Description:

Lot 16. THE FIRST PART OF THE LETTERS OF THE DRUZE MONOTHEISTS, HAMZA BIN ʿALĪ AL-ZAWZNĪ
Possibly Syria or Lebanon, dated 1154 A.H. / 1741 A.D.

Arabic manuscript on paper, written in a bold black naskh script with sections in red, comprising theological treatises associated with the early Druze faith. The opening folio features a finely coloured geometric kufic composition in red, green, and yellow, forming an interlaced square panel surrounded by scrolling foliate ornament and enclosed within red and black double-ruled borders. Subsequent pages are neatly arranged with rubrication marking titles and key passages. The final folios include decorated headings in red and green with stylised floral separators.

Bound in a black leather binding with a central stamped medallion and cornerpieces, the cover shows natural age wear with slight abrasions and edge creasing. The paper exhibits even toning and scattered watermarks consistent with its period.

The manuscript preserves the opening portion of the Rasāʾil al-Ḥikma (“Epistles of Wisdom”) attributed to Hamza bin ʿAlī al-Zawznī, regarded as one of the founding figures of the Druze faith. The text transmits hadiths and doctrinal writings ascribed to Hamza and his successors, including Bahāʾ al-Dīn Abū al-Ḥasan ʿAlī ibn Aḥmad and al-Samukī, compiled in Jabal al-Summaq in 1154 A.H.

Measurements: 22.5 × 16.5 cm



 The first hadith was written by the infallible Hamza bin Ali al-Zawzni, which was transmitted from him by the imam who acquired it. The fourth hadith was written by Bahaa al-Din Abu al-Hasan Ali bin Ahmad. The next one was written by al-Samuki, the servant calling for the pardon of his master, al-Hakim, Sa’i Hatim bin Salama al-Samuki, a resident of Jabal al-Summaq in the year 1154.

 Length x Width: 22.5 x 16.5cm

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November 4, 2025 1:00 PM GMT
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