The Mushaf of Hazrat Uthman is now in the Qur’an Hall of the Center for Islamic Civilization!

 

On 13 November 2025, the international congress titled “Central Asia: shared spiritual and educational heritage – shared future,” which began at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, continued its work.

 

Initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the congress brought together nearly 300 scholars from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of international organizations, the diplomatic corps, scientific and cultural institutions, and figures of culture and art.

 

 

 

A remarkable event took place at the congress, which was organized to analyze the spiritual and scientific heritage of the peoples of our region as a foundation for unity, cooperation, and sustainable development. One of the most sacred and significant manuscripts in Islamic history the Uthman Mushaf, copied during the era of Hazrat Uthman (ra) was transferred from the “Muyi Mubarak” Madrasa located in the Hazrat Imam Complex to the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, where it was presented to the public.

 

The second day of the congress opened with the presentation of this priceless manuscript the Uthman Mushaf, copied during the period of Hazrat Uthman (ra), and recognized as one of the most revered manuscripts in Islamic history.

 

Participants of the congress were also honored to visit the Qur’an Hall of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan. The Director of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, Firdavs Abdukhalikov, briefed the attendees on the Hall and the artifacts displayed within it.

 

“This hall was built based on an original concept put forward by our esteemed President. Its total area is 1,200 square meters, and its height reaches 64 meters. A massive and unique chandelier weighing 50 tons is suspended here. It is one of the largest chandeliers in the world and is adorned with world-renowned Swarovski crystals.

 

The hall is covered with precious pink marble, and its most valuable jewel is, of course, the sacred Qur’an the Mushaf of Uthman (ra). It is known that this rare manuscript was created by direct order of the Third Caliph, Uthman (ra). Today, this unique manuscript is inscribed on UNESCO’s ‘Memory of the World’ Register. You are the first to have the honor of becoming acquainted with the results of the work carried out in this center.

 

I would also like to note that around this sacred Qur’an, 114 other rare Qur’anic manuscripts are preserved among them precious mushafs copied during the Samanid, Karakhanid, Seljuk, Ghaznavid, Timurid, and Shaybanid eras.

 

I am confident that together with you our dear guests, friends, and colleagues we will accomplish great and noble goals in studying and promoting the cultural heritage of our nations,” the director said.

 

 

Deputy Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan Zayniddin Eshonqulov also spoke about the importance of this priceless heritage, noting that the manuscript has been thoroughly studied at the international level.

 

“The mushaf displayed here is one of the oldest and most authentic manuscripts in Islamic history. It is the blessed copy of the Qur’an commissioned and regularly read by Caliph Uthman (ra), who ruled the Muslim community between 644 and 656 CE.

 

Historians say that when Hazrat Uthman (ra) was martyred, drops of his blessed blood fell upon the pages of the mushaf. This is a living trace of the moment when a life was sacrificed on the path of faith.

 

This manuscript has also been deeply studied internationally. Analyses conducted by UNESCO’s scientific expert examining the paper, ink, calligraphy style, and text structure have scientifically confirmed that this mushaf indeed belongs to the era of Uthman (ra).

 

Therefore, this mushaf is not only a religious treasure but also a rare symbol of historical, spiritual, and cultural heritage for all humanity. This historic ceremony reflects the deep respect in our country for sacred Islamic heritage and the attention given to knowledge and enlightenment,” said Zayniddin Eshonqulov.

 

 

Gulnara Jamankulova, Candidate of Technical Sciences and Professor at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University:

 

“The Islamic Civilization Center is truly astonishing for its grandeur and architectural scale. It is a unique architectural monument—extremely beautiful, and one can clearly feel the labor of the thousands of people who contributed to its creation. The center has been built in an impressive way. And of course, the main treasure of the center is this rare Qur’anic manuscript. It is magnificent and immensely valuable. It is truly pleasing to see the message of Islam being promoted here, for Islam is a broad-minded and peace-loving religion that calls for peace and cooperation among all peoples. Above all, it strengthens unity among Muslim nations.

 

I believe Uzbekistan has accomplished an extraordinary task. The President’s initiative to establish such a center is unprecedented and noble. I think this center will become a gathering place for Islamic leaders, for those who believe in Islam, and even for those who do not, but who are interested in it.”

 

 

Information about the Uthman Mushaf: Uzbekistan is the heir to great civilizations that left an indelible mark on world history. Over the centuries, masterpieces of architecture, art, and literature were created on this land, and they continue to amaze admirers around the world. One of these grand legacies is the sacred Qur’anic manuscript copied during the time of Hazrat Uthman (ra) the Uthman Mushaf.

 

According to archival records, at the beginning of the 20th century the Mushaf consisted of 353 folios. Over the past century, 15 pages have gone missing. For this reason, a special decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan No. 115 dated 8 June 2007 was adopted to ensure its proper preservation. A special sarcophagus was brought from Germany to store this rare manuscript under controlled humidity and temperature.

 

Today it consists of 338 folios, each containing sacred verses written in 12 lines on thick parchment. Remarkably, because most of the original text decayed, some pages were reinforced with paper, and the verses were rewritten over them.

 

Of the Qur’an’s 114 surahs, only two Surah al-An‘am and Surah Ta-Ha have survived in complete form. Other surahs are either partially preserved or entirely missing. Out of the Qur’an’s 6,236 verses, only 2,108 remain in this manuscript.

 

During the Islamic Civilization Center’s 2025 official visits to Kuwait and the United Kingdom, seven more missing pages of the Mushaf were identified. Specifically, six pages 70, 80, 211, 217, 246, and 340 were found at the Rajab Tareq Museum in Kuwait, and one folio containing verses 178–179 of Surah Ali-Imran was discovered in a renowned British collection. These were confirmed to be the missing pages corresponding exactly to the gaps in the Tashkent Mushaf.

 

The Uthman Mushaf is not only one of the most precious relics of the Islamic world but also one of the most valuable scientific and cultural treasures in human history. Preserving it and passing it on to future generations is our sacred duty. The care shown for this great manuscript at the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan the construction of a special platform in the center of the Qur’an Hall and the creation of modern conditions for its visitation is a clear expression of the deep respect accorded to the Uthman Mushaf.

 

The Islamic Civilization Center of Uzbekistan continues consistent efforts to ensure the proper preservation and study of this sacred source and to develop it into a permanent place of pilgrimage for our people and Muslims around the world.

 

Information Service of the Islamic Civilization Center