Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Public Library has unveiled a rare 1,000-year-old Quran manuscript, “Gharib Al Quran”, authored by the early scholar Abu Ubaidah Mamar Ibn Al Muthanna

Dating back to the fourth century, the 23-folio manuscript (17×22 cm) is written in Andalusian script with surah names in Kufic script and remains an unpublished work in Quranic sciences.

The library’s collection includes over 185 rare manuscripts on Quranic exegesis, along with texts on recitation, grammar, and interpretation, featuring works by Abu Ishaq Al Zajjaj, Ibn Qutaybah Al Dinawari, and parts of Tafsir al-Tabari. The archive supports research and heritage engagement.

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Saudi Arabia unveils rare 1,000-year-old Quran manuscript

King Abdulaziz Public Library reveals Andalusian script manuscript

Last updated: April 01, 2026 | 17:14

Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

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Dubai: Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Public Library has revealed a 1,000-year-old manuscript titled “Gharib Al Quran”, authored by the early scholar Abu Ubaidah Mamar Ibn Al Muthanna.

The manuscript, dating to the fourth century, consists of 23 folios measuring 17 by 22 cm. It is written in clear Andalusian script, with the names of surahs inscribed in Kufic script, and remains an unpublished work in Quranic sciences.

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The library said its collection includes a wide range of rare manuscripts on Quranic interpretation and linguistics, spanning several centuries.

Among them are works by Abu Ishaq Al Zajjaj and Ibn Qutaybah Al Dinawari, as well as parts of Tafsir al Tabari, copied in the sixth century. The archive holds more than 185 rare manuscripts on Quranic exegesis, alongside hundreds of texts covering recitation, grammar and interpretation.

The library said it aims to showcase its rare collections of manuscripts, documents, photographs, coins and artefacts, while opening new avenues for studying and engaging with heritage in its diverse forms. It also seeks to support academic research by making these rare manuscripts more accessible to scholars.