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 AL-QADR “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: 1 scrollDate: Most likely from the 19th cent.

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 595Accession 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: 211Date: 1 Rabi al-Awwal 1018 / June 4, 1609

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 580Accession 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: 12Date: 5 Dhu al-Qidah 1321 H / 23 Jan. 1904

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 605Accession 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: 10Date: 4 Jumada al-Akhirah 1312 H / 3 Dec. 1894

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 606Accession 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: 200Date: 1 Muharram 1293 H / 28 Jan. 1876

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 614Accession 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: 63Date: Undated; copied prob. in the 18th cent.

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 578Accession 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: 12Date: 1267 H / 1850

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 594Accession 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: 155Date: 1 Shaban 1083 H / 21 Nov. 1672

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 598Accession 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 al-Katibi (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: 267Date: Undated; copied prob. late 19th cent.

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 620Accession 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 wa-al-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 al-Jawzi, 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 al-Hassanī.

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: 146Date: Undated; copied prob. late 18th cent.Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 588Accession Number: 20050201-ac

11. A Collection of Illuminated Arabic:

1. Names of God written within gold squares (folio 1b – 3a)2. The name of the Prophet Muhammad (folios 3a – 4b)3. A prayer for seeking God's forgiveness (folio 4b – 5a)4. An explanation of the noble seal of God (folio 5b)5. The seal itself, written in large thuluth script (folio 6a)6. The word "Allāh" written within a crescent moon surrounded by a decorative

rectangle in gold and blue (folio 6b)7. The word Muhammad, written in similar fashion (folio 7a)8. The hilya (attributes) of Adam, written within a circle, which is surrounded by a

decorative rectangle in gold and blue (folio 7b)9. The hilyas (Attributes) of Noah, Muhammad, Abū Bakr, `Umar, `Uthmān, `Alī,

Hasan, Husayn (folios 8a – 12a.)10. 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.

11. The Seven Sleepers and their dog (Qutmīr) (folios 19b – 23a) (Koran: Surat al-Kahf (Cahpter 18)).

12. A prayer written in the form of cypress (folios 23b – 32a)13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Decorative sketches of Mecca and Madina (folios 43b – 44a.), in gold and other colors.

16. A prayer for attaining al-Maqām al-Mahmūd (The Glorious Station [in heaven]) (folios 44b – 45a.)

17. Various Islamic flags, all drawn in gold (folios 45b – 47a)18. Various prayers for variety of occasions (folios 47b – 69a)19. 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: 72Date: Undated; copied prob. late 18th cent.Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 584Accession Number: 20050201-k

12. Dala’il al-Khayrat wa-Shawariq al-Anwar fi Dhikr al-Salah 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: 81Date: 1208 H / 1793Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 616Accession Number: 20060620-i

13. Dala’il al-Khayrat wa-Shawariq al-Anwar fi Dhikr al-Salah 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: 109Date: Undated; most likely copied in the 18th cent.

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 617Accession 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: 285Date: Undated

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 578Accession 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. al-Shaykh, 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: 80Date: Ramadan 1307 H / April/May 1890

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 619Accession 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 al-Hamid 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: 14Date: 1193 H/1779

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 592Accession 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: 1 scrollDate: 1259 H/1843-1844

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 613Accession Number: 20060620-e

17. Yusuf va Zulaykha [Joseph and Zulaykha] / by Nur al-Din 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 al-mi`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: 144Date: 1246 H/1830

Call Number: Arabic. MSS.suppl. 579Accession 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: 115Date: Dhu al-Hijjah 1249 H/April 1834

Call Number: Persian. MSS.suppl. 100Accession 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: 325Date: 9 Ramadan 970 H/2 May 1563

Call Number: Persian. MSS.suppl. 94Accession 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 “al-Fasl 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: 120Date: Ramadan 1016 H/Dec. 1607Call Number: Persian. MSS.suppl. 99Accession Number: 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 al-Hamid 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: 1 leafDate: 25 Jumada al-Ula 1314 H/1 Nov. 1896

Call Number: Turkish. MSS.suppl. 254Accession Number: 20060620-a

23. Kimya’ al-Sa’adah [The Alchemy of Happiness] / by al-Ghazzali, Abu Hamid Muhammad ibn Muhammad (1058-1111)

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: 106Date: Undated. Prob. end of the 16th cent.

