Finding Aid for the Qayani Collection of Arabic and Persian Manuscripts

Durrah al-bahirah

Box 1

Manuscript no: 1

“Kitab al-fawa'id al-gharawiyah” ( fi 'ilm al-rijal: Biographics). Dated: 1270 /1853.

Creator/Collector: Qayeni

Physical Description: Arabic, Naskh, red titles, black leather binding; with autograph & signature (margin, p.234).

Physical Description: 235pp. of text; 17 lines per page; 215 × 130 (155 × 80) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Copy of the original prepared by 'Abd al-Razzaq b. Mahmud.

Unedited.

Box 1

Manuscript no: 2

“Kitab mira 'at al-wahda” (Mirror of [divine] unity). Dated: 1293 / 1876.

Creator/Collector: Qayeni

Physical Description: Persian, Naskh, red titles & red leather binding with ornamental borders, blue paper.

Physical Description: 397pp. of text; 11 lines per page; 170 × 110 (110 × 65) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Scribe: Asadullah b. 'Ali Akbar al-Birjandi.

Unedited.

Box 1

Manuscript no: 3

“Kitab al-durrah al-bahirah” (Virginal pearl). Dated: 1277 / 1860.

Creator/Collector: Qayeni

Physical Description: Arabic with numerous Persian verses (pp.6, 59, 80,105 etc.); Black leather binding.

Physical Description: 111pp. of text; 11 lines per page; 175 × 110 (115 × 55) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Written down by the author himself and donated to his friend, 'Ali Riza al- Musawi, in 1278 / 1861 (s. notes and seal, pp.2, 111).

Box 1

Manuscript no: 4

“Risalah fi ahkam al-salat wa al-siyam fi hal al-musafirat” (Prayer and fast on journeys). Dated: 1279 / 1862.

Creator/Collector: Qayeni

Physical Description: Arabic, Naskh, red tides, green leather binding. With autograph (p.1).

Physical Description: 145pp. of text; 11 lines per page; 155 × 110 (110 × 65) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Copy of the original prepared for the author by 'Abd al-Razzaq b. Mahmud.

Manuscript no: 5

Shaikh Baha'i. Dated: 1252 /1836.

Creator/Collector: Qayeni (scribe and commentator)

Physical Description: 216pp. of text & 7pp. of notes; 12 lines per page; Naskh, 205 × 105 (100 × 50) mm. Rarity.

Scope and Content Note

a) “Risalat khulasat al-hisab” (treatise on Mathematics), Arabic (89pp. of text)
b) “Risalah-yi farsi-yi hay'at” (treatise on astronomy), Persian, preface, two maqalat, conclusion (127pp. of text with 10 tables and 27 drawings in two and three colors). Numerous comments by Qayeni in the margins. Black leather binding with ornamental border.

Box 1

Manuscript no: 6

Risalah in reply to 'Abd al-Wahhab Qazwini, from the possessions of Qayeni and bearing his autograph (p.1). Approximately 1850 CE.

Creator/Collector: Kazim b. Qasim Rashti

Physical Description: Arabic, Naskh, black leather binding with ornamental borders.

Physical Description: 59pp. of text; 16 lines per page; 155 × 100 (100 × 60) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Scribe: 'Abd al-Razzaq b. Mahmud.

Box 1

Manuscript no: 7

Collection of 3 treatises on religious philosophy (Persian). Dated: 1257 / 1841.

Creator/Collector: Muhammad Ibrahim b. Muhammad Hasan al-Khurasani

Physical Description: 216pp. of text & 3pp. of notes; 16 lines per page; Naskh, red titles; brown leather binding; 150 × 100 (105 × 60) mm.

Scope and Content Note

a) “Nukhbah dar wajibat wa muhimmat-i diniyah” (on religious desiderata), pp.4-154.
b) “Risalah dar sawm” (Tractate on fasting), pp.155-205.
c) “Risalah dar khams wa haft” (Treatise on the meaning of the numbers 5 and 7), pp.205-216.

Scribe (with seal): Muhammad 'Ali b. Mirza Mustafa.

Box 1

Manuscript no: 8

“Kitab 'ibarat ra'iqah wa faqarat fayidah” (Arabic prose and [pp.99] ff). Dated (p.103): 1264 / 1848.

Creator/Collector: Mahmud Muhammad al-Tabrizi (dedicated to Muhammad Shah Qajar)

Physical Description: Persian quatrains, and the Qasida of Najib-Pasha Karbala'i; with autograph of the owner, Qayeni, (p.1); masterful Naskh calligraphy. Black leather binding with ornaments.

Physical Description: 103pp. of text; 12 lines per page; 170 × 110 (115 × 60) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Calligrapher: Shabhi Muhammad Salih b. Aqa Husayn Qoli (al-Shaqaqi).

Manuscript no: 9

Collection of poetry and science, with five titles

Physical Description: 151pp. of text; 9-26 lines per page; 190 × 140 mm. Brown leather binding with ornaments.

