Researchers at Zayed National Museum have uncovered concealed text beneath gold leaf on a page of the Blue Qur’an, a renowned Islamic manuscript. Using advanced multi-spectral imaging, the research revealed verses from Surah al-Nisa’, shedding new light on the production of this significant artifact.

Dating back to 800-900 CE, the Blue Qur’an is celebrated for its indigo-dyed sheepskin pages adorned with gold Kufic calligraphy. The script’s absence of dots and vowel marks makes it challenging to read today. Initially comprising 600 sheets, only about 100 remain globally, scattered across private and museum collections. Five of these pages will be displayed at the Zayed National Museum.

The imaging technology used can unveil faded elements invisible to the human eye. In this instance, the decoration might have been applied to correct a calligrapher’s error, such as duplicating text. Given the costly indigo-dyed sheepskin, starting anew was impractical. Instead, intricate patterns were crafted to conceal mistakes, a rarely documented practice in early Islamic manuscripts.

This discovery highlights the decisions and methods of calligraphers, offering fresh insights into the Blue Qur’an’s creation. It will feature in the museum’s Through Our Connections gallery, showcasing the UAE’s cultural evolution, technological advancements, and its pivotal role in knowledge exchange.

Mai Al Mansouri, Associate Curator, emphasized the museum’s commitment to cultural research, saying: “These findings enhance our understanding of regional heritage and underscore the UAE’s historical significance as a centre for communication and innovation.”

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Nurul Iman Bint Rusli, Curator, added: “This groundbreaking research offers invaluable perspectives on the Blue Qur’an, furthering its study and global appreciation.”