Khalili Collection of Islamic Art, London, United Kingdom
Location History:
The manuscript was produced for the Mughal court in India during the reign of Shah Jahan. It later entered private collections and is now preserved in the Khalili Collection of Islamic Art in London, where it is maintained for research, conservation, and exhibition.
The Single-volume Qur'an (QUR614) is one of the finest surviving manuscript artworks created by the celebrated Mughal calligrapher and illumination artist Abdul Haq, later honoured with the title Amanat Khan Shirazi. Completed around 1640–1641 CE, the manuscript reflects the remarkable artistic standards achieved during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan. Although Abdul Haq is widely recognised for the monumental inscriptions on the Taj Mahal, this manuscript demonstrates his equally refined mastery of calligraphy and illumination on paper.
Each folio is carefully arranged using elegant Arabic script, framed by intricate floral ornamentation and geometric borders. Gold leaf, blue, red, and other mineral pigments enrich the decorative elements while maintaining perfect balance with the sacred text. Rather than overwhelming the writing, the illuminated designs guide the viewer's eye and enhance the manuscript's spiritual significance. The pages display remarkable symmetry, precision, and harmony, qualities that became defining features of Mughal manuscript production.
The artwork also reflects Persian artistic traditions that strongly influenced Mughal court culture. Abdul Haq's careful spacing, proportional lettering, and delicate ornamentation demonstrate exceptional technical skill as well as deep respect for the religious nature of the manuscript. Every page was designed to combine beauty with readability, making the manuscript both a devotional object and a masterpiece of Islamic art.
Today, the manuscript is regarded as an important example of seventeenth-century Mughal illumination. It highlights Abdul Haq's contribution not only as a master calligrapher but also as an accomplished illumination artist whose work continues to be admired for its craftsmanship, historical value, and artistic elegance.
The text is written in naskh script, celebrated for its clarity, elegance, and readability. Rather than illustrating human or animal figures, the manuscript relies on the beauty of Arabic calligraphy to express spirituality. The carefully balanced letters and evenly spaced lines encourage slow, reflective reading and demonstrate the belief that beautiful writing honours the divine message. Through its graceful calligraphy, luminous illumination, and meticulous craftsmanship, the manuscript transforms the sacred text into a work of visual beauty, reflecting the Mughal ideal that the written word of God deserves the highest standards of artistic expression.
