī (d. 597 H./ 1200) Also known
under the title “Bahr al-Dumu’ (The Sea of Tears)
2. Kitab fi al-Ayyam wa-al-Layali wa-al-Shuhur (A Book about Days, Nights, and
Months) (folios 55b – 57b) / by Ibn al-Jawzī, Abu al-Faraj `Abd al-Rahmān Ibn `Alī
(d. 597 H./ 1200) Also known under the title: “Kitab al-Nur fi Fadail al-Ayyam waal-Shuhur) (The Book of Light Regarding the Virtues of Days, and Months)
3. Kitab Adab al-Akl (Book of Etiquette of Eating) (folios 57b – 69a) / by Ibn al-Jawzi,
Abū al-Faraj `Abd al-Rahmān Ibn `Alī (d. 597 H./ 1200). No reference can be found
for this work. Probably a unique manuscript.
4. Kitab Adab al-Nikah (Book of the Etiquette of Sexual Intercourse) (folios 68a –
100b / by by Ibn al-Jawzi, Abū al-Faraj `Abd al-Rahmān Ibn `Alī (d. 597 H./ 1200).
The manuscript was copied by Muhammad ibn `Alī al-Hassanī in the year 1181
H/1767. No reference can be found for this work. Most likely a unique manuscript.
5. Tanwir al-Ghabash fi Fada’il al-Sudan wa-al-Habash (Clearing the Darkness
Regarding the Virtues of Blacks and Abyssinians) (folios 101a – 134b.) / by Ibn alJawzi, Abū al-Faraj `Abd al-Rahmān Ibn `Alī (d. 597 H./ 1200). It was copied by
Muhammad ibn `Alī al-Hassanī and completed during Dhū a-Hijjah 1181 H/April
1768).
6. A chapter from an anonymous book, probably by Ibn al-Jawzī. It begins with: Bab
al-‘Aql Hujjat Allah ‘ala Khalqih (Chapter Concerning that the Mind is a Proof for
the Creatures about the Existence of God) (folios 135a – 137a).
7. Quotations from al-Hasan ibn Mas`ūd al-Yūsī (d. 1102 H/1691) regarding the
prayer for Prophet Muhammad (folios 137b – 138a)
8. An answer given by al-Hasan Ibn Mas`ūd al-Yūsī comparing reading the Qur’ān
with other prayers (folios 138b – 139a). It was copied by Muhammad ibn `Alī alHassanī.
9. A quotation from Abū Bakr al-Mutawwa`ī Regarding prophets and saints (folios
139bb – 140a)
10. A Prayer (folios 140a – 140b)
11. A short poem dealing with when one does not have to return a greeting (folio 140b)
12. Excerpts from Tuhfat al-Albab fi ‘Aja’ib al-Buldan (Gift to the Intellects Regarding
the Wonders of Countries) (folios 140a – 142b). No reference can be found for this
work.
13. Excerpts from Hayat al-Hayawan (Life of Animals) (folio 142b – 146b) / by
Muhammad Ibn Mūsā ad-Damīrī (d. 808 H/1405). Folios 142b – 146b
Number of folios:
Date:
Call Number:
Accession Number:
146
Undated; copied prob. late 18th cent.
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 588
20050201-ac
11. A Collection of Illuminated Arabic:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
Names of God written within gold squares (folio 1b – 3a)
The name of the Prophet Muhammad (folios 3a – 4b)
A prayer for seeking God's forgiveness (folio 4b – 5a)
An explanation of the noble seal of God (folio 5b)
The seal itself, written in large thuluth script (folio 6a)
The word "Allāh" written within a crescent moon surrounded by a decorative
rectangle in gold and blue (folio 6b)
The word Muhammad, written in similar fashion (folio 7a)
The hilya (attributes) of Adam, written within a circle, which is surrounded by a
decorative rectangle in gold and blue (folio 7b)
The hilyas (Attributes) of Noah, Muhammad, Abū Bakr, `Umar, `Uthmān, `Alī,
Hasan, Husayn (folios 8a – 12a.)
The names of: Abū Bakr, `Umar, `Uthmān, `Alī, Talhah, Zubayr, `Abd Allāh, `Abd
ar-Rahmān, Ibn `Awf, Sa`d, Sa`īd, Abū `Ubaydah, Hasan, Husayn (All were famous
companion of the Prophet Muhammad) (folios 12b – 19a) all written within
decorative circles as before.
The Seven Sleepers and their dog (Qutmīr) (folios 19b – 23a) (Koran: Surat alKahf (Cahpter 18)).
A prayer written in the form of cypress (folios 23b – 32a)
Different muhrs (Seals) (folios 32 b – 38a.): Yā hannān, Ya mannān (Oh, merciful,
Oh generous); wa hwa `alā kull shay' qadīr (And He is able to do anything); unity of
God; shifā' al-Qur'ān (Koranic medicine); seal for a prayer of getting well; seal for
the great prayer of getting well; the seal of the Prophet; the seal of Sulaymān
(Solomon); explanation of the seal of the Sixt Shī`ī Imām, Imām Ja`far [as-Sādiq]
(died 148 H/765); the Almighty Seal, all within decorative circles.
Different Drawings (folios 39b – 43a): The Hand of Fātimah, Dhū al-Fiqār (`Alī's
sword); drawing of foot of the Prophet Muhammad; drawing of Prophet's shoes;
drawing of tawkaltu `alā allāh (I rely upon God); drawing of staff of Moses; drawing
of an Ax; drawing of a rose; the banner of gratitude; drawing of the cloak of the
Prophet Muhammad, his rosary, his ewer, and his basin, all drawn in gold.
Decorative sketches of Mecca and Madina (folios 43b – 44a.), in gold and other
colors.
A prayer for attaining al-Maqām al-Mahmūd (The Glorious Station [in heaven])
(folios 44b – 45a.)
Various Islamic flags, all drawn in gold (folios 45b – 47a)
Various prayers for variety of occasions (folios 47b – 69a)
Various talismanic numerological squares (folios 69b – 72b) Contemporary brown
morocco, in the Islamic, wallet-style binding, rebacked, both covers are richly gilt,
with central medallion on both sides, edges slightly rubbed, otherwise in excellent
condition
Number of folios:
Date:
Call Number:
Accession Number:
72
Undated; copied prob. late 18th cent.
