Description:

THE SECOND PART OF AL-ILKTIYAR AL-MAWJIH: EXPLANATION OF THE DRUZE SECT OF THE UNITARIANS
by Hamzah Ibn Ali Ibn Ahmad, with commentary by Al-Aman Abu Al-Hasan Bahaa Al-Din Ali Ibn Ahmad Al-Samuqi
Written by Ali Ibn Salamah, Jabal Al-Summaq, 1080 AH (1669-70 AD)

Description:
A rare and significant manuscript containing the second part of Al-Ilktiyar al-Mawjih, an authoritative doctrinal work elaborating the teachings of the Druze sect (al-Muwahhidun). The foundational text by Hamzah Ibn Ali Ibn Ahmad—central figure in the early formation of Druze theology—is accompanied here by the detailed explanation (sharh) by the pivotal scholar Bahaa al-Din al-Samuqi.

This copy, penned by Ali Ibn Salamah in Jabal al-Summaq (a notable center of Druze scholarship in the Levant), is an invaluable witness to the religious, esoteric, and philosophical traditions of the Druze community. It reflects the clandestine nature of Druze texts, rarely circulated outside the community and seldom preserved in such complete form.

Features:

  • Script: Neat and deliberate Arabic naskh, in black and red ink

  • Paper: Thick, locally-made paper with visible natural fibers

  • Content: Doctrinal explications, metaphysical cosmology, and the symbolic interpretation of key Unitarian texts

  • Marginalia: Minimal, indicating probable restricted scholarly use

  • Binding: Leather-bound in period marbled paper boards

Dimensions:

  • Length: 21.5 cm

  • Width: 15 cm

Comparable Examples:

  • A Druze doctrinal manuscript in the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BNF Arabe 2794) shares thematic parallels but lacks the completeness and commentary seen here.

  • A similar theological manuscript from the same period was exhibited at the British Library’s “Faith and Belief in the Middle East” exhibition, c. 2009.

  • Sotheby’s sold a Druze theological treatise from Mount Lebanon, late 17th century, for £31,250 in 2018, though without authorial attribution.

Note:
This is an extremely rare opportunity to acquire an authentic and complete doctrinal manuscript of one of the most esoteric and philosophically rich sects in Islamic history. The combination of text and commentary, scribal colophon, and Levantine provenance make this manuscript ideal for institutions or private collectors focused on Islamic theology, comparative religion, or Middle Eastern history.

Provenance:
Property of a Gentleman of Title, UK.

 

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

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