Call Number: Turkish. MSS.suppl. 256Accession 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: 30Date: Undated. Prob. 18th cent.

Call Number: Turkish. MSS.suppl. 257Accession 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: 90Date: Undated. Prob. end of the 18th cent.

Call Number: Turkish. MSS.suppl. 258Accession 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 (1628-1658). 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, re-backed, 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: 97Date: Undated. Prob. late 18th cent.

Call Number: Urdu. MSS. 13Accession 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: 25Date: 17 Jan. 1895

Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 607Accession 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 al-Husayn.” 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: 263Date: 26 Safar 1152 H/3 June 1739Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 581Accession Number: 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: 14Date: 1 Jumada al-Akhirah 1071 H/1 Feb. 1661

Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 567Accession Number: 20030721-j

30. Talkhis Miftah al-Ulum [Summary of the Key to the Sciences] / by Jalal al-Din Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman al-Qazwini, 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 (1160-1229). 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: 96Date: 1252 H/1836

Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 628Accession 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: 1 scrollDate: Undated. Prob. 19th cent.

Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 612Accession 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: 35Date: Undated. Prob. 18th cent.Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 599Accession Number: 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: 28Date: Undated. Prob. 18th cent.

Call Number: Persian.MSS.suppl. 101Accession 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.) Qisas al-Anbiya [Stories of the Prophets] / by Sa’id ibn Hibat Allah al-Rawandi (d. 1178) (1a-7b; in Parisian)

b.) ‘Iqd-i Nikah [Marriage Contract] / by Muhammad ‘Ali Astarabadi (Couldn’t be identified) (7b-9b; in Persian)

c.) [Various Short Quotations from Various Religious Sources] (10a-12a; in Arabic and Persian)

d.) [Some Medical Recipes] / attributed to Jafar al-Sadiq (702?-765 or 6), the 6th Shi’i Imam (12b-16a; in Persian)

e.) Taqwim al-Muhsinin fi Ma’rifat al-Sa’at wa-al-Ayyam 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)

f.) 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) (45a-54a; in Arabic)

g.) 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 (Muhammad Baqir ibn Muhammad 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 Muhammad Baqir ibn Muhammad 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: 126Date: 1710?

Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 608Accession 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. Chapters from the Koran (folio 1a -23b)2. 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: 150Date: Undated. Prob. 17th-19th cent.

Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 600Accession 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: 46Date: Undated. Prob. 18th cent.

Call Number: Persian.MSS.suppl. 98Accession 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: 97Date: Undated. Prob. Early 18th cent.

Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 596Accession 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: 115Date: Undated. Prob. 18th cent.

Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 604Accession 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: 173Date: 1164 H/1751

Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 615Accession 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: 271Date: 20 Jumada II 1034 H/28 Feb. 1625

Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 570Accession 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 al-Hanafi (1585 or 6-1659)

A commentary by the author on his own work “Nur al-Idah wa-Najat al-Arwah” (The Light of Elucidation and the Salvation of Souls) a work on Hanafi jurisprudence. Number of folios: 210Date: 1263 H/1846

Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 572Accession Number: 20031202-f

42. [Collection of Three Manuscripts in Arabic and Javanese] / by Anonymous.

a.) ‘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)

b.) 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 52b-86a)

c.) 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: 151Date: Undated. Prob. 18th cent.

Call Number: Arabic.MSS.suppl. 603Accession 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: 17Date: Undated. Prob. 18th cent.

Call Number: Persian.MSS.suppl. 97Accession 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 Abdu rrahim 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: 214Date: 27 Rajab 1147 H/23 Dec. 1734

Call Number: Turkish.MSS.suppl. 255Accession 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: 132Date: Undated. Prob. 18th cent.

Call Number: Turkish.MSS.suppl. 253Accession Number: 20050504-h