Scope and Content Note

a) Notes, pp.1-3
b) Abu Bakr al-Wali: “Akhbar al-Majnun wa ash'arihi (prose and poetry about Majnun and his love for Layla); dated (p.110): 1265 / 1849. Calligrapher (famous): Sharif Muhammad Sadiq, pp.4-115.
c) Poetry (Fath Nasir-i Khaqani etc.), pp.116-135.
d) 'Abd al-Qadir Ruyani: “Mukhtasari dar ma'rifat-i taqwinm” (treatise on astronomy and the science of calendars; preface, two abwab, khatimah), Persian, dated 1265 / 1849. Fine diagonal calligraphy by Mahmud b. Muhammad b. Isma'il, pp.136-142.
e) Poetry (Rumi, Shams-i Tabrizi, etc.), pp.143-151.

Manuscript no: 10

Collection of six titles (Arabic, Persian), thereof two illuminated. Dated: 1301-08 H.

Physical Description: 570pp. of text; 12-27 lines per page; Naskh and Nasta'liq; fine red leather binding with ornaments; 200 × 120 (135 × 70) mm.

Scope and Content Note

a) “Kitab-i durr-i lu'ali” (attributed to 'Ali b. Talib); calligrapher: Mirza Haydar 'Ali b. Karbala'i, pp.1-325.
b) Notes (Imams, Abbasids, etc.), pp.326 ff.
c) 'Aziz Safi: “Nuskhah-yi yadigari” (on medicinal drugs), pp.328 ff.
d) “Min kalam amir al-mu 'minin” (quotes Muhyi al-Din al-'Arabi, Sadr al-Din, Hafiz 'Abd al-Qadir, etc.), pp.326 ff.
e) “Kitab-i adwiyah-ye Mulla Sulayman” (pharmaceutics), pp.373-396.
f) “Majmu'ah-yi 'irfan” (anthology of mysticism, prose & poetry); substantial; calligrapher as under(a), pp.397-570.

Completely or largely unedited.

Box 1

Manuscript no: 11

“Kitab kalamat zarifah wa maqalat sharifah”. Dated by the author (pp.69/70): Sha'ban 1074 / 1663 (i.e. 17 years prior to the author's death).

Creator/Collector: Muhsin Fa'iz Kashani (Muhammad b, Murtaza; died 1091 / 1680; most eminent student of Mulla Sadra and teacher of Jaza'iri)

Physical Description: Arabic, in the fine, very clear script of the author (Naskh), with red titles and seals and notes by previous owners (pp.1-3, 70-72). Dark red leather binding with six ornamental medallions.

Physical Description: 72pp. of text; 15 lines per page; 190 × 105 (130 × 55) mm. Autograph.

Box 1

Manuscript no: 12

“Ta'liqat 'ala hawashi sharh ai'Azadi bi-mukhtasir al-Hajibi” (three parts). Dated (p.246) Rajab 1123 / 1711.

Creator/Collector: Mirza Muhammad Shirwani

Physical Description: Arabic, valuable in terms of calligraphy (exquisite Nasta'liq), lavish marginalia in finest miniscule script; notes and seal (p.1) by Muhammad b. Razi al-Din al-Harawi. Very fine brown leather binding with ornamental border and six decorative medallions.

Physical Description: 246pp. of text; 27 lines per page; 260 × 140 (205 × 80) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Calligrapher: Muhammad Rafi' b. Abu 'Ali al- Qazwini al-Taliqani.

Unedited.

Box 1

Manuscript no: 13

“Kitab-i muhit-i bahr-i haqa'iq” (anthology, in 13 parts, of the Shaikhs Ahari, Abhari, Bakri, Baghdadi, Basri, 'Ajami, Dinwari, Ta'i, Ma'ruf al-Karkhi, Sjad, Saqti, Suhrawardi, et al.). Dated (in accordance with lost original ?): Rabi' II, 853 / 1449.

Physical Description: Persian, fine Nasta'liq with red titles. With 17 tables and drawings in two and three colors. Brown leather binding.

Physical Description:

Physical Description: 370pp. of text; 19 lines per page; 230 × 155 (180 × 95) mm. Probably valuable rarity.

Scope and Content Note

Contents: 13 of the originally 14 parts are preserved: on prayer, sunna, the names of Allah, the nature of angels, talismans, numeric and and alphabetic mysticism, seclusion, resurrection, the 12th Imam, astrology, archery, wrestling, swordsmanship and horsemanship.

Various parts are written in chiffre (abjad).

Manuscript no: 14

Collection: “Kitab-i usturlab” (Book of the astrolabe), three treatises on astronomy by famous authors; Persian

Physical Description: 341pp. of text; 17 lines per page; 215 × 170 (160 × 90) mm; with 50 two-colored drawings and tables. Black leather binding.