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 584
20050201-k
12. Dala’il al-Khayrat wa-Shawariq al-Anwar fi Dhikr alSalah ala al-Nabi al-Mukhtar [Guide to Blessings and Shining
Lights Regarding Prayers on the Chosen Prophet) / by Abu
Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Sulayman al-Jazuli (d. 1465)
An illuminated Arabic manuscript. One of the most
famous books of prayer in Islamic literature. Contains two full
page miniatures, one representing the Ka’bah in Mecca and
the other the tombs of the Prophet Muhammad and his two
companions Abu Bakr and ‘Umar in the Medina Mosque.
Written in beautiful, clear, and elegant naskhī script, in black
ink, with key words and markings in red ink, on beige paper.
The Arabic text is completely vocalized. All pages are ruled in
several lines of different colors: gold, black, red and blue
throughout. All sentences are separated with rosettes in two
types of gold and other colors. The opening two pages are
highly illuminated in gold, blue, brown, and other colors.
Head and tail pieces on several folios are illuminated in gold ,
blue, and red, and other colors. The names of Prophet
Muhammad are written in an intricate design of medallions in
two types of gold and other colors, on folios 8b – 13a. A few
marginal notes in tiny but very legible script. It was copied by
the calligrapher Mustafā al-Halīmī, one of the students of
Mustafā Kūtāhī. He completed it in the year 1208 H/1793.
Contemporary brown morocco, with gilt decoration in central
medallions, in two types of gold, in excellent condition. No
reference could be found to Mustafā al-Halīmī, but Mustafā
Kūtāhī (d. 1202 H/1787 AD) is well known.
Number of folios:
Date:
Call Number:
Accession Number:
81
1208 H / 1793
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 616
20060620-i
13. Dala’il al-Khayrat wa-Shawariq al-Anwar fi Dhikr alSalah ala al-Nabi al-Mukhtar [Guide to Blessings and Shining
Lights Regarding Prayers on the Chosen Prophet) / by Abu
Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Sulayman al-Jazuli (d. 1465)
An illuminated Arabic manuscript in gold, blue, red and
other colors. One of the most famous books of prayer in
Islamic literature. It is written in beautiful, clear, and elegant
naskhī script, in black ink, on beige paper, 13 lines to a page.
The Arabic text is completely vocalized. All pages are ruled in
two blue lines. All sentences are separated with rosettes in gold,
or red, or blue and black. The opening two pages are highly
illuminated in gold, blue, brown, and other colors. Head and
tail pieces on several folios are illuminated in gold, blue, red,
and other colors. Also, there are decorations in similar colors
on several other oflios. Some of the names of the Prophet
Muhammad are written in gold circles and all are separated by
small or large rosettes in blue and gold. Pages 16b and 17a
contain two full-page, miniatures, one of them representing the
Ka`bah in Mecca, the other the tombs of the Prophet
Muhammad and his two companions the Caliphs ‘Umar and
Abu Bakr in the Medina Mosque. Undated, but it was most
likely written in the eighteenth century. Contemporary
crushed brown morocco, with a flap in the traditional Islamic
wallet-style binding, both covers and flap are tooled in gold.
The last leaf, which could not have contained more than four
lines, is missing, otherwise a beautiful copy.
Number of folios:
Date:
109
Undated; most likely copied in the 18th cent.
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 617
Accession Number: 20060620-j
14. Qur’an [Koran]
A very large copy of the Koran (27 x 41 cm.), 15 lines per
page, written in clear, large and handsome nskhi script in
black ink on beige paper. The text is vocalized throughout.
There are six pages which are highly illuminated in gold,
brown, green, yellow, and other colors.
Two of the
illuminations are in the beginning, two in the middle, and two
at the end. All headings of the Suras (Chapters) of the Koran
are written in red ink. All the verses are separated by a disk in
gold and red. All the divisions of the Qur'ān are marked in
large gold discs or by gold, red, and blue medallions on the
margins, All pages are ruled in one red line and 3 black lines.
Undated, but it was probably written in the 18th century. The
Qur'ān is almost complete. Only three leaves are missing; they
are immediately after leaves 2, 6, and 94. Edges of about 20 or
so leaves are repaired, without loss of text except in leaves 275
– 277, where a few words or letters were lost. Recent cloth, in
very good condition
Number of folios:
Date:
285
Undated
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 578
Accession Number: 20040331-e
14A. Collection of Two Manuscripts in Persian & Arabic
1. Sharh-i Bist Bab dar Marifat-i A‘mal-i al-Asturlab
[Commentary on “Twenty Chapters Dealing with the Uses of
the Astrolabe” of Nasir al-Din al-Tusi (1201-1274) (folio 1-78a)
/ by Mulla Abd al-Ali Parchadi.
Nasir al-Din al-Tusi who built the famous observatory in
Maraghah (Azarbayjan, Iran) for the Mongol leader Hulagu
(grandson of Chingis Khan) is one of the most brilliant minds
and the scholar par excellence of the Middle Ages.
2. Hadha Lughz min al-Shaykh [This is a Riddle from
the Master] (folio 78b-80)
A short mathematical treatise in the form of a riddle. alShaykh, the “Master” could well be al-Shaykh Baha’ al-Din al‘Amili (1547-1621) who is well know to have had a great
interest in mathematics. Copied by Mulla Abd al-Ali Parchadi
whose identity could not be ascertained.
Both manuscripts seem to be unique.
Number of folios:
Date:
80
Ramadan 1307 H / April/May 1890
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 619
Accession Number: 20060620-n
15. Zij Gurgani [Zij Jurjani = Gurgani Astronomical Tables]
An anonymous Arabic and Ottoman Turkish manuscript
of astronomical tables written for the Ottoman Sultan Abd alHamid I (1725-1789; reigned 1774-1789). The manuscript was
completed, as indicated in folio 1a, in the year 1193 H/1779.
Written in clear small naskhī script, in black ink, with
headings, keywords, and markings in red on white paper.
