Illuminated Sacred Books

Question 1

The Quran (the Recitation)

Answer 1

a collection of what Muslims believe were a series of revelations from the Abrahamic God to the Prophet Muhammad in Arabic over 2 decades.
The revelations were initially transmitted orally but standardized in written form under the Rightly Guided Caliph Uthman.

Question 2

How is arabic written

Answer 2

Arabic is written from right to left.

Question 3

How is The Quran arranged?

Answer 3

by size of revelations and not chronologically

Question 4

The Quran has 2 overlapping
systems of subdivision…

Answer 4

Text
* Surah (chapter)
* Ayah (verse) – 3 dots

Memorization
* juz: 1 of 30 parts of Quran
* Hizb: 1 of 2 parts of a juz
* Rub: 1 of 4 parts of a hizb

Question 5

What do the red marks mean?

Answer 5

clarify the vowel sounds “a” “ee” “oo.”

Question 6

What do the blue marks mean?

Answer 6

indicate how the letter should be spoken

Question 7

Bayad

Answer 7

son of a merchant from Damascus who is visiting al-Andalus

Question 8

Riyad

Answer 8

Andalusian singer and slavegirl/handmaiden to the Sayyida and favourite of the Hajib, who lives in an
unidentified Andalusian city

Question 9

The Old Lady

Answer 9

a woman Bayad enlists to facilitate meetings with Riyad

Question 10

Sayyida (The Lady)

Answer 10

Daughter of the Hajib and matron of the Andalusian palace

Question 11

Hajib (Minister)

Answer 11

Absent master of the Andalusian palace. His daughter is called Sayyida

Question 12

The Plot of The Manuscript

Answer 12

Bayad falls in love with Riyad upon first sight at a river garden and seeks to meet her with the help of an old woman. They engage in flirtatious encounters with music and wine, attended by Riyad and her mistress, Sayyida. Riyad’s excessive flirtation upsets her mistress, leading to Bayad’s disguised escape with the old woman’s help. They continue their connection through letters, but Riyad’s silence suggests she may have found another lover. However, when Bayad reappears in disguise at a gathering, it indicates a potential reunion with Riyad, who has reconciled with her mistress.

Question 13

Colophon

Answer 13

“The whole of the Quran was completed with the help and providence of God in the town of Cordoba, may God protect it, in the year 538. God bless Muhammad His Prophet, his family, and companions and bring peace, exaltation, and honor upon them.”

Question 14

Second temple

Answer 14

536 BC to 70 AD

Question 15

diaspora

Answer 15

Scattering of Jews outside their homeland.