The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Saudi Arabia has unveiled a rare manuscript titled “Gharib Al Quran,” written by early Islamic scholar Abu Ubaidah Mamar Ibn Al Muthanna, dating back nearly 1,000 years.
According to the library, the manuscript dates to the fourth century and consists of 23 folios measuring 17 by 22 centimeters. The text is written in clear Andalusian script, while the names of Quranic chapters are inscribed in Kufic script.
Experts say the manuscript is an unpublished work in Quranic sciences, making it a valuable addition to historical studies of the Quran and Islamic scholarship.
Library officials noted that the institution houses a significant collection of rare manuscripts related to Quranic interpretation, linguistics, and recitation spanning several centuries.
The archive includes works by renowned scholars such as Abu Ishaq Al Zajjaj and Ibn Qutaybah Al Dinawari, along with portions of Tafsir al Tabari copied in the sixth century.
In total, the collection contains more than 185 rare manuscripts on Quranic exegesis, in addition to hundreds of texts covering recitation, grammar, and interpretation.
The library said it aims to showcase its extensive heritage holdings, which include manuscripts, historical documents, photographs, coins, and artefacts.
Officials also plan to expand access to these materials to support academic research and encourage deeper study of Islamic intellectual history.
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