Mushaf: Scripture in book form

Mushaf refers to the form of the Quranic text collected into a book. Calligraphy, page layout, illumination, and binding have produced different examples over time. The history of book arts intersects with this object through the transmission of the text.

The text read within the Mushaf and the physical book carrying it can be distinguished from each other. Page size, line layout, and the appearance of the script may change in different examples. This diversity opens an area of study to understand the preparation and use of the work.

When looking at a Mushaf, one can pay attention not only to the decoration but also to how the reading is facilitated. The marking of sections, the placement of the script, and the order between pages are important in this respect. In the production of the book, calligraphy, paper, ornamentation, and binding meet as tasks requiring different skills.

Dating a historical Mushaf or claiming it belongs to a specific person requires expertise and records. Merely looking old is not enough for a definite conclusion. Examining this object allows one to recognize both the care shown to the text and the effort that preserved it through generations, enabling a more careful reading of the history of the book.