Portable Qur'an

The diminutive size of this Qur'an shows one extreme in traditions of Qur'an copying—the text could be written in miniature, testing the skill of the calligrapher. (The text could also be produced on a monumental scale, with some early-modern Qur'ans exceeding three feet in height.) Small-scale Qur'ans were ideal for carrying on your person, attached to a belt by a purse, as seen in this example. This work features a standard format for Qur'an illumination, with the calligraphic text surrounded by a gold border and golden suns, or shamsahs, dividing the verses. The small book also possesses elaborately decorated covers with naturalistic floral designs. The cloth purse and strap would have allowed the owner of this book to wear it as an ornament and also to have the Muslim holy book next to him or her at all times.

The significance of the Qur'an in the Islamic world is demonstrated by its omnipresence: Qur'anic quotations can be found on public buildings, and framed calligraphic panels adorn the walls of homes. In addition, many Muslims memorize the entire Qur'an. The art of reciting the Qur'an is highly prized, as can be seen in the celebrity status of some reciters whose recordings are sold worldwide.