Aligarh: The Maulana Azad Library of Aligarh Muslim University, in collaboration with ‘The Ali Society’ organized an exhibition of rare manuscripts and books marking ‘Ali Day’, the birth anniversary of Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Prof Tariq Mansoor, Vice-Chancellor, AMU inaugurated the exhibition, which is open for lovers of history and culture till 11th February 2023.

The Vice-Chancellor keenly inspected the exhibition and inquired about the old hand-written manuscripts, various copies of the Holy Quran, and other rare books of different languages including a 900-year-old copy of Nahj-al-Balagha, the famous collection of speeches and other aphorisms of Hazrat Ali. This copy of Nahj-al-Balagha is the oldest one existing in the sub-continent.

Prof Nishat Fatima, University Librarian, and Dr. TS Asghar, in charge of the Oriental Section of the Library, briefed the Vice Chancellor about the historical value and academic relevance of the manuscripts displayed in the exhibition.

Prof Mansoor also inspected various sections of the university and emphasized updating the infrastructure and facilities in the Library.

The displayed rare collections of the library include “Qasida-i-Hafiz” in praise of Hazrat Ali, written in the peculiar style of Khatt-i-Nakhun with sharp fingernails, various old copies of Nahj-al-Balagha, and a fragment of the Holy Quran hand-written on parchment in Kufic style, which is believed to have been written by Hazrat Ali himself.

Books in different languages describing the life and virtues of Hazrat Ali, and types of leather covers used for decorating manuscripts are also part of the exhibition.

Prof Mohammad Gulrez, PVC, AMU, Prof M. Saud Alam Qasmi, Dean, Faculty of Theology, Prof Syed Tayyab Raza Naqvi, Chairman, Department of Shia Theology, Prof. Abid Ali Khan, President, Ali Society, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.