Ashmolean Eastern Art Online, Yousef Jameel Centre for Islamic and Asian Art

Throughout its history, the Qur’an has been copied in different book formats, some of which are presented in this section. The codex – a text made of pages stitched together and held by two covers – is the most common form, attested from the early centuries of Islam, from Spain to India. This book format is often accompanied by a binding which has an envelope flap at one end. This flap is tucked under the front cover in order to protect the text block and better preserve it. A widespread practice in sub-Saharan Africa – where Islam established a substantial presence much later than in North Africa – has instead been to copy the Qur’an on loose folios and carry them in wallet-like bindings, or leather bags.

Although less common, Qur’ans in the form of scrolls have also been produced. The text is copied over long strips of paper that are glued together and that are either attached to and rolled around a rigid core, or simply rolled up and conveniently stored in small leather cylindrical cases. Finally, miniature Qur’ans or select chapters written in ghubar (literally ‘dust-like’) script or printed are also documented, although they have traditionally been used as amulets. Set in small cases, they could hang from chains or belts, or be worn folded in one’s garments.

Qur’an in muhaqqaq and naskhi script (volume 11 of 30) (EA2012.86)   Qur’an in naskhi, thuluth, and muhaqqaq script (EA2012.92)

Scroll with Qur’anic verses (LI1434.2)

Unbound Qur'an with leather bag (LI1434.1)   Miniature Qur’an (EA1992.42)

Hirz, or amulet case, containing inscribed paper (EA1966.77)   Bazuband, or amulet case, with Qur’anic inscription (EA2012.95)   Bazuband, or amulet case, with Qur’anic inscription (EA2012.118)