Scope and Content Note

a) Baha' al-Din Muhammad al-Amili (Shaikh Baha'i): “Risalah-yi dar fann-i usturlab” (dedicated to the grand wazir, Mirza Hatim-Beg), 70 chapters (abwab), pp.1-47.
b) Rukn b. Sharaf al-Din al-Amuli: “Kitab bab al-sultani” (based on Biruni and Farghani, composed by b. Harat in Rabi' II, 860 / 1456, dedicated to the wazir, Bahadur-Khan), pp.48-134.
c) Husayn b. 'Ali al-Kashifi: “Kitab sab'i-yi kashifiyah” (on the planets, preface, two maqalat, conclusion), pp.137-341.

Copy prepared by the calligrapher, Damghani in 1237-38 / 1822-23 (pp.47, 134, 341).

Note

Most probably unresearched.

Box 1

Manuscript no: 15

“Kitab al-masadir” (Linguistics, Arabic and Persian), fine Naskh with ornamental titles and red sentence dividers. Dated: Jumadi I, 1104 / 1692.

Creator/Collector: Sayyid Abu 'Abdullah Husain b. Ahmad Zawzani

Physical Description: Burgundy leather binding.

Physical Description: 144pp. of text; 14 lines per page; 190 × 125 (140 × 80) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Title page bears 7 lines of notes signed by Husain b. 'Ali al-Hilli, dated 1111 / 1699, according to which the manuscript is declared a religious endowment (waqf) by Malik Husain al- Qayeni (signatures and seals of witnesses are also present).

Calligrapher (a famous master): Dust Muhammad (p.144; cf. Bayani I, pp.187 ff., no.316: mentions merely one manuscript from the University Library in Istanbul).

Box 2

Manuscript no: 16

“Kitab al-rawzah”. Dated: Ziy al-Qa'da 1060 / 1650.

Creator/Collector: Muhammad b. Ya'qub al-Kulaini

Physical Description: Arabic, fine & clear script with red titles and numerous marginalia. Dark brown leather binding.

Physical Description: 259 pages of text; 19 lines per page; 250 × 170 (175 × 100) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Calligrapher: 'Ali b. Husain Shirazi.

Box 2

Manuscript no: 17

“Risalah-yi dar bayan-i adab-i hajj” (Treatise on pilgrimage practices). Dated: Jumadi I, 1203 / 1788.

Creator/Collector: Muhammad 'Ali b. Muhammad Baqir Isfahani

Physical Description: Persian, Naskh. Brown leather binding with six ornamental medallions (narrow binding(?)).

Physical Description: 82pp. of text; 18 lines per page; 170 × 70 (135 × 50) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Calligrapher: Muhammad Taqiy b. Muhammad Sharif.

Box 2

Manuscript no: 18

“Kitab rawzat al-safa” (First volume of the famous universal history: prophets and rulers of the pre-islamic world). Dated (p.387): 912 / 1506 (only eight or nine years after Mir-Khwand's death).

Creator/Collector: Mir-Khwand (died 903 / 1498)

Physical Description: Persian. Text boxes in gold, red, and blue; fine introductory ornaments (sar-luh) with floral designs in gold and colors. Heavy brown leather binding. (Spine and binding somewhat damaged).

Physical Description: 387pp. of text; 31 lines per page; 365 × 225 (285 × 170) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Exquisite Nasta'liq by an anonymous master Calligrapher.

Rarity: one of the earliest Mir-Khwand manuscripts, at any rate

Box 2

Manuscript no: 19

Collection of five titles

Physical Description: (Persian, Arabic)

Physical Description: 74pp. of text; 205 × 155 mm; brown leather binding.

Scope and Content Note

a) Abu Talib al-Qayeni autobiographical notes of the former owner (signed “Mirza Abu Talib“), pp.1-4.
b) Poetry ( “Mahmud Ayyaz”; lament of one of Mahmud's sons for the drowned beloved, quatrains by Sa'd b. Zangi, etc.), very fine Naskh with ornamental titles in red, pp.6-11.
c) Comments and notes (prose and verse), pp.12 ff.
d) Shaikh Baha'i: “Al-risalah ai-samadiyah”; Arabic, fine large Naskh with red titles and most lavish marginal comments in miniscule script; famous calligrapher: Muhammad Sharif (signed p.70), dated: Rabi' I, 1212 / 1797, pp.14-70.
e) Shaikh Baha'i: “Az manzumat...” (poetry), pp.71 ff.

Box 2

Manuscript no: 20

“Shark al-hidayah” (famous commentary on Athir al-Din al-Abhari, cf. Browne IV, p.57: “Maybodi's commentary... is still the favourite text-book for beginners in philosophy...“). Final dating (p.222): Shawwal 880 / 1475 (!!).

Creator/Collector: Husain b. Mu'in al-Din al-Maibudi (philosopher, executed as a “Sunni fanatic” under Shah Isma'il 907-30 / 1501-24)

Physical Description: Arabic, fine very even Naskh. Marginalia partially damaged (main text is immaculate). Brown leather binding (spine and binding somewhat damaged).

