Saudi Arabia has recently showcased a rare and historically significant Quranic manuscript from the 4th century Hijri, titled *“Ghareeb al-Quran”, marking a notable event in the preservation of Islamic heritage. The manuscript is authored by the esteemed scholar *Abu Ubaidah Mu‘ammar ibn al-Muthanna al-Taymi al-Basri, recognized in his era as a leading authority on Quranic studies and Arabic sciences.
The manuscript was revealed at the King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh, which states that it dates back to 209 Hijri. Comprising 23 parchments made of thin leather, the manuscript measures 1722 centimeters in size and has survived for over a thousand years. It is a non-published book focused on Quranic sciences, featuring clear and elegant Andalusian script, while the names of the Surahs are rendered in Kufi script, highlighting the artistic and calligraphic value of the work.
Abu Ubaidah Mu‘ammar ibn al-Muthanna is credited with over 200 written works. The famous scholar Al-Jahiz once remarked, “No one on earth knew more than him in all fields of knowledge.” Some of Abu Ubaidah’s most renowned works include: Mujaz al-Quran, Naqā’iz al-Jarir wa al-Farazdaq, Ma’athir al-‘Arab, Al-‘Uqaqah wa al-Barrarah, Ayam al-‘Arab, Ma‘ani al-Quran, Tabaqat al-Shu‘ara’, and I‘rab al-Quran. These works continue to hold immense significance in the study of Quranic sciences and classical Arabic literature.
The King Abdulaziz Public Library houses a vast and diverse collection of ancient and rare books on Quranic interpretation and Islamic sciences. Among these are Abu Ishaq ibn Suhail al-Zajjaj’s I‘rab al-Quran wa Ma‘anihi, whose copy dates to the fifth century Hijri, and Ibn Qutaybah al-Dinawari’s Tafsir Mushkil al-Quran, transcribed in the seventh century Hijri.
The library also preserves portions of Imam Abu Ja‘far al-Tabari’s famous exegesis Jami‘ al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran, copied in the sixth century Hijri and comprising 77 parchment pages. Additionally, Abu Bakr Muhammad al-Naqqash’s Fi Ma‘ani al-Quran al-Kareem wa Tafsirihi, copied in the seventh century Hijri, spans 113 pages and remains an invaluable reference in Quranic studies.
The library’s Heritage Archive contains over 185 rare manuscripts specifically in the field of Quranic exegesis, including classical commentaries like Al-Qurtubi and *Al-Tabari, which are of critical importance for research, analysis, and scholarly interpretation. Hundreds of additional manuscripts cover various dimensions of Quranic sciences, including *Tafsir, Qira’at, Tajweed, Ijazat, and Mus’haf studies.
The library’s holdings also include material on Surah grammar, linguistic studies, and Arabic syntax, systematically categorized into four main divisions:
- Tafsir (Quranic exegesis)
- Qira’at, Tajweed, and Ijazat
- Quranic sciences
- Mus’haf studies
The King Abdulaziz Public Library aims to provide scholars, students, and the public with access to these rare manuscripts, documents, images, and coins to facilitate academic research and preserve intellectual heritage. Exhibiting these rare copies encourages organized scientific study and opens new avenues for research into the Islamic intellectual tradition.
Arabic heritage and Islamic sacred texts form the cornerstone of the library’s activities. Its extensive collection includes *8,571 books, more than **8,000 manuscripts, and over *32,000 rare printed works. The library also preserves rare European print editions, including:
- 78 books on the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
- 113 translated copies of the Quran in European languages
- 55 works on Quranic sciences
- 54 works related to Islamic sources
These collections serve as a vital resource not only for Saudi scholars but also for researchers worldwide. The unveiling of “Ghareeb al-Quran” emphasizes the long-standing tradition of Quranic scholarship and the meticulous preservation of Islamic knowledge.
The manuscript itself reflects the beauty of Andalusian script and the unique style of Kufi letters used for Surah names, offering a rare glimpse into early Islamic calligraphy and intellectual achievement. Its preservation underscores the importance of Saudi efforts in safeguarding, promoting, and globally presenting Islamic and Arabic scholarly heritage.
The King Abdulaziz Public Library provides an essential platform for research, offering students, academics, and general audiences a unique opportunity to engage with rare manuscripts and explore historical, linguistic, and religious knowledge. Studying these manuscripts enriches understanding of Quranic sciences, Arabic language development, and calligraphy across centuries.
The unveiling of Abu Ubaidah’s “Ghareeb al-Quran” is thus more than a historical display; it is a testament to centuries of Quranic study, literary achievement, and scholarly dedication. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving Islamic heritage while promoting global awareness of its intellectual and cultural treasures.
Through this initiative, Saudi Arabia not only protects ancient manuscripts but also fosters scholarly research and public engagement, ensuring that the Islamic intellectual tradition continues to inspire present and future generations. The manuscript exemplifies how historical works can bridge the past and present, offering both academic insight and cultural pride.