Razavi manuscript treasury keeps Quran attributed to Imam Hussein (AS) 

In addition to introducing artistic and historical features, codicological studies of this great work reveal important points about method of attributing ancient Qurans to the Infallible Imams (AS).
Ramazanali Izanloo, director of manuscripts at Organization of Libraries, Museums, and Documents Center of AQR, said: “These copies, in addition to their spiritual and emotional values, are of great importance from historical, artistic, and codicological perspectives and can provide researchers with valuable information about tradition of Quranic transcription in the early centuries of Islam”.
Stating that history of calligraphy and book arts in Islamic culture is deeply linked to the tradition of Quranic writing, Izanloo expressed: “From the beginning of the Islamic era, Muslims employed best methods of transcription and related arts for writing Quran. Therefore, examining ancient copies of Quran plays an important role in understanding history of arts such as calligraphy, illumination, bookbinding, and book decoration”.
He added: “Number of remaining copies from early centuries of Islam is limited, and many of surviving works are available as single pages or incomplete fragments, therefore, relatively complete copies with suitable characteristics for scientific studies are of special importance to researchers”.
According to Izanloo, AQR library possesses a significant collection of Qurans from early centuries of Islam, part of which has been enriched through tradition of endowment”.
One of the copies in this collection is a Quran whose transcription is attributed to Imam Hussein (AS). Based on the codicological studies presented regarding this work, only 8 pages of the original version remain in the AQR library now. Also, there are 3 pages at the beginning and 2 blank pages at the end of the version, some of which contain notes. The basis for attributing this Quran to Imam Hussein (AS) is a phrase inscribed on the back of the final page of the version, which states: "Written by Hussein bin Ali".
Izanloo explained: “In historical sources, largest number of ancient Qurans are attributed to Imam Ali (AS), as he is mentioned in ancient sources as one of the scribes of Quran. Attribution of Quran to other Imams (AS) has also been raised in some later sources, including works from the Safavid period”. He added: “There have always been scientific discussions regarding authenticity of these attributions”.
According to the director of manuscripts of AQR, value of these copies is not limited to their attribution only, but their calligraphic features, transcription style, manuscript structure, and other historical signs also provide important information about Quranic transcription traditions in the early centuries of Islam”.
In collaboration with AQR Printing and Publishing Institute, AQR Organization of Libraries, Museums, and Documents Center has taken steps to prepare high-quality images and conduct scientific research on these copies in order to introduce exquisite works and provide access for researchers and those interested in Islamic written heritage.
Study and introduction of Quran attributed to the handwriting of Imam Hussein (AS) provides a basis for a more accurate understanding of codicological features of this work. Also, cooperation of manuscript experts and printing and publishing specialists allows for presentation of a more accurate image of this historical and cultural heritage.
Regardless of scientific disagreements regarding attribution of some of these works, ancient Qurans existing in AQR are considered part of valuable written heritage of the Islamic world.