Physical Description: 222pp. of text; 15 lines per page; 190 × 105 (115 × 55) mm.

Scope and Content Note

“faraqtu min ta'lifihi...” without mention of a katib: copied directly from the original[?].

Box 2

Manuscript no: 21

“Sharh suwar al-Qur'an” (Coranic commentaries). Dated (pp.47, 318, 369): 1110 and 1117/1698 and 1705.

Creator/Collector: Shaikh Baha'i (Baha' al-Din Muhammad al-Amili, universal scholar and wazir of Shah 'Abbas the Great, died 1030 / 1621)

Physical Description: Arabic; varying, always well legible script with red titles. Main body of text pp.29-318. Beginning, end, margins and pasted-in notes with a wide variety of marginalia. Semi-leather binding with painted ornaments in orange and blue.

Physical Description: 397pp. of text; 14 lines per page (main body of text); 190 × 125 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Scribe: Abu Turab Salim b. Rashid.

Box 2

Manuscript no: 22

Collection of two treatises on linguistics (Arabic). approximately 1750 C.E.

Physical Description: 93pp. of text; 13 lines per page (main body of text); 150 × 100 mm; Two-colored leather binding (damaged).

Scope and Content Note

a) Ahmad b. 'Ali b. al-Mas'ud: “Kitab mirah al-arwah”, pp.1-88.
b) 'Abd al-Qahir al-Jurjani: “Risalah fi al-nahw...”, pp.89-92.

Box 2

Manuscript no: 23

“Risalah dar bari-yi sighah” (Treatise on Shi'ite temporary marriage). Dated: Sha'ban 1301 / 1883.

Creator/Collector: 'Abd al-Karim al-Burujirdi

Physical Description: Persian, even, easily legible Naskh. Green leather binding

Physical Description: 106pp. of text; 11 lines per page; 165 × 105 (120 × 60) mm. Unedited autograph.

Manuscript no: 24

Collection of two treatises on astronomy

Physical Description: (Persian)

Physical Description: 244pp. of text, 220 × 160 (170 × 90) mm. 35 tables and drawings (red, black). Brown leather binding with ornamental border.

Scope and Content Note

a) Khajah Nasir al-Din Muhammad Tusi: “Risalah-yi si fasl” (Tractate on astronomy and science of calendars in 30 parts); beginning of first section missing; large Nasta'liq, 52pp. of text, 11 lines per page. Dated: Ramadan 1197 / 1783, p.52.
b) Husain b. 'Ali Kaffashi: “Risalah-yi shams al-ma'arif” (Astronomical treatise based on Khwajah Tusi and the “Liwa'ah al-qamar fi al-ikhtiyarat” of Kamal al-Din Husain al-Wa'iz: s. pp.197 ff., 244); Nasta'liq, 21 lines per page; dated: Safar 1206 / 1791, pp.53-244.

Manuscript no: 25

“Risalah-yi farsi dar hay'at” (Persian treatise on astronomy)

Creator/Collector: 'Ali Qushci (great astronomer and mathematician of the second half of the 15th century; highly esteemed by Sultan Uzun Hasan (1453-1478): s. Browne III, p. 407)

Physical Description: pp.95-144 original (15th/16th century Nasta'liq), beginning (pp.1-94) replaced (18th century Naskh). Dark leather binding.

Physical Description: 144 pages of text; 12 lines per page; Nasta'liq and Naskh; 165 × 105 (110 × 55) mm. 20 astronomical drawings (red, black). 16th and 18th century (s.a.).

Scope and Content Note

One of the rare scientific works in Persian antedating 1500.

Preface, two main sections (maqala), conclusion. Lavish comments in margins.

Note

Manuscript was owned by Mirza Dawud b. Mir Muhammad Ja'far al- Husaini al-Mashhadi in Rabi' II, 108 1793 (s. notes and seals pp.1, 144).

Manuscript no: 26

Collection of four treatises on medicine (Persian)

Creator/Collector: Nasir al-Din

Physical Description: 477pp. of text; 23 lines per page; fine Nasta'liq with red titles; 250 × 155 (180 × 80) mm. Dark red leather binding with ornamental border.

Scope and Content Note

a) Mirza Muhammad Husain Afshar (student and translator of the court physician and professor at the “Dar al-funun,” Dr J.B. Polak, 1818-91): “Kitab 'ilaj al-asqam” (surgery), Persian version of one of Dr. Polak's works: lithograph, Tehran 1273; Manuscript dated 1280 / 1863, 204pp. of text.
b) “Lughat” (59 medical terms translated into Persian and commented), 2pp.
c) “Risalah-yi kahhali” (on eye diseases; lithograph, Tehran 1273: s. Meshar II, p.701), preface and 12 chapters (abwab), scribe: 'Abd al-Husain, dated: Muharram 1280 / 1863 (original 1273), 64pp. of text.
d) Afshar (based on Polak): “Makhzan al-fawa'id dar a'mal” (compiled by Riza-Quli), 101pp. of text.