Dated 1193 H/1779. No covers, a few leaves frayed, damp
staining throughout but still legible and in good condition. No
reference can be found for this manuscript. It is probably a
unique manuscript.
The term “Zij-i Gurgani,” i.e., a Gurgani Zij, is derived
from the word “Gurgan”, a title used by Timur, the Mongol
leader (1336-1405). It was originally invented by the Persian
astronomer Ulugh Beg (1394-1449) who was the most
outstanding astronomer of the medieval times. “It formed the
basis of most subsequent catalogues, and was used even by
Johan Flamstead (1646-1719), the first Astronomer Royal at
Greenwich Observatory. Ulugh Beg's work held sway for close
to three centuries, when it was supplanted by telescopic data.”
Number of folios:
Date:
14
1193 H/1779
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 592
Accession Number: 20050405-m
16. Astronomical Calendar.
A very elaborate astronomical calendar for the year 1259
H/1843-1844 in Ottoman Turkish and Arabic. It consists of one
long scroll (108 cm. long and 10.8 cm. wide). The manuscript
was written in Ottoman Turkish and Arabic throughout. On
one side it is written in the form of tables in red, black and
gold. On the other side are written the names of the days and
months, times of prayer, times of fasting and breaking the fast
during the month of Ramadan, calculations of the Qiblah
(direction towards the Holy city of Mecca) and personal
reading of one’s fortune. It was written by as-Sayyid al-Hājj
Abd Allāh at-Tarsūsī, who may also have been the author
whose identity couldn’t be ascertained.
It is probably a unique manuscript.
Number of folios:
Date:
1 scroll
1259 H/1843-1844
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 613
Accession Number: 20060620-e
17. Yusuf va Zulaykha [Joseph and Zulaykha] / by Nur alDin Abd al-Rahman Jami (1414-1492)
An Islamic romance in Persian based on the story of Joseph and
Pharaoh’s wife “Zulaykha” (Zalikhah) as it is mentioned in the
Koran. One of the most widely read Islamic masnavi epic poems.
Scholars consider this version to be the best among the many
poems of the same title. The poem is written in two columns, in
clear nast’liq script. The text is ruled in several lines of gold,
orange, black, and blue. All the lines are separated by gold filings.
Headings are written in red ink, on white, glossy paper. The first
miniature shows the mythical creature “al-Buraq,” on whose back
the Prophet Muhammad ascended through the seven heavens and
on to Paradise, from whence he descended on the “Rock” in
Jerusalem during the famous “Night Journey” (al-isrā’ wa almi`rāj) which is mentioned in the beginning of Chapter 17 of the
Koran. Other miniatures show Joseph with his father Jacob and
his brothers, Joseph in the well, the rescuing of Joseph from the
well by a certain passersby, Zulaykhā’s infatuation with Joseph,
the ladies cutting their fingers on seeing Joseph’s beauty, etc. It
was written in 1246 H/1830. Contemporary lacquer binding, the
outer covers are painted with a large paisley leaf, within floral
decorations in brown, yellow, and other colors, on the inside, the
covers are painted with red flowers, on a yellow background with
floral borders. The corners of the covers are repaired with
morocco, and the spine is re-backed, corners of some leaves are
repaired, otherwise a lovely manuscript, with fresh and clean
paintings of high quality. The manuscript is in the style of the
Kashmiri school of art.
Number of folios:
Date:
144
1246 H/1830
Call Number:
Arabic. MSS.suppl. 579
Accession Number: 20041014-c
18. Iskandar Namah [The Book of Alexander] / by Nizami
Ganjavi, Nizam al-Din Abu Muhammad Ilyas ibn Yusuf (1140
or 41-1202 o4 3)
The manuscript contains two distinct parts: Sharaf Namah-i Iskandari
(The Alexander Book of Honor) and Iqbal Namah (The Book of Happiness).
The Book of Alexander belongs to the famous Khamsah-i Nizami (The Five
[Stories] of Nizāmī). It is written in clear and handsome nasta`līq script, on
beige glazed paper. The text is written in two columns and all the columns of
poetry are ruled in gold. The text is ruled throughout with several bands of
gold, blue and red lines. On the margin of the manuscript, there is another
anonymous poems running through the length of the manuscript. The
marginal poem is also ruled throughout with several bands of gold, blue and
red lines. There is one illuminated headings and 10 miniatures which are
rather competently executed. Probably from the Kashmiri school of painting.
The erotic miniature usually included in the repertoire of this story, and often
found damaged, is in perfect condition here. Contemporary morocco,
embossed in gilt. In excellent condition. Dated Dhū al-Hijjah 1249 AH/April
1834 AD. The poet Nizāmī (1140-1202) is widely considered to be one of the
greatest poets of Persia. His most important work is the “Khamsah”, or
Quintet, a collection of five grand epic poems, written between 1165 and 1189.
Nizāmī's importance in Persian literature is due to his supreme skill and
influence as well as his role in presenting the archaic style of the epic poem in
a lyrical form that emphasized the psychological characterization over the
heroic character. The present manuscript, written between 1562 and 1563,
dates from the early Safavid period, during the reign of Shah Tahmasp, the
father of Shāh Abbās the Great. This is considered the most glorious period
of Persian cultural history and the source of the greatest works of painting,
calligraphy, and architecture. The manuscript is a fine example of Safavid
calligraphy and is handsomely illustrated with nine illuminated miniature
paintings.
Number of folios:
Date:
115
Dhu al-Hijjah 1249 H/April 1834
Call Number:
Persian. MSS.suppl. 100
Accession Number: 20051116-j
19. Khamsah-i Nizami [Nizami’s Quintet (Five Stories)] / by
Nizami Ganjavi, Nizam al-Din Abu Muhammad Ilyas ibn
Yusuf (1140 or 41-1202 o4 3)
The five epic poems in this illuminated Persian
manuscript are:
a.) Makhzan al-Asrar [Treasure Chamber of
Mysteries]
b.) Khusru va Shirin [Khusro and Shirin]
c.) Layla va Majnun [Layla and Majnun]
d.) Haft Paykar [Seven Portraits (Faces, Images,
Idols, etc.)]
e.) Iskandar Namah [The Story of Alexander] (in
two distinct parts: Sharafnamah-i Iskandari
“Alexander Book of Honor” and Iqbal Namah
“The Book of happiness”)
The manuscript is written in clear and handsome nasta`līq script, on white glazed paper. It
seems that the second leaf immediately after the title page is missing, otherwise the manuscript is
complete . The text is written in four columns and all the columns of poetry are ruled in gold. There
are 6 illuminated headings in gold and colors and 9 miniatures which are competently executed.
