Srinagar, Aug 13: While general perception created by historians is that Islam came to Kashmir in 14th century, a rare manuscript of Holy Qu’ran showcased at a government organized exhibition in the City Monday hinted that the religion had made advent in the Valley much before what the written history reveals.

THE REVELATION
 The rare manuscript, calligraphed by Fatah Ullah Kashmiri, believed to be a then Kashmiri scholar, dates back to 1237 AD, over eight decades prior to what many historians believe is Islam came to Kashmir during the regime of emperor RinchanShah. The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) has showcased this and other manuscripts at the 2-day exhibition inaugurated Monday by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.
 Secretary JKAACL, Khalid Bashir Ahmad, also a scholar, said: “The direct presumption we get from the manuscript is that Islam was Kashmir in the early 13th century.” “Otherwise recorded history stated that (Islam came to Kashmir in) 14th century,” the Secretary said.
 The focus of many viewers remained the early 13th  century AD manuscript calligraphed by Fatah Ullah Kashmiri.  “The importance of the manuscript lies in the time of its calligraphy that moves backward into history the earliest presence of Muslims in Kashmir by about a century. Till now, it is believed that Muslims appeared on the scene of Kashmir in the 14th century following the arrival of Islamic preachers from Central Asia,” Khalid Bashir explained.

AFTER 30 YEARS
 Coinciding with Ramazan, the Holy month when first revelation of the Book came, the exhibition comprises rich collection of rare Qur’anic and other Islamic manuscripts. The host Secretary said it was after around three decades that such an exhibition was held in the Valley since Al Hijra Exhibition of 1981.
 “It is after 31 years that an exhibition of manuscripts of this size has been held in Kashmir on the subject”, the Secretary said adding “this would bring people face-to-face with their glorious tradition.”

OTHER MANUSCRIPTS
 A Quran manuscript from private collection, Khalid Bashir said, was specially allowed to be displayed in the exhibition for its uniqueness.
 The manuscript, owned by Qazis originally hailing from the old City area Naqshband Sahib, is the full text of the Qur’an calligraphed on a 25 ft X 2.5 inch scroll paper with 99 names or attributes of Allah.
 It had been gifted by Sheikh Hamzah Makhdoom(RA) to Miram Bazaz, the great grandfather of the Qazis, the exhibition organizers said.

SAFFRON INK CALLIGRAPHY
 Other manuscripts that attracted visitors attention include a mega size copy of the Quran calligraphed by Mohi-Ud-Din Qureshi about 200 years back; copy of the holy Book dating back to 1594 AD and considered the only sample in the world written in saffron ink.

MOS SPEAKS
 MOS Home, Nasir Aslam Wani, who was accompanying the Chief Minister, while going through the exhibition said the manuscripts showcased were priceless treasure. Amazed at the work of scholars of yore, he couldn’t hold back but remarked: “Society of those times was more talented and interested in such endeavours whereas we have gradually deteriorated.”

DIGITIZATION ASSURED
 The MOS said the government has granted an initial aid of Rs 10 lakh for the digitization of the rare manuscripts. “The work will start soon,” Wani said.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 13 Aug 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 13 Aug 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 14 Aug 2012 00:00:00 IST