Bilal Bashir Bhat
In a profoundly moving gesture that bridges centuries of Indo-Arab spiritual kinship, a rare and exquisitely manuscript of the Holy Quran, meticulously inscribed on cloth, is poised to be proposed as an official gift from the Republic of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Crafted by two devout sisters from Bengaluru, Suraiyya Quraishi and Bibi Tabassum, this remarkable manuscript, written entirely by hand over a span of six years, was formally unveiled in a solemn ceremony at the sanctified shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishty (R.A.) in Ajmer Sharif. The event, held in the spiritual heart of Sufi India, drew hundreds of devotees who gathered to witness the ziyarat (viewing) of the manuscript and offer collective prayers in its luminous presence.
The sacred text, rendered on specially treated cloth in intricate calligraphy, spans 604 pages, bound in five volumes, a feat of spiritual dedication and artistic mastery rarely seen in contemporary times. The manuscript was presented in the hallowed courtyard of the Dargah under the guidance and blessings of Haji Syed Salman Chishty, Gaddi Nashin of Dargah Ajmer Sharif and Chairman of the Chishty Foundation. He was joined by esteemed members of the shrine’s spiritual family including Syed Zahoor Baba, Syed Mehraj Chishty, Syed Aslam Chishty, Syed Danish Ali Chishty, Syed Serhan Chishty, and Syeda Samar Chishty.
In a statement that reverberated with the spirit of sacred diplomacy, Haji Syed Salman Chishty announced his intention to formally propose this manuscript as an official state gift from India to Saudi Arabia, through the Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi. The envisioned destination for this unparalleled work is none other than the Al-Maktabah al-Qur’aniyyah (Holy Qur’an Museum) adjacent to the Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah al-Munawwarah, one of the most revered places in the Islamic world.
“This divine manuscript, created with love and reverence by two noble daughters of India, is not just a work of religious devotion but a spiritual bridge between our nations,” said Haji Syed Salman Chishty. “It reflects the timeless connection between the sacred lands of Hind and Hijaz, a bond rooted in love for the Divine, respect for sacred traditions, and a shared history of reverence.”
The proposed gift, if accepted, will serve as a profound symbol of Indo-Saudi spiritual diplomacy, strengthening not only bilateral ties but also the shared religious heritage that continues to resonate across borders. Consultations with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office are expected to commence in the coming weeks, as efforts intensify to present this gesture with all the solemnity and dignity it commands.
More than a diplomatic overture, the offering embodies India’s centuries-old legacy of sacred calligraphy, Qur’anic devotion, and its enduring tradition of artistic piety. It is also a testament to the living spirit of Ajmer Sharif, where love, service, and reverence for the Divine transcend geography and language.
