Description:

THE BOOK OF CLASSES OF POLES (TABAQAT AL-AWTAD), DATED 887 AH / 1482-83 AD
Probably Egypt or the Levant, late Mamluk period

Description:
Arabic manuscript on paper, copied in clear naskh script in black ink with important terms, names, and phrases rubricated in red. Composed by the renowned scholar Sheikh Omar bin Ali bin al-Mulqin al-Ansari and copied by the scribe Abdul Qadir bin Abdullah al-Afwaji al-Hijjami in the Islamic year 887 AH. The text appears to be a hagiographical work detailing the spiritual hierarchy of awliya (saints), specifically focusing on the concept of al-Awtad—pillars or poles of the mystical world in Sufi cosmology.

The manuscript is bound in a dark teal leather binding with a characteristic triangular flap, possibly a later addition. The pages show extensive signs of use, with water staining and smudging consistent with age and devotional or scholarly handling. Marginalia and catchwords are also visible.

Dimensions: 18 x 15 cm

This rare work by a key Mamluk-era scholar reflects the deep Sufi traditions of the time, especially the growing interest in codifying spiritual ranks. Manuscripts of this type are highly desirable due to their theological and mystical content and the noted authorship.

Comparable examples:

  • A Mamluk-era theological manuscript by al-Suyuti sold at Sotheby’s, London, Arts of the Islamic World, 25 October 2017, Lot 41, for £8,125.

  • A 15th-century Sufi manuscript by Ibn Arabi on spiritual hierarchy fetched £9,375 at Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 11 June 2018, Lot 110.

  • A hagiographical manuscript on saints of Egypt, dated to the Mamluk period, sold at Christie’s, London, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 24 October 2019, Lot 125, for £7,500.

Note:
Sheikh Omar bin al-Mulqin al-Ansari (d. 804 AH) was a prolific writer and one of the major scholars of hadith and Islamic jurisprudence in the late Mamluk period. His works were widely circulated and copied, particularly among Sufi circles. This manuscript, completed just decades after his death, highlights the sustained relevance of his scholarship.

 

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

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

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 29% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000