A rare Qur’an manuscript, previously associated with the library of Mughal emperor Akbar, has been sold for £863,600 at a Sotheby’s auction in London. This price was significantly higher than its estimated value, which ranged from £40,000 to £60,000, and was achieved following a competitive 15-minute bidding session. The auction took place on October 29, 2025, as part of Sotheby’s Arts of the Islamic World and India sale.

The manuscript, dating back to the late 16th century, is lavishly decorated and bears evidence of its historical journey through the Mughal royal collection. It contains library seals and inspection inscriptions, which provide insights into its past and its significance within the imperial library.

This sale was one of the highlights of an auction that featured various important works of Islamic and Indian art, showcasing the manuscript’s value beyond its monetary worth.

Historical Context and Provenance

The manuscript is identified in Sotheby’s catalogue as having belonged to Akbar, who reigned from 1556 until his death in 1605. Records indicate that it was in his possession by 1602, establishing a direct connection to the imperial library during his rule. Following Akbar’s reign, the manuscript remained within the royal collection until the time of Muhammad Shah, who ruled from 1702 to 1748, with its history in this period dated to approximately 1717-1727.

In the early 1970s, the manuscript was acquired by a Middle Eastern ambassador to the United Kingdom. Its final pages reveal significant details about its history, including seals from Mughal librarians and inscriptions that document inspections of the work, offering a glimpse into its retention within the Mughal library tradition.

Among the seals is one belonging to Muhammad Yusuf, a librarian during Akbar’s later years, which further substantiates the manuscript’s connection to the Mughal empire.

Content and Craftsmanship of the Manuscript

The manuscript, titled al-Itqan fi ‘Ilm al-Qur’an, translates to “Perfection in Qur’anic Science.” It is composed of four volumes that collectively include eight commentaries, representing centuries of scholarship in Arabic and Persian. The commentaries encompass works from notable scholars such as al-Qushayri, al-Baghawi, and al-Zamakhshari, among others.

Visually, the manuscript is striking, featuring gold-sprinkled paper and hundreds of leaves. The Qur’anic text is presented in bold black naskh script, accompanied by an interlinear Persian translation in red nasta’liq script. Decorative elements include gold roundels, richly coloured panels, and gilded motifs, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

One of the eight commentaries, the Tafsir-i Muhammadi, is particularly rare and is not known to exist in other manuscript copies. Its inclusion alongside more widely recognised works makes this collection unique. The commentary was authored by Shaykh Hasan Muhammad ibn Shaykh Ahmad Miyanji Chishti, a notable figure in the Chishti Sufi tradition.

Impact of the Auction and Future Significance

The sale of the Qur’an manuscript was part of a broader auction that totalled £10,088,793, surpassing its pre-sale estimate of £4.4 million to £6.6 million. The auction attracted bidders from 25 countries, with many lots selling above their high estimates. The manuscript was among the most notable items sold, alongside other significant works.

Beyond its auction price, the manuscript holds immense historical and scholarly value. Its pages encapsulate a blend of religious scholarship, intricate bookmaking, and evidence of royal ownership, making it an important artefact of Mughal history.

More than four centuries after its entry into Akbar’s library, the manuscript has once again garnered attention, illustrating the enduring legacy of Mughal art and scholarship in the contemporary world.

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