Dalail al-khayrat [Popular compilation of prayers, blessings and salutations upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad]

[21/12/1219; March 1805]

Shoults Ms.12

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This manuscript copy of ‘Dala’il al-khayrat’, a work in praise of the prophet Muhammad, was written about 1805. The final product (mus’haf, a codex or collection of sheets between two boards) conforms to the style of many other Islamic books. There is the distinctive flap, an extension of the back cover extending over the fore-edge. The flap has a dual purpose: it offers protection to the text block, and serves as a bookmark. A central medallion is also present, blind-stamped on the front cover, but gilt on the back. And there is the use of coloured patterned paper for the ‘endpapers’.