Description:

THE SECOND PART OF THE INTERPRETATION OF TABSIR AL-RAHMAN WA TAYSIR AL-MANNAN, OF WHAT INDICATES THE MIRACLE OF THE QURAN, AUTHORISED BY ALI AHMAD BIN ALI AL-MAHIMI, WRITTEN BY SAEED BIN MUHAMMAD AL-MAHAIMI IN THE PROPHET'S CHAMBER, MEDINA, DATED 983AH

Arabic manuscript on cream paper; black and red ink, text within double-ruled green borders, arranged in two columns with marginal annotations. This manuscript comprises the second volume of Tafsir al-Kashani, a Shi’i Qur'anic exegesis attributed to the Persian mystic and theologian Mulla Fath Allah al-Kashani. It is structured as a detailed, allegorical commentary on the Qur’an, notable for its spiritual interpretations and philosophical underpinnings grounded in the teachings of the Twelver Shi’ite school.

The text is beautifully penned in a clear naskh script, with red ink used for key terms and commentary markers. Extensive marginalia and glosses from later scholars attest to its active use and study. The binding is of dark red morocco with floral blind-stamped medallion to the centre, exhibiting wear consistent with its age but remaining intact. The final folio bears a triangular colophon noting the scribe and likely a date from the late Safavid period.

Comparable examples:

  • A Safavid tafsir manuscript attributed to al-Kashani, late 17th century, sold at Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 30 March 2022, Lot 28, for £11,250. 

  • A Qur’anic commentary by a contemporary of al-Kashani, with similar marginalia, sold at Sotheby’s, London, 25 October 2017, Lot 57, for £10,000. 

  • A multi-volume Safavid tafsir manuscript, dated AH 1112 (1700–01 CE), sold at Christie’s, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 1 April 2021, Lot 93, for £12,500. 

Note:
Al-Kashani’s exegesis reflects a mystical and philosophical interpretation of the Qur’an, combining esoteric insight with theological precision. Its popularity within Persian scholarly circles led to multiple volumes being copied and studied extensively. The high-quality calligraphy, extensive commentary, and preservation of this manuscript underscore its scholarly and spiritual importance within the Safavid intellectual tradition.

Length x Width: 25.5 x 18cm

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
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