Manuscript no: 27

Collection of 13 treatises and numerous drawings and tables. Dated: 1241 / 1825 and 1226-30 / 1714-18.

Physical Description: 336pp. of text; 15-21 lines per page (main bodies of text); 210 × 150 mm; Leather binding covered with two-colored paper. As yet unedited.

Scope and Content Note

Scribe (pp.50-336): Muhammad b. 'Ali; pleasant Nasta'liq with red titles.

Manuscript is divided into two parts: (A) no.1-4 (pp.1-49), (B) no.5-13 (pp.50-336).

1) Tractate on religious ablutions, pp.1-8.
2) “Siyagh al-'uqud wa al-iqat”, pp.9-33; both by Shaikh 'Ali b. 'Abdullah.
3) from: “Kitab ghayat al-maram...”, pp.33-43.
4) Treatise on marriage and divorce, pp.44-49.
5) “Khulasah fi 'ilm al-hisab” (Summary of arithmetic); preface missing. Nine chapters (abwab) and khatimah. With 58 drawings and tables (red, black). Based on Shaikh Baha'i. Continuous comments in margins, signed: “Muradi,” “Nizam al-Din,” '”Abd al-Rahman,” etc., pp.50-105.
6) 'Umar b. Ahmad al-Ma'i: “Sharh al-risalah al-baha'iyah” (Discussion of Shaikh Baha'i's arithmetic); Arabic; with 25 drawings and tables, pp.107-212.
7) “Risalah fi al-usturlab” (Science of the astrolabe); with one drawing (p.240). Preface, 15 chapters (fusul), conclusion, pp.214-241.
8) “Risalah fi samt al-qiblah” (Treatise on the direction of prayer), p.242.
9) Quotation from a risalah on the astrolabe, p.243.
10) “Risalah fi al- 'amal bi al-rub' al-mudhayyib” (mathematics), preface and 20 abwab; marginalia signed “Abu Bakr al-Asiri,” pp.245-260.
11) Two tables (two-colored) with comments in fine minute script by Abu Bakr al-Asiri, p.261.
12) Shihab al-Din Ahmad b. al-Majdi: “Risalah fi al-muqantarat” (mathematics); preface and 10 fusul. Appendix p.275. Marginalia signed “Ibn Hilli” etc. (pp.263-275). Appendix: seals and comments, pp.276 ff.
13) “Risalah fi ma'rifat al-istikhraj” (Astronomy, calculations); Arabic; preface, 17 abwab, conclusion. Based on Shaikh Abu 'Abdullah Muhammad al-Maridini (s.p.280). Marginalia, pp.278-336.

Note

pp.50-336 of particular scientific interest.

Box 2

Manuscript no: 28

“Hashiyah 'ala alfiyah al-shahid” (Commentary on the famous Shahid-Alfiyah). Written before 1102 / 1690 (cf. end note p.157).

Creator/Collector: Shaikh Nur al-Din 'Ali ( ”al-muhaqqiq al-thani“, the second redactor, Shaikh al-Islam at the court of the Safawid, Shah Tamasp; died 940 / 1533)

Physical Description: Arabic; large, easily legible Naskh with red titles on thick waxed paper. Completely preserved. Fine green leather binding with six ornamental medallions (blemished).

Physical Description: 157pp. of text; 16 lines per page; 190 × 125 (125 × 70) mm.

Box 3

Manuscript no: 29

Collection (Title: “Kitab manhaj al-tullab”; 'The path of scholars') of three works (Arabic). Dated (pp.118, 149, 200, 274): 1181 / 1767.

Creator/Collector: Yusuf MuIIa Sa'di (as yet unknown author of the second half of the 18th century)

Physical Description: Very even, easily legible, vocalized Naskh with red titles. Countless marginalia in the margins, between the lines, and pasted-in. Black leather binding with ornaments.

Physical Description: 274pp. of text; 17 lines per page (main bodies of text); 220 × 170 mm. Autograph.

Scope and Content Note

a) “Kitab al-taharat”, pp.1-149.
b) “Kitab al-nikahat”, pp.151-200.
c) “Kitab al-jinayat”, pp.203-274.

According to the preface (p.2), the author was influenced by Imam Shafi'i and Zakariya al-Nawawi.

Unedited.

Box 3

Manuscript no: 30

“Asrar al-'arifin” (Secrets of the knowing; anthology of mystic Shi'ite prose and poetry). Dated: 1256 / 1840.

Creator/Collector: 'Abd al-Rahim b. Muhammad Mahdi (scribe; partial author?)

Physical Description: Persian and Arabic. Masterful calligraphic Naskh (black, red) with 13 two-colored title borders. Very nice brown leather binding with six ornamental medallions displaying flowers and birds.

