Publication Date
The first half of the 2nd century AH/8AD AD
Publication Place
-
Now on display at the Jordan Museum
Subject
Engraved stone.
Type
Other
Language
Undetermined
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Physical Dimensions
الارتفاع: 70 سم؛ العرض: 38 سم
Library
Museum With No Frontiers
Library Asset ID
J.6383
Record ID
object;ISL;jo;Mus01;4;ar
Library Location
Jordanian Archaeological Museum
Date
The first half of the 2nd century AH/8AD AD
Notes
The piece is a square-shaped stone on which there is a Qur’anic inscription of the Throne Verse, which is verse No. 255 of Surat Al-Baqarah (No. 2). The verse reads as follows: “Allah, there is no god but He, the Ever-Living, the Ever-Subsisting. No year or sleep can overtake Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is there to intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they do not comprehend any of His knowledge except what He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and preserving them does not tire Him, and He is the Most High, the Great.” This verse was deeply engraved on the stone in calligraphy, and came in ten lines. The letters are long and angular, which indicates that this inscription dates back to an early period, as this type of letters dates back to the early Islamic periods. As for the uses of this stone, they are linked to the idea of protecting the house and its people from envy. What is noteworthy is that this tradition is still common to this day, as we find this verse on the interior walls of homes, written on plates of laminated copper or on embroideries or pieces of jewelry used especially for children.
Sample Text
Aida Naghawy “Engraved Stone” in Discover Islamic Art. Museum Without Borders, 2026. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;jo;Mus01;4;ar