There are also hundreds of subheadings that are illuminated in gold and colors. The manuscript was
completed on 9 Ramadan 970 H (2 May 1563). Eighteenth century lacquer binding, re-backed in
morocco, which is embossed in arabesque design in gilt on both side of each cover. Edges of covers
are rubbed and chipped, with gilt fading, otherwise in good condition. Nizami (1140-1202) is widely
considered one of the greatest poets of Persia and his most important work is the Khamsah (Quintet),
a collection of five grand epic poems, written between 1165 and 1189. Nizami's importance in Persian
literature is due to his supreme skill and influence as well as his role in presenting the archaic style of
the epic poem in a lyrical form that emphasized the psychological characterization over the heroic
character. The present manuscript dates from the early Safavid period, during the reign of Shah
Tahmasp, the father of Shah Abbas the Great. This is considered the most glorious period of Persian
cultural history and the source of the greatest works of painting, calligraphy, and architecture. The
manuscript is a fine example of Safavid calligraphy and is handsomely illustrated with nine
illuminated miniature paintings
Number of folios:
Date:
325
9 Ramadan 970 H/2 May 1563
Call Number:
Persian. MSS.suppl. 94
Accession Number: 20030716-a
21. Three Persian Manuscripts:
a.) Ma’rifat-i Taqvim [Knowing the Calendar] / by
Anonymous. On Astrology (folio 1b-43a)
b.) Fal Namah [Treatise on Fortune Telling] /
attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib (folio 43a-46a). It
includes few astrological tables.
c.) [On the Branches of the Occult] / by Nasir ibn
Muhammad ibn Haydar Rammal Shirazi (folio
46b-120b)
The author (His identity could not be
determined. He could have been a Persian from
Shiraz who practiced geomancy [using of sand
(raml) for divination]) claims to have
summarized his work according to the system
developed by Abu Abd Allah Muhammad ibn
Uthman al-Zanati (who could be al-Shaykh
Muhammad al-Falaki al-Zanati author of “alFasl fi usul ilm al-Raml” (The Last Word on the
Foundations of the Science of Geomancy)
All three manuscripts are written in a uniform hand except for
two leaves which are written in a different hand and appear to be
replacement of lost leaves. In clear naskhī script, in black ink, with
headings, keywords, and markings in red, on white paper. A great deal
of care was taken to restore these manuscripts. Each leaf was taken
apart and remounted on a new frame. Then the manuscript was
rebound. Recent cloth, in excellent shape. The first manuscript is dated
1016 AH/1607 AD. The third manuscript is dated Ramadān 1016 H
(December 1607)
Number of folios:
Date:
Call Number:
Accession Number:
120
Ramadan 1016 H/Dec. 1607
Persian. MSS.suppl. 99
20051116-i
22. Firman [Sultan’s Order]
This Firman, written in Ottoman Turkish (i.e. Turkish in
Arabic script), was issued by the Ottoman Sultan Abd alHamid II (reigned 1876-1909) on the 25th of Jumada al-Ula
1314 H (1 Nov. 1896) to appoint a certain Sufi Shaykh as an
imam (prayer leader) to a mosque in Istanbul. The document
bears the Tughra (Sultan’s Signiture) in gold.
A large one leaf manuscript (55.5 x 81 cm.). It consists of
6 lines written in alternating black and red ink in diwani script.
Number of folios:
Date:
1 leaf
25 Jumada al-Ula 1314 H/1 Nov. 1896
Call Number:
Turkish. MSS.suppl. 254
Accession Number: 20060620-a
23. Kimya’ al-Sa’adah [The Alchemy of Happiness] / by alGhazzali, Abu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad (10581111)
al-Ghazzali is one of the most important philosophers and
mystics in Islam. This manuscript is a translation from Arabic
into Ottoman Turkish of one of al-Ghazzali’s most important
Sufi works.
The manuscript is written in clear, elegant, and
handsome nasta`līq script in black ink, with headings,
keywords, and markings in red, on white glossy paper. The
opening page contains a handsome illuminated unwān in gold,
blue and other colors. Numerous marginal notes in neat hands.
Recent full crushed morocco, with elaborate tooling. Undated,
but it was probably written at the end of the seventeenth
century. Probably a unique manuscript.
Number of folios:
Date:
106
Undated. Prob. end of the 16th cent.
Call Number:
Turkish. MSS.suppl. 256
Accession Number: 20060620-h
24. Kitab-i Shahidi [The Book of Shahidi] / by al-Mawlawi
al-Mughli.
A collection of poems in Ottoman Turkish (i.e. Turkish in
Arabic script) with the poetic meter indicated at the beginning
of most. The manuscript is written in clear, elegant, and
handsome naskhī script in black ink, with headings, keywords,
and markings in red, on white paper. All poems are framed in
gold. All pages are ruled in red line. The manuscript is undated
but most likely from the eighteenth century. Someone added
on the front end papers: a floral design in gold and color on
folio 2a and a miniature of an Indian smoking a water pipe.
Also, a low grade silver plate has been designed for the front
cover. This hand made plate depicts two cranes among shrubs,
with title of the manuscript in Kūfic script at the top of plate.
The author could be the Turkish Sufi poet Shahidi Ibrahim
Dede (1470-1550) who was born in Mugla (Turkey). Most
likely a unique manuscript.
Number of folios:
Date:
30
Undated. Prob. 18th cent.
