ANCIENT handwritten Quran scripts dating back hundreds of years are among extremely rare Islamic pieces showcased at Beit Al Quran as it eagerly awaits visitors once again as Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
Meticulously preserved unique scriptures from across the world are on display in carefully controlled glass cases at the Islamic museum that opened 31 years ago.
Almost 200 rare pieces are on display while close to 20,000 are kept safe in temperature and lighting controlled units on the premises to protect them from the impact of climate.
Beit Al Quran founder Dr Abdullatif Kanoo, whose extensive collection is on display at the museum, built it in 1990 to teach Quran, collect and preserve rare Islamic scripts, as well as support Islamic studies.
“Beit Al Quran is one of Bahrain’s key cultural pillars which brings together religion, science and culture as a model that is unique globally due to its dedication to the Holy Quran,” he said.
“It is an exceptional establishment which isn’t limited just to Muslims but open to people of all faiths, religious beliefs and nationalities.
“Beit Al Quran originates from the people and it was established through generous donations therefore everyone is invited to visit this Islamic monument and support it.”
Dr Kanoo’s intense desire to create an institute functioning as a guardian of great heritage – such as historic Quran manuscripts – for future generations inspired him to establish Beit Al Quran.
Of the hundreds of pieces on display are very rare pages of the Holy Quran – likely to have been copied from the Holy Quran collated by the third Caliph Othman Bin Affan – around 1,400 years ago.
“Also on display is the Latin translation of the Holy Quran dating back to 1543 which was translated in Switzerland,” added Dr Kanoo.
“This extremely rare copy was commissioned by Martin Luther, the most renowned figure of the Protestant Reformation and this copy highlights the great European interest in Islam stretching from the Middle Ages to the High Renaissance.”
Among other pieces on display are Holy Qurans with gold inserted into the pages, ancient papyrus rolls, meticulously scripted verses by hand on long scrolls as well as age-old printed Holy Qurans dating back decades.
Also on display is the first printed copy of the Holy Quran – printed in Germany in 1694 – which is considered one of the rarest copies from across the world in addition to breath-taking handwoven carpets and ancient scriptures as well as verses inscribed into tiny Holy Qurans and minuscule pieces of basmati rice.
“Our doors are open and we welcome visitors from across all faiths, religions and nationalities to view first-hand the rare Islamic collection and take a journey through the history of the Holy Quran,” said museum director Ashraf Al Ansari.
“There are extremely rare pieces that are showcased in our museum that are the only pieces in the world which offers a unique and profound experience to our visitors.
“More visitors means continuity for Beit Al Quran and it also helps us in our role to serve the Holy Quran.”
Beit Al Quran is divided into five key segments – the Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Khalifa Lecture Hall, The Abdulrahman Jassim Kanoo Mosque, Al Forqan Library, Yousif Bin Ahmad Kanoo School for Quranic Studies and Al Hayat Museum.
It is open for visitors from Saturday to Wednesday from 9am to 1pm and from 4pm to 6pm in addition to Thursday from 9am to 1pm while being closed on Fridays and public holidays. For more information, call 17290101.
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