AL-JAZULI, DALA'IL AL-KHAYRAT WA SHAWARIQ AL-ANWAR,... Lot n° 258

Arabic manuscript on paper, 13 lines to the page, the upper and lower line in large blue thuluth script, the middle line in large gold thuluth script, two columns of each 5 lines in smaller black naskh script, gold verse markers, inner margins ruled in gold, catchwords, out borders in orange and green ink, significant words and phrases picked out in red ink, one illuminated headpiece in colors and gold, one further smaller illuminated heading, double-page illuminations in gold of the grave of Prophet Muhammad and the Minbar of Medina. In leather morocco binding with stamped gilt floral decoration. 7.5 by 12 cm. 11.5 by 17 cm. CATALOGUE NOTE Dala'il al-Khayrat reflect the spontaneous composition of salawat, the blessings and praise upon the Prophet, composed directly from the heart of a prominent Sufi master, Imam Al-Jazuli (died 1465). The composition has become an important prayer book in its native land, Morocco, which has also spread across the breadth of the Islamic lands. Today, Dala'il al-Khayrat is celebrated as the most acclaimed source on the salawat upon the Prophet Mohammad. Dala'il al-Khayrat has for centuries inspired calligraphers, illuminators and painters of court studios in producing sumptuous prayer manuscripts, which reflect the distinctive designs of various Islamic dynasties. These manuscripts uncover the story behind the text appreciation by patrons and calligraphers, and to bring to light the skills as well as the techniques of the craftsmen. The tradition of reciting the salawat of Dala'il al-Khayrat in public and private gatherings continues until today.