Call Number:
Turkish. MSS.suppl. 257
Accession Number: 20060620-k
25. A Collection of Three Ottoman Turkish Manuscripts
1.) Tariqat-i Bektasi [Bektashi Sufi Order] (folios
1b-19b). A Tewlver Shi’i text with Sufi leanings, contains
hagiographic and historical materials in clear nasta`līq, in
black ink / by Anonymous.
2.) Divan-i Safi [Collected Poems of Safi] (folios
20b-69a). Safi belonged to both the Bektashi Order and the
Alawi sect of Islam. Sāfī is not mentioned in the usual
references. Nevertheless, he is known to have written poetry.
In his The Bektashi Order of Dervishes (pp. 200-201) J. K.
Birge refers to a poem by Sāfī entitled Sakiname that is recited
as part of a Bektashi ritual. Also, in his Tasavvuftan Dilimize
Gecen Deyimler ve Atazozleri (p. 228), Sāfī Abdülbaki
Gölpinarle refers to three mersiyes (eulogies) set to music, one
of which is by Sāfī. written in clear nasta`līq, in black ink, with
headings, keywords and markings in red.
3.) Poem (folios70b-75a). With Malamatiyah Sufi
Order leanings.
The manuscript appears to have been written by different
hands. It was probably written at the end of eighteenth
century. Contemporary half morocco, back hinges starting to
split but still solid and a very good copy.
Number of folios:
Date:
90
Undated. Prob. end of the 18th cent.
Call Number:
Turkish. MSS.suppl. 258
Accession Number: 20060620-m
26. al-Rawdah al-Munawwarah [The Illuminated Garden
(i.e. Mausoleum)] / by Shihab al-Din Muhammad.
Shihab al-Din Muhammad was one of the employees of
Shahjahan (1592-1666), the Mogul Emperor of India (16281658). The manuscript, in Urdu, provides great details
regarding the building of the famous mausoleum of Taj Mahal.
It is certainly arguable that the Mogul Empire achieved
its greatest prosperity under Shāh Jahān. The Tāj Mahal was
built in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. This
mausoleum, made of white marble, has intricate carvings and
designs. It took twenty-two laborious years, and the combined
effort of over twenty thousand workmen and master
craftsmen, to complete it in 1648 on the banks on the river
Yamuna in Agra, the capital of the Mogul monarchs. The
manuscript provides a great deal of details regarding the
materials used to build the Tāj and their cost, as well as other
architectural details. Written in clear nasta`līq script in black
ink with headings, keywords, and markings in red ink, on
white paper. Undated, but it was probably written in the late
eighteenth century. Contemporary morocco, tooled in gilt, rebacked, corners professionally repaired, a good copy. There
are two stamps of the crest of William H. Morley of Middle
Temple, one in the beginning and the other at the end
Number of folios:
Date:
97
Undated. Prob. late 18th cent.
Call Number:
Urdu. MSS. 13
Accession Number: 20050504-i
27. Hayat al-Qiddis Mar Afram al-Suryani [The Life of Saint
Ephrem the Syrian] (303-373) / by Anonymous ; translated
from Syriac into Arabic by Butrus Rizq al-Andari (a student at
Madrasat Dayr Mar Yuhanna Marun [Kafr Hayy, Lebanon]
(The School of the Monastery of Mar Yuhanna Marun))
Written in clear ruq`ah script, in purplish ink. It was
completed at the monastery on 17th January 1895. No covers.
The first leaf is taped with a transparent tape, which may or
may not be scotch tape. Some foxing and smudging, but still a
very good example. Christian manuscripts of this nature, even
though late, are still rare. There is no information about the
original Syriac text from which the Arabic translation was
done.
Number of folios:
Date:
25
17 Jan. 1895
Call Number:
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 607
Accession Number: 20051116-b
28. Sharh Tahrir Tanqih al-Lubab [Commentary on the
Edition of the Revision of the Essence] / by Abu Yahya
Zakariya ibn Muhammad al-Ansari (1423-ca. 1520)
“al-Lubab fi al-Fiqh” [The Essence of Juresprudence]
was written by Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Mahamili (d.
1024). It was later summarized by Ahmad ibn Abd al-Rahim
ibn al-Iraqi (1361-1423) under the title: “Tanqih al-Lubab”
[Revision of the Essence]. This was abbreviated by al-Ansari
under the title: “Tahrir Tanqih al-Lubab” [Edition of the
Revision of the Essence]. The present manuscript (most likely
unique) is al-Ansari’s commentary on his own abbreviation of
the book.
The manuscript is written in clear naskh script. The
original text is written in red and the commentary in black ink,
on white, glossy paper. There are numerous marginal notes by
different hands. The colophon reads that this copy was
completed on 26 Safar 1152 H (3 June 1739) by Muhammad
ibn Isma’il al-Tabi‘I (?) al-Shafi‘i. There are several marginal
circular stamps, which read: “This book belongs to al-Sayyid
‘Abd al-Baqi al-Bakri, 304.” The number here, undoubtedly,
refers to the year 1304 H (1886). There are also several
marginal rectangular stamps, which read: “Oh Lord! You are
Allah. Make it easy for us to know the meaning of ‘There is no
god but Allah.’ This book is dedicated to the Almighty God by
al-Sayyid ‘Abd al-Baqi al-Bakri al-Siddiq Sibt alHusayn.” Original tan morocco, with a flap in the Islamic
tradition of bookbinding, where all fascicules are loose within
the binding, edges rubbed, spine with minor tears, minor
wormholes, otherwise a very good manuscript.
Number of folios:
Date:
Call Number:
Accession Number:
263
26 Safar 1152 H/3 June 1739
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 581
20041014-e
29. Kitab Iqlidis [The Book of Euclid]
Euclid’s “Elements” (of Geometry) was translated into
Arabic prob. during the 9th cent. Many editions and
commentaries in Arabic were produced during the succeeding
centuries.
The manuscript is written in clear and elegant naskh
/ruq`ah script in black ink, with headings, keywords, and
markings in red ink on white paper. There are numerous
geometrical figures, all in gold. The manuscript was completed
on the first of Jumada al-Akhirah 1071 H (1 February 1661)
Contemporary marbled boards, with leather spine, spine
cracked, minor marginal wormholes, otherwise a very good
and clean copy. There are several references to Euclid in
Brockelmann’s GAL “Geschichte der arabischen Litteratur,”
but it is impossible to know if any one of them is identical with
the present manuscript.
