Prayer Book (Dala'il al-Khayrat), Morocco, 19th century, Gilt and embossed leather binding; opaque watercolour, ink and gold on paper, AKM535

Prayer Book (Dala'il al-Khayrat), Morocco, 19th century, Gilt and embossed leather binding; opaque watercolour, ink and gold on paper, AKM535

This late copy of the Dala'il al-Khayrat was created in Morocco, where the work was originally composed four hundred years earlier. Thousands of others were produced throughout the Islamic world, making it the most popular devotional work after the Qur'an, especially for Sunni Muslims. Carrying the Dala'il al- Khayrat and reciting its prayers were thought to provide blessing (baraka), good luck, and apotropaic protection. The rich ink and gold of the page, and luxurious red leather of the binding, make this volume both a holy text to be read and a precious object.

Muhammad ibn Sulayman al-Jazuli (d. 1465) (author)

Dimensions: 13.2 x 13.8 x 5.9 cm

Material: Gilt and embossed leather binding; opaque watercolour, ink and gold on paper

AKM535

Morocco

Photographer credit: Courtesy of the Aga Khan Museum

19th century

Arabic

Aga Khan Museum

Aga Khan Museum

Prayer Book (Dala'il al-Khayrat)