Physical Description: 465pp. of text; 15 lines per page; 210 × 150 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Contents: Preface (beginning is missing), 19 main chapters (majalis), conclusion.

Probably unedited.

Box 3

Manuscript no: 31

Collection. Dated: Safar 1014 / 1605.

Physical Description: 81pp. of text; 26 and 16 lines per page; 210 × 150 mm; four schematic drawings; scribe: Zayn al-Din Dizfuli, named '”Abbasi al-Muttali“ (p.81). ( on (a), s. Enc.de l'Islam, I, II, pp.688 ff.)

Scope and Content Note

a) Abu al-Jaysh al-Andalusi (7th / 13th cent.) “Risalah fi 'ilm al-'aruz” (Treatise on the science of prosody); Arabic, fine, even Naskh with red titles
b) Islamic legends of saints from the “Kitab-i jami'” (continuous in margins); Persian. Nasta'liq. Light leather binding with ornamental borders.

Box 3

Manuscript no: 32

“Kitab fi ma'rifat al-rijal” (biographical material). Original Dated: 707 / 1307 (Dated: 1186 / 1772).

Creator/Collector: Hasan Yusuf al-Hilli (or “Hilli,” died 726 / 1326)

Physical Description: Arabic; even Naskh with red key words. Two initial sheets. Two-colored leather binding.

Physical Description: 104pp. of text; 15 lines per page; 180 × 110 (130 × 65) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Contains names and genealogies of 785 islamic celebrities.

Two autographical notes and three seals of 'Abdullah b. 'Abd al- 'Azim al-Khwansari.

Box 3

Manuscript no: 33

Collection of three titles.

Physical Description: 203pp. of text; 14-19 lines per page; 200 × 130 (130 × 60) mm. Two-colored leather binding with ornaments.

Scope and Content Note

a) Safi al-Din Muhammad b. Fazlullah b. 'Abdullah al-Razi: “Ikhtisar al-sharh al-musammah bi al-hanafiyah”; Arabic; with signature and seal of the author (p.1). Autograph (pp.1-6, 11-90, and numerous marginalia). (pp.1-90)
b) Appendix (verses and notes); p.93; dated: 1209 / 1794. (pp.90-94)
c) Anonymous: “Maqamat al-'arifin” (cf. H. Ritter, “The Sea of the Soul,” p.656, according to whom this was composed in 771: Manuscript Koprulu 784) (pp.95-203).

Box 3

Manuscript no: 34

“Sharh mukhtasar al-usul”. Signature and Seal Dated: 1200 / 1785. Dated (p.681): 26. Sha'ban 7347 / 1334 (in words).

Creator/Collector: Ibn al-Hajib

Physical Description: Arabic; Nasta'liq with red titles and copious marginalia. Manuscript was owned by the judge (qazi) of Maraghi (Ibn 'Abd al-Rahman; p.1).

Physical Description: 681pp. of text; 18 lines per page; 180 × 110 (120 × 65) mm.

Box 3

Manuscript no: 35

“Mashariq al-anwar” (Places of lights, composed 774 / 1372). Approximately 1700 CE.

Creator/Collector: Rajab al-Bursi (authority on Shi'ite theosophy)

Physical Description: Arabic, fine clear Naskh with red titles. Two-colored leather binding with ornaments.

Physical Description: 407pp. of text; 18 lines per page; 210 × 120 (150 × 70) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Standard work, as yet little researched (cf. H. Corbin, “History of Islamic Philosophy,” Paris 1964; p.56: “an essential work for Shi'ite gnosis ...“).

Box 3

Manuscript no: 36

Collection of two works. Dated: 1014 / 1605.

Physical Description: 538pp. of text; 7-17 lines per page; 190 × 125 (120 × 50) mm.

Scope and Content Note

a) 'Aziz b. Muhammad al-Razawi (scribe / author (?)): “Mabadi al-lughat” (Philology); Arabic; even Naskh with numerous marginalia, pp.1-262.
b) Qazi Baizawi (died 685 / 1186): “Minhaj al-wusul”; Arabic; large Naskh with red titles; preface and seven books, pp.263-538. Fine brown leather binding with clasp.

Scribe (b): Muhammad Hadi. (p.262; (a)), 1039 / 1629 (p.538 (b)).

Box 3

Manuscript no: 37

“Sharh bab al-hadi 'asharah”. Approximately 1750 C.E.

Creator/Collector: Jamal al-Din Muhammad al-Mahallati

Physical Description: Arabic; large, clear Naskh with red titles; numerous marginalia, frequently signed (”Sayyid Sadr al-Din“). Two-colored leather binding.

Physical Description: 222pp. of text, 12 lines per page; 150 × 100 (115 × 50) mm.

Box 3

Manuscript no: 38

“Nijat al-'ibad fi yawm at-mi'ad” (parts I-IV).

