Attitudes Toward the Muṣḥaf in the Islamic Tradition of the Bosniaks

Abstract

UDK
28-23:003.077(497.6)

The Qur'an is the revealed Word of God communicated to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), while the Muṣḥaf is the written and compiled record of that Divine Revelation. The first collected and written compilation of the revealed Word of God was known as al-Muṣḥaf al-Imām, the archetype of all subsequent copies and the original textual exemplar of the Qur'an. Like other Muslim peoples, the Bosniaks copied the Qur'an and had their own scribes and scriptoria. Scribes who copied the Muṣḥaf were held in high esteem, as were the ḥuffāẓ (those who had memorized the Qur'an). The Bosniaks have traditionally shown particular care regarding where the Muṣḥaf is kept, how it is handled, and where it is placed. It is believed that the presence of the Muṣḥaf brings barakah (divine blessing) and offers protection from misfortune and trials. For this reason, when moving into a new house or apartment, the Muṣḥaf and a loaf of bread are traditionally brought inside first. Likewise, when a bride enters the groom's family home, she is presented with a Muṣḥaf at the entrance. The Islamic tradition of the Bosniaks also includes the practice of giving testimony and taking oaths upon the Muṣḥaf. Showing contempt for, mocking, or insulting the Muṣḥaf is regarded as an act of kufr (disbelief) that expels a person from the fold of Islam.