Number of folios:
Date:
14
1 Jumada al-Akhirah 1071 H/1 Feb. 1661
Call Number:
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 567
Accession Number: 20030721-j
30. Talkhis Miftah al-Ulum [Summary of the Key to the
Sciences] / by Jalal al-Din Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman alQazwini, Khatib Dimashq (1267 or 8-1338).
A summary of part III of Miftah al-Ulum [Key to the
Sciences] of Abu Ya’qub Yusuf ibn Abi Bakr al-Sakkaki (11601229). It is considered one of the most important works on
Arabic language rhetoric. It is written in clear and somewhat
large nasta’liq script in black ink; with headings, keywords,
and markings in red ink, on beige paper. The opening page
contains a nice illuminated heading in gold and colors. The
text is ruled in ocher, black, and red up to folio 32. After that it
is ruled in red only. It was copied during the year 1252 H
(1836). Beautifully bound in half morocco and marbled
boards, the manuscript has been affected by dampness, but
this does not affect its integrity and legibility in any way. See
Brockelmann, Geschichte der arabischen Litteratur (I, 294);
Suppl. (I, 516).
Number of folios:
Date:
96
1252 H/1836
Call Number:
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 628
Accession Number: 1384
31. [Illuminated Talismanic Scroll].
The manuscript consists of a long scroll of thick paper
(171 x 7.5 inches). It begins with the Basmalah, followed by
Surat al-Fatihah (The Opening Chapter [of the Koran]), all
written in gold, silver, and other colors, in different styles of
writing. This is followed by 29 of “al-Asma’ al-Husna” (The
Most Beautiful Names of God), written in horizontal
fashion. Each name is written in gold on black background in
circular shape. This circle is surrounded by tiny script, known
as ghubari, in the form of a dome. This tiny script begins with
Surat al-Fatihah, followed by the Throne Verse (Koran,
chapter 2, verse 255), then by various prayers, quotations from
the Koran, and other often repeated Islamic phrases. All these
verses and invocations are meant to have magical powers to
protect the owner of the scroll. This is a very colorful scroll.
Some smudges, but still a good example of this type. Most
likely from the nineteenth century
Number of folios:
Date:
1 scroll
Undated. Prob. 19th cent.
Call Number:
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 612
Accession Number: 20060620-d
32. [Collection of Two Arabic Manuscripts with Interlinear
Javanese Translation in the Arabic Script]
a.)
Arkan al-Islam [The Pillars of Islam] (folios 1a-26b)
The manuscript is in Arabic with interlineal
translation into the Javanese language in Arabic
script. The pillars of Islam are five: Confession of the
Faith, Prayer, Fasting (during the month of Ramadan),
Making the pilgrimage to Mecca, and Giving alms to the
poor.
b.) Fima Yajibu Ta’allumuhu wa-Ta’limuhu wa-al‘Amal bi-hi lil-Khass wa-al-‘Amm [What One Must
Learn and One Must Teach and Follow Privately and
Publicly] (folios 28b-35b)
This manuscript is also in Arabic with interlineal
translation into the Javanese language in Arabic script. The
manuscript may lack one leaf or so.
The Arabic parts of the manuscript are written in naskhi
script, 7 lines to a page for #1 and 8 lines to a page for #2, in
black ink. The manuscript is written in different hands. The
entire manuscript is written on the unusual Indonesian paper,
called Daluang, which is manufactured from the bark of a
certain native tree, called saeh. It is very likely that both of
manuscripts are unique. No covers, a little soiled, but still
good copy. Probably written in the eighteenth century
No reference could be found for the two titles. Probably
both are unique.
Number of folios:
Date:
Call Number:
Accession Number:
35
Undated. Prob. 18th cent.
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 599
20050615-f
33. [Two Arabic and Persian Manuscripts]
a.) al-‘Awamil al-Mi’ah [The One Hundred Regents] /
by Abd al-Qahir ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Jurjani (d. 1078?) ;
Translated into Persian verse (folios 1b-4b)
A grammatical work on Arabic syntax regarding
100 of the elements which govern other elements in the
sentence.
b.)
Sharh al-‘Awamil al-Mi’ah [Commentary on the
One Hundred Regents] / by Abd al-Qahir ibn Abd
al-Rahman al-Jurjani (d. 1078?) (folios 5a-28b)
This is a commentary on al-Jurjani’s al-‘Awamil al-Mi’ah
[The One Hundred Regents] in Arabic with numerous
interlinear glosses and translations into Persian.
The Arabic text is written in naskhi script and the Persian
text in nasta’liq script in black ink, with headings, keywords,
and markings in red, on white, glazed paper. Both manuscripts
are undated, but most likely from the eighteenth century.
Recent imitation leather, a few marginal wormholes, slight
edge damp staining, otherwise a very good copy.
Number of folios:
Date:
28
Undated. Prob. 18th cent.
Call Number:
Persian.MSS.suppl. 101
Accession Number: 20051116-k
34. [A Collection of Twelve Arabic and Persian Manuscripts]
In this voluminous manuscripts of 126 folios there are 12
different Arabic and Persian manuscripts by different authors
on different subjects:
a.)
b.)
c.)
d.)
e.)
f.)
g.)
Qisas al-Anbiya [Stories of the Prophets] / by Sa’id
ibn Hibat Allah al-Rawandi (d. 1178) (1a-7b; in
Parisian)
‘Iqd-i Nikah [Marriage Contract] / by Muhammad
‘Ali Astarabadi (Couldn’t be identified) (7b-9b; in
Persian)
[Various Short Quotations from Various Religious
Sources] (10a-12a; in Arabic and Persian)
[Some Medical Recipes] / attributed to Jafar alSadiq (702?-765 or 6), the 6th Shi’i Imam (12b-16a;
in Persian)
Taqwim al-Muhsinin fi Ma’rifat al-Sa’at wa-alAyyam wa-al-Shuhur wa-al-Sinin [Calendar of the
Benefactors in Knowing the Hours, the Days, the
Months and the Years / by Muhammad ibn
Murtada al-Kashani al-Akhbari (d. 1703 or 4) ; an
astrological work culled from the works of the Shi’i
Imams (16b-44b; in Arabic)
Risalah fi Tahrim Dhaba’ih Ahl al-Kitab [An
Epistle on the Prohibition of Animals Slaughtered
by the People of the Book] / by Baha’ al-Din
Muhammad ibn Husayn al-Amili (1547-1621) (45a54a; in Arabic)
Various quotations from various sources, mainly
Shi’i sources: 1. Death of Umar ibn al-Khatt b (d.