Creator/Collector: Shaikh Muhammad Hasan al-Isfahani ( ”Sahib al-Jawahir“, was regarded the highest authority of the Twelver Shi'a in the first half of the 19th century, died 1266 / 1849)

Physical Description: Beautiful, large Naskh with red titles. Brown leather binding.

Physical Description: 259pp. of text; 19 lines per page; 220 × 155 (150 × 85) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Persian translation by Isfahani's student, Sayyid Abu Talib Hamadani.

A 1293 / 1876 lithograph from Tehran is itself considered to be a rarity.

Manuscript possibly translator's autograph.

Box 3

Manuscript no: 39

Collection of three titles. Dated (p.356): Shawal 1074 / 1663.

Creator/Collector: Ibn Hajar (Shihab al-Din Ahmad al-'Ashari; died 1449 C.E.)

Physical Description: Large, even, partially vocalized Naskh with red titles, numerous marginalia, Arabic. Fine, heavy leather binding (two-colored) with ornamental border and medallions; ornamental clasp. Heavy waxed paper.

Physical Description: 519pp. of text; 25 lines per page; 210 × 150 mm. Rarity.

Scope and Content Note

a) “Kitab al-sawa'iq”, pp.1-356.
b) “Tatimmat” (Appendix to (a)), pp.357-393.
c) “Kitab al-i'lam bi qawati'al-islam”, pp.397-514.

Scribe: Mahfuz al-Ghamri.

Manuscript no: 40

Collection of seven treatises. Dated (pp.23, 56, 62, 111): 1085-87 / 1674-76.

Physical Description: Varying script with red titles and many geometrical and schematic drawings. Semi-leather binding. Arabic and Persian.

Physical Description: 168 pages of text, 15-23 lines per page; 190 × 140 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Mostly compilations, on:

1) Mysticism of love ( “al-'ashiqin”), pp.1-23.
2) Scholastic theology ( “mukhtasari az risalah-yi 'ilm-i kalam”), pp.24-56.
3) Avicenna, pp.57-62.
4) Poetry, prosody, pp.64-82.
5) Geometry (by Qazizadah Rumi), pp.83-111.
6) Astronomy and astrology (by Muhammad b. 'All al-Tumani), pp.112 ff.
7) Metaphysics, pp.156 ff.

Scribe, compiler, and (partially) author: Mustafa b. 'Ali Sadiq al- Sirini (Kurdistan, cf.p.56).

Unedited.

Box 4

Manuscript no: 41

“Kitab a'mal-i sal wa faza'il-i ayyam” (Book of meditation and contemplation, divided in accordance with the months of the Islamic calendar; dedicated to Shah Sultan Husain). Copy Dated Rajab: 1225 / 1810.

Creator/Collector: Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi (died 1700 C.E.):

Physical Description: Persian; with numerous quotations in Arabic; fine script (Nasta'liq & Naskh) in golden, red and black frames with red titles. Fine brown leather binding.

Physical Description: 385pp. of text; 18 lines per page; 150 × 100 (115 × 65) mm.

Box 4

Manuscript no: 42

“Diwan.” Dated: approximately 1750 C.E.

Creator/Collector: Hafiz (died 1389)

Physical Description: Persian; large, easily legible Nasta'liq with frames in gold, red, and black.

Physical Description: Black leather binding with ornamental medallions and cloth spine with floral patterns in gold and colors.

Physical Description: 400pp. of text; 15 lines per page; 200 × 135 mm.

Scope and Content Note

Accurate copy of the edition prepared by Muhammad Gulandam after the poet's death.

Contains:

(a) Introduction, in prose, to the poet and his oeuvre, pp.1-10.
(b) Qasidahs, pp.11-30.
(c) Ghazals, pp.31-400.

Box 4

Manuscript no: 43

“Jamal al-salihin” (Brevier on the philosophy of life in the style of Sa'di's “Gulistan” and Tusi's “Akhlaq-i nasiri” etc.). ca.1700 C.E.

Creator/Collector: Hasan b. 'Abd al-Razzaq al-Lahiji (died 1121 / 1709; cf. Moshar, ”Mu'allifin“, II, pp.586 ff.)

Physical Description: Persian with numerous quotations and inserts in Arabic; Nasta'liq & Naskh with red titles; consistently well legible. 12 main sections (subdivided); table of contents pp.4-7. Two-colored leather binding with six ornamental medallions (original, very worn).

Physical Description: 431pp. of text; 21 lines per page; 190 × 120 (140 × 75) mm; As yet unedited. Autograph[?].

Box 4

Manuscript no: 44

“Al-kitab al-Sami fi al-asami” (classic collection of Arabic / Persian terms from all domains of life). Dated: 12 Rajab 1100 / 1688.

Creator/Collector: Ahmad b. Muhammad al-Maidani (died 518 / 1124; famous philologist)

Physical Description: Beautiful Naskh calligraphy (with red titles and sentence dividers) on fine waxed paper.

