Abstract
This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of a significant Qurʼanic manuscript discovered in the Geniza of the Imām Riḍā shrine in Mashhad, comprising 244 fire-damaged folios. The manuscript's colophon identifies its scribe as Abū ʿAlī Ḥasan ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz al-Ghaznawī and its illuminator as Abī Bakr Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd Allāh al-Ghaznawī, completed in 434 AH/1042 CE. The Ghaznawī nisba of the illuminator and scribe, coupled with distinctive royal features including extensive use of gold throughout all components of the manuscript (Qurʼanic text, sūra headings, illuminations, and marginal inscriptions), strongly indicates its production in the Ghaznavid court scriptorium during Mawdūd ibn Masʿūd's reign (r. 432-441 AH/1040-1049 CE). The manuscript, now measuring 19×29.2 cm. after conservation, represents a rare example of a single-volume New Abbasid Qurʼan, departing from the royal period's prevalent multi-volume (Rabʿa) format. The manuscript shares significant stylistic features with Cambridge University Library MS Or. 476 - an undated horizontal Qur'an on parchment which also exhibits royal characteristics. The material features of the Cambridge manuscript suggest a slightly earlier date, indicating the development of this distinct scribal tradition within the Ghaznavid court's manuscript production program during the early 5th/11th century. This previously undocumented style is characterized by increased text density (minimum 25 lines per page) and unique adaptations in letter geometry and text-to-page proportions, distinguishing it from the established five-line Qurʼanic script of ʿUthmān ibn Ḥusayn al-Warrāq's school. This study contributes new understanding to the development of Islamic manuscript production and court patronage in the early 5th/11th century, particularly highlighting the Ghaznavid court's pivotal role in advancing the art of manuscript production during this period.