23 H/644), 2. What did Prophet Muhammad do
when he had a cold. 3. A grammatical explanation
of qatt (never). 4. A question about the little animal
called wazagh (gecko). 5. Question regarding why
the very cold wind in the winter called ‘ajuz (old
woman). 6. A grammatical explanation of halumma
(hurry!). (Folios 54b-56b).
h.) Al-Risalah al-I’tiqadiyah (Epistle of Belief) / by
Muhammad
Baqir,
who
is
undoubtedly
(Muḥammad Baqir ibn Muḥammad Taqi al-Majlis
(1627 or 8-ca. 1699) (Folios 57a 58b)
i.) Risalah fi al-Taqlid (Epistle on Following [an
Imam])] / by Husayn ibn `Abd as-Samad al-Jubb’i
(918 984 H/1512-1576).
j.) Tuhfat al-Za’ir (Gift to the Visitor) / by
Muḥammad Baqir ibn Muḥammad Taqi al-Majlis
(1627 or 8-ca. 1699) (Folios 70b 90b). In Arabic with
Persian translation. The manuscript is dated 17
Jumda al-Awwal 1122 H/15 July 1710
k.) Various quotations in Persian and Arabic
Manuscript: , all of Shi’I content.(Folios 91a-95a)
l.) Arbain Surah min al-Tawrah (Forty Chapters from
the Torah) (Folios 95b-122b.
m.) Various quotations, all of Shi’i content. Folios
(122b 126b.) in Arabic and Persian. The Arabic text
is written in naskh script and the Persian text in
nasta’liq script throughout.
The manuscript is recently bound in cloth, the edges of
the manuscript are frayed, some leaves are repaired, but
generally in excellent condition
Number of folios:
Date:
126
1710?
Call Number:
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 608
Accession Number: 20051116-p
35. [A Collection of Twelve Arabic, Persian, and Ottoman
Turkish Manuscripts]
A voluminous collection of 12 manuscripts (150 folios) in
Arabic, Persian and Ottoman Turkish, mostly prayers,
talismanic, mystical and medico-magical texts with different
sizes and layouts.
1.
2.
Chapters from the Koran (folio 1a -23b)
A Persian manuscript with Shi‘i content (folios 25a
31a)
3.
Du‘a’ Rasul Allah al-Ma‘ruf bi-‘Alf ism wa-ism
Allah ta‘ala, wa-huwa al-Jawshan al-Kabir’
(Supplication of The Messenger of God
[Muhammad] which is known as ‘The One
Thousand Names and the Name of God, Which is
the ‘Great Shield [i.e. Talisman]’) (folio 31a. 92a)
4.
Sharh Du‘a’ al-Marjanah (Explanation of the
Prayer of al-Marjanah (theCoral)) in Ottoman
Turkish (folio 92a. 95a)
5.
Hadha Du‘a’ al-Ghasilah (This Is a Prayer of the
Washer Woman). It is meant to implant love in the
heart of the desired person. The prayer contains a
few magic squares (folio 95a. 100a) (in Arabic)
6.
A prayer in Ottoman Turkish (folios 100a 105a)
7.
Awwal Du‘a’ Sharif (The First Noble Prayer) (folios
105b 108a) (in Arabic)
8.
A prayer in Ottoman Turkish (folios 108a 112a)
9.
A prayer in Arabic Against Measles (folios112a
116a)
10. A prayer in Ottoman Turkish (folios 116a 120a)
11. A short Turkish treatise entitledKhawass al-Qur’an
(The Properties of the Koran) (folios 125b 140b). A
short Turkish treatise.
12. Hadha Hirz al-Tabi‘ah (This Is Talisman of the
Female Follower) (folios 141b-150b)
An elaborate Talisman. It begins with a description
of the cursed woman and ends in sketch of her. The
talisman is meant to protect the person who carries it
from the wrath of this cursed woman.
The manuscript is written in naskh script in black ink
with headings, keywords, and markings in red ink, on
yellowish paper, by different hands. Recent tooled, gilt, green
morocco, some staining but generally a very good manuscript
Number of folios:
Date:
150
Undated. Prob. 17th-19th cent.
Call Number:
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 600
Accession Number: 20050615-g
36. [A Collection of Two Persian Manuscripts]
1.)
Mizan [Scale] (folios 1b-14b)
A grammatical treatise in Persian on Arabic verbs
formation (folios 1b 14b).
Someone has written at the beginning of the
manuscript in English "Meezan," meaning “Mizan”
(Scale). There are numerous glosses and commentaries in
Persian.
2.)
Masha‘ib [Derived Forms] (folios 16b46b)
An elaborate treatise in Persian on derivation of various
patterns from the same root of Arabic words with numerous
commentaries and glosses (folios 16b-46b). Someone has
written at the beginning of the manuscript in English
"Moonshayb," meaning “Masha‘ib” (Derived Forms).
The Persian text is written in nasta‘liq script in black ink,
with headings, keywords, and markings in red, on white,
glazed paper. The manuscript is undated, but most likely from
the eighteenth century. Recent imitation leather, first two
leaves are professionally repaired with no loss of text, a few
marginal wormholes, slight edge damp staining, otherwise a
very copy
Number of folios:
Date:
46
Undated. Prob. 18th cent.
Call Number:
Persian.MSS.suppl. 98
Accession Number: 20051116-g
37. Kitab thabit fi Ahkam al-Buyu‘ [Authoritative Book on
the Laws of Sales] / by Anonymous
Missing the last leaf. Probably unique manuscript.
