Surah of the Winnowing Winds (Folio from a Quran Manuscript)

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Surah of the Winnowing Winds (Folio from a Quran Manuscript)

Place of OriginOttoman Empire

DateOttoman

DimensionsH: 13 in. (330 mm); W: 10 11/16 in. (270.1 mm)

MediumInk on paper, gold leaf.

ClassificationManuscripts

Credit LineGift of the Popplestone Family

Object number

2006.120

Not on View

DescriptionA vertical, double-sided manuscript leaf containing thirteen lines of black text per side. The text is enclosed within a double-ruled frame in red ink. The script is vocalized with diacritical marks. Gold rosette medallions with orange-red centers serve as verse markers throughout the text. The paper exhibits browning and brittleness, with noticeable degradation ("ink burn") in areas of heavy ink concentration. The bottom right corner of the margin is missing.

Label TextThe 51st chapter of the Quran is a Meccan surah, revealed early in the Prophet Muhammad's mission. It opens with powerful, atmospheric oaths invoking the winds, clouds, and ships to assert the truth of the Resurrection and Judgment. The title "Adh-Dhariyat" refers to the winds that scatter dust. The Surah is thematically focused on the afterlife and the signs of God in creation and history. Following the opening oaths, it recounts the story of the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his angelic guests, who bring news of the birth of a son (Isaac) and the destruction of the people of Lot. This narrative highlights themes of divine knowledge, hospitality, and justice.