Physical Description: Elegant black leather binding (with red lining) with delicate gold ornaments and embellished clasp. Text is complete.

Physical Description: 333pp. of text; 14 lines per page; 190 × 120 (135 × 65) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Contents divided into four main sections (with a total of 43 chapters):

a) Religion, pp.13-36.
b) Creatures, pp.36-260.
c) The heavens, pp.260-283.
d) The Earth, pp.283-333.

Box 4

Manuscript no: 45

“Sharh-i nisab al-sibyan” (Commentary on the Arabo-Persian didactic poem of Abu Nasr al-Farahi, 8th / 14th century). Approximately 1700 C.E.

Physical Description: Large, easily legible script with red titles. First page and last lines of pp.207-210 missing. Verses (red) and commentary (black). Two-colored leather binding.

Physical Description: 210pp. of text; 16 lines per page; 205 × 120 (145 × 75) mm.

Box 4

Manuscript no: 46

“Kitab-i diwan-i ghazaliyat wa qasa'id wa ruba'iyat” (Anthology of poetry: ghayals, qasidahs, quatrains, and prose: eight “band,” pp.157 ff). Dated: 1850 C.E.

Physical Description: Persian; Nasta'liq & Shikastah with red titles and frames. Brown leather binding (back damaged).

Physical Description: 222pp. of text; 10-13 lines per page; 170 × 110 (130 × 65) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Poets: Riyaz Hamadani, Naziri, Muhtasham, Baba Tahir, Fani, Tayyib, Hatif, Hafiz, Sa'di, Jami etc.

Scribe: Muhammad Amin Nasrullah-Khan al-Hamadani, pp.157, 215.

Box 4

Manuscript no: 47

“Mantiq al-tair” (mystical epic in verse). Dated: 1276 / 1859.

Creator/Collector: Shaikh 'Attar

Physical Description: fine, ornate Shikastah calligraphy with red titles on thin, multi-colored paper. Verses in four columns. Green leather binding.

Physical Description: 132pp. of text; 21 lines per page; 210 × 140 (160 × 90) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Calligrapher: Ibn Muhammad al-Husain al- Harawi.

Manuscript no: 48

“Risalah dar hifz-i sihhat” (Treatise on the preservation of health). approximately 1680 C.E.

Creator/Collector: Jalal al-Din Muhammad al-Isfahani (Safawid court physician)

Physical Description: Persian; even Naskh with red titles with gold frames, introductory illustration in gold (leaf motive). Two-colored leather binding (damaged). Text fully preserved.

Physical Description: 86pp. of text; 12 lines per page; 185 × 115 (120 × 65) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Autograph (p.7) with dedication (p.8) to the Safawid ruler, Shah Sulaiman, 1078-1106 / 1667-1694.

Unedited.

Manuscript no: 49

“Kitab-i adwiyih” (Book of remedies, in alphabetical order). Dated (p.319, in words): Safar 1126 / 1714.

Creator/Collector: Muzaffar b. Muhammad al-Shifa'i (Safawid physician)

Physical Description: Persian; large Nasta'liq with red index words, text outlined in red, marginalia, Semi-leather binding (somewhat worn).

Physical Description: 319pp. of text; 15 lines per page; 250 × 140 (180 × 80) mm.

Box 4

Manuscript no: 50

“Kitab jawahir al-'ilm” (Book of the gems of knowledge). Dated (p.168): Sixth Ziy al-Qa'da 1229 / 1814.

Creator/Collector: Shaikh Hasan al-Basri (famous Sufi of early Islam; died 728 C.E.)

Physical Description: Persian version; large, dynamic Nasta'liq with red titles on sturdy blue paper. Text fully preserved. Brown leather binding with six ornamental medallions (floral motive).

Physical Description: 168pp. of text; 14 lines per page; 215 × 215 (160 × 110) mm.

Scope and Content Note

Scribe: Muhammad Ja'far Tabrizi.

Box 4

Manuscript no: 51

Collection of two titles (Ottoman Turkish). Dated (p.108): 1250 / 1834.

Physical Description: Cardboard binding covered with painted paper, with velvet spine, clasp.

Physical Description: 120pp. of text; 15 lines per page; 185 × 120 (150 × 80) mm.

Scope and Content Note

a) Muhammad b. Pir 'Ali: “Wasiyat” (Testament), with 2 introductory pages beautifully painted in gold and other colors (pp.1/2), vocalized Naskh with outline in gold, red, and blue; red sentence dividers and titles, pp.1-108.
b) Appendix: “Kitab al-Du'a” (opening prayers and prayers of supplication: iftar, Sayyid al-istighfar, ta'am, salat, miftah al-jannah, tawbah), pp.109-120.

Calligrapher: Hajj 'Abd al-Rahman, Imam of the Friday mosque of Samaqu'i (s.p.108).

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