Why was this Page from the Qur'an made, and how was it used?
The first context is the standardization of the text of the Qur'an. Under the third Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan (r. 644–656), there was an effort to compile and standardize the Qur'anic text to prevent variations in recitation and ensure consistency across the rapidly expanding Islamic empire. This effort likely continued into the 800s as the Islamic empire grew, producing more manuscripts to meet the needs of the Muslim community.
The second context is cultural and religious significance: The Qur'an holds the utmost importance in Islam, serving as the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Producing manuscripts of the Qur'an was not only a religious duty but also a way to preserve and disseminate Islamic teachings. As Islam became the dominant religion in new regions, there was a greater demand for manuscripts of the Qur'an for use in religious education and practice.
The blue Qur'an here, made at a similar date to the WAM's Qur'an and also in North Africa, shows the honor given to the text through beautiful color and gold.
Yonglong (Ethan) Ren, Class of 2026, College of the Holy Cross
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