Number of folios:
Date:
97
Undated. Prob. Early 18th cent.
Call Number:
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 596
Accession Number: 20050615-a
38. Takmilat Tafsir al-Qur’an al-Karim [Supplement to the
Commentary on the Glorious Koran] / by Anonymous
Supplement to Tafsir al-Qur’an al-Karim [Commentary
on the Glorious Koran] by Jalal al-Din Muhammad ibn
Ahmad ibn Irahim al-Mahalli (1389-1459)
The entire manuscript is written on the unusual
Indonesian paper, called Daluang which is manufactured from
the bark of a certain native tree called saeh.
Number of folios:
Date:
115
Undated. Prob. 18th cent.
Call Number:
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 604
Accession Number: 20051116-e
39. Mukhtasar Kitab Ghunyat al-Mutamalli [Abbreviation of
the Book on the Requirements of the Discerner] / by Burhan
al-Din Ibrahim ibn Muhammad al-Halabi (d. 1549 or 50)
The book is a major Hanafi jurisprudence work. It is an
abbreviation of “Munyat al-Musalli wa-Ghunyat al-Mubtadi”
[Desire of the Prayer (worshiper) and Satisfaction of the
Beginner] of Sadid al-Din al-Kashghari (13th cent.) (a tract on
the law governing ablution and prayer). It was copied by a
certain scribe, Mustafa Big ibn al-Hajj Mustafa al-Kanqarawi
al-Jalabadi (?) in 1164 H/1751 in the District of Shaykh
Uthman in Istanbul.
Number of folios:
Date:
173
1164 H/1751
Call Number:
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 615
Accession Number: 20060620-g
40. Ikmal al-Din wa-Itmam al-Ni‘mah fi Ithbat al-Ghaybah
wa-Kashf al-Hayrah [Completion of Religion and Fulfillment
of Favor regarding the Certainty of the Disappearance, hence,
Removing the Perplexity] / by Ibn Babawayh al-Qummi,
Muhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Husayn (918 or 19-991 or 2)
The author of this book, sometimes referred to as “Kitab
al-Ghaybah” (The Book of Disappearance), was the most
learned Shi‘i thinker of his day and one of a handful of the
most important Shi‘i writers in history. The book is an
extensive treatise to prove that prophets and imams do
disappear and reappear.
Number of folios:
Date:
271
20 Jumada II 1034 H/28 Feb. 1625
Call Number:
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 570
Accession Number: 20031202-d
41. Sharh Nur al-Idah wa-Najat al-Arwah [Commentary on
the Light of Elucidation and the Salvation of Souls] / by Abu
al-Ikhlas Hasan ibn ‘Ammar al-Wafa’i al-Shurunbulali alHanafi (1585 or 6-1659)
A commentary by the author on his own work “Nur alIdah wa-Najat al-Arwah” (The Light of Elucidation and the
Salvation of Souls) a work on Hanafi jurisprudence.
Number of folios:
Date:
210
1263 H/1846
Call Number:
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 572
Accession Number: 20031202-f
42. [Collection of Three Manuscripts in Arabic and Javanese]
/ by Anonymous.
a.)
b.)
c.)
‘Ilm wa-Ma‘rifah [Knowledge and Perception]
A philosophical treaties in the form of question and
answer, in Arabic with many glosses and marginal
notes in Javanese (folio 2b-51b)
Bahjat al-‘Ulum fi Sharh Bayan ‘Aqidat al-Usul
[The Delight of Knowledge in Explaining the
Elucidation of the Fundamentals of Faith] / by
Anonymous.
A commentary in Arabic with interlinear partial
translation in Javanese on Bayan ‘Aqidat al-Usul
[Elucidation of the Fundamentals of Faith] of Abu
al-Layth al-Samarqandi, Nasr ibn Muhammad (d.
983?) a basic extensive treatise on Islam (folio 52b86a)
Commentary on “al-Furud al-Wajibah” (Obligatory
Religious Duties) / by Anonymous.
A Shafii treatise on Islamic law. The original is in
Arabic, written in red, with interlinear partial
translation in Javanese written in black ink (folio
87b-149b)
The entire manuscript is written on the unusual
Indonesian paper, called Daluang which is manufactured from
the bark of a certain native tree called saeh.
Number of folios:
Date:
151
Undated. Prob. 18th cent.
Call Number:
Arabic.MSS.suppl. 603
Accession Number: 20051116-f
43. Fasl-i Panjam [The Fifth Chapter] / Anonymous
A treatise on Arabic morphology (derivation) in Persian.
Also titled “al-Juz’ dar Sarf” [A Chapter on Morphology
(Derivation)]
Number of folios:
Date:
17
Undated. Prob. 18th cent.
Call Number:
Persian.MSS.suppl. 97
Accession Number: 20051116-a
44. Fatawi Shaykh Mashayikh al-Islam Abd al-Rahim Afandi
[Fatwas (i.e. Legal Opinions) of the Grand Shaykh of Islam
‘Abd al-Rahim Effendi]
The Author is most likely the Ottoman Grand Mufti
Abdürrahim Efendi, Mentesizade; Seyhulislam; b. in
Bursa; d. in Edirne 1716).
The manuscript is in Ottoman Turkish. It was copied by
Darwish Mustafa ibn Muhammad al-Mawlawi on 27
Rajab 1147 H/23 Dec. 1734.
Probably a unique
manuscript.
Number of folios:
Date:
214
27 Rajab 1147 H/23 Dec. 1734
Call Number:
Turkish.MSS.suppl. 255
Accession Number: 20060620-c
45. Kitab al-Ustuwani [The Book of al-Ustuwani] / by
Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Muhammad al-Shami al-Hanafi
al-Ustuwani (d. 1662)
Translated from Arabic into Ottoman Turkish. The book
is also known under title: “Risalah fi al-Fiqh” (An Epistle
on Jurisprudence). No other manuscript is known of this
book, neither in Arabic nor in Ottoman Turkish.
Probably a unique manuscript.
Number of folios:
Date:
132
Undated. Prob. 18th cent.
Call Number:
Turkish.MSS.suppl. 253
Accession Number: 20050504-h