Rare Qur’an Manuscript in Al-Aqsa Mosque Written by a Descendant of the Prophet ﷺ on Deer Skin

Nestled within the Islamic Museum of Al-Aqsa Mosque lies a priceless historical treasure: a rare and ancient manuscript of the Kufic-script Qur’an, believed to have been penned by a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, on deer skin parchment.

This sacred manuscript, preserved under the shadow of occupation, reflects the timeless reverence for the Qur’an and its place in Islamic civilisation. It is one of the most unique artefacts housed in the heart of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa, a site of immense spiritual and historical significance to Muslims around the world.

Written by a Grandson of the Prophet ﷺ

According to the inscription found at the end of the manuscript, the copy was written by Al-Hasan ibn Al-Husayn ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. However, based on expert analysis, Yusuf Al-Uzbeki, a specialist in manuscript restoration at Al-Aqsa Mosque, believes the scribe was most likely Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan ibn Al-Husayn, the great-grandson of Ali ibn Al-Husayn Zain Al-Abidin, may Allah be pleased with them all.

This remarkable connection between the manuscript and the noble Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s family) only adds to the spiritual and historical value of the piece.

Ink, Script, and Deer Skin

Ismail Sharawneh, a leading antiquities expert at Al-Aqsa Mosque, told Al Jazeera that the Qur’an was meticulously written in black ink using the classical Kufic script, a hallmark of early Islamic calligraphy. What sets this manuscript apart is the material on which it was written — the delicate and rare parchment made from deer skin, a traditional and durable medium used by early Muslim scribes.

The diacritical markings and vowel symbols were added later using the system of Abu Al-Aswad Al-Du’ali, the pioneer of Arabic grammar and punctuation.

Verse Numbering by Abjad, Not Numerals

Unlike modern copies of the Qur’an that number verses using standard Arabic numerals, this manuscript uses the Abjad system (known as Hisab Al-Jummal), where numerical values are represented by Arabic letters. This reflects a deeply rooted scholarly tradition in Qur’anic preservation and reveals the profound intellectual depth of early Islamic sciences.

A Living Symbol of Resistance and Legacy

At a time when Al-Aqsa Mosque and Palestinian heritage are under daily threat by the Zionist occupation, the preservation of such Islamic treasures serves as a powerful reminder of our civilisational legacy and sacred connection to Jerusalem.

This rare Qur’an is not just a manuscript — it is a witness to the enduring bond between the Ummah, the Qur’an, and the blessed land of Al-Quds. It stands as a symbol of resilience, history, and devotion in the face of ongoing occupation and erasure.

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