RIYADH: The Rare Manuscript Exhibition of Saudi Arabia, organized by the King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives (KAFRA) in Riyadh, is set to become a major attraction for students of history and researchers.? ?The 45-day exhibition was inaugurated by Prince Salman, Emir of Riyadh, and is showcasing more than 100 rare documents selected from over 3,000 manuscripts preserved at KAFRA in areas including history, geography, astronomy, medicine, linguistics, literature and science and technology. A manuscript that dates back to 957 Hijra, corresponding to 1550, highlights a pilgrim's journey to Makkah for Haj and Umrah. The manuscript is in Persian and is the poetic expression of Mohieddin Al-Khalsi, a pilgrim who described his feelings about the holy pilgrimage to Makkah. The manuscript, entitled “Fattouh Al-Haramain Shareefain” has a number of brilliantly colored drawings of the holy sites. The document is considered one of the oldest expressions of Islamic art at KAFRA. Another manuscript, entitled “Musnad Al-Imam Ahmed”, on the subject of Prophetic Hadith, or sayings, dates back to 241 Hijra, corresponding to the year 855, is the fourth part of the Musnad of Abu Huraira. Written on 257 sheets of paper the manuscript bears several statements of ownership, some of which are legible. Prince Salman unveiled a 600-page catalogue that highlights KAFRA's efforts to preserve rare manuscripts selected from over 60 different libraries across the Kingdom. The book is expected to be useful for researchers and students of history because it classifies the content into several different categories. Dr. Fahd A. Al-Semmari, KAFRA's Secretary-General, said the organization decided to preserve the manuscripts after realizing its tremendous significance to Saudi Arabia's heritage. Sheikh Abdul Aziz Bin Abdullah Aal Al-Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Board of Senior Scholars, called on residents to donate their rare manuscripts because KAFRA has all the resources for efficient preservation.? Many of the manuscripts were produced by pilgrims who travelled to Makkah and Madina over the years. Libraries then started collecting these accounts. The Standing Committee for Scientific Research for Issuing Fatwas has issued a Fatwa No. (23194) dated 04-03-1426 AH, for the transfer of rare manuscripts, after reaching agreement with the owners. A documentary screened at the opening ceremony highlighted KAFRA's efforts to put together a collection. The Manuscript Center at KAFRA has a specialized team of experts restoring manuscripts through a number of technical procedures that includes sterilization, binding and then archiving them electronically in the form of films and microfilms. The film underscored the opinion of the Council of Senior Scholars issued in 1426 that called on private libraries to transfer their rare manuscripts to the Manuscript Center at KAFRA for preservation and in the interest of students and researchers. The exhibition is open to families from 9 A.M to 12 noon, and 6 P.M. to 9 P.M.
