Qur'an Manuscript Folio (verso)

This page from the "Chapter of Light" (24:59-61) in the Qur'an is written in the monumental script of Islamic Spain and North Africa, known as Maghribi Kufic. Words flow rhythmically with curving flourishes toward the left margin where letters end in almost perfect semicircles, an elegant hallmark that contrasts with the upright shafts. Distinctive markings-vowels in red and diacritics in blue-identify the vocalization of the text, which would have been read or recited aloud to an assembly.

Credit: Edward L. Whittemore Fund