Islamic history preserves bright pages of devotion to the Holy Qur’an from the very start of revelation. The scribes of revelation among the Prophet’s Companions (peace be upon him) promptly recorded the noble verses using whatever materials were available in their environment, exemplifying the profound care taken to preserve and document the Book of God since the Prophetic era.

The Holy Qur’an Museum in the Hira Cultural District in Mecca showcases approximate models of those materials, offering visitors an educational experience that documents the beginnings of writing the revelation and introduces them to the methods used by the Companions (may God be pleased with them) in recording the Qur’anic verses.

The exhibits include models replicating leather parchments, palm fronds (stems), pieces of wood and stone, as well as animal materials such as shoulder blades and ribs, and other items used in writing the revelation before the Qur’an was compiled into a single volume. This museum display combines historical authenticity with an interactive style.

Adim (tanned leather) was among the most prominent of these materials due to its durability and ability to preserve texts. It was prepared from animal hides after tanning and processing for writing, making it one of the most important media on which the verses of the Holy Qur’an were recorded in the early days of revelation.

These models highlight an important aspect of the history of the Qur’an’s compilation, reflecting the available resources of that era and confirming the early Muslims’ keenness to document God’s words immediately upon revelation, in compliance with the directives of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who instructed the scribes to write down the verses and specify their positions within the chapters.

The museum provides explanatory descriptions accompanying the exhibits, clarifying the characteristics of each material, the reasons for its use, and how writing was done on it. This gives visitors a realistic perception of the environment that witnessed the revelation of the Holy Qur’an and the efforts made to preserve and record it until it reached the nation preserved as it was revealed.

The Holy Qur’an Museum is one of the most prominent cultural facilities in the Hira Cultural District. It offers a comprehensive educational journey highlighting the history of the Holy Qur’an and its sciences, the stages of its writing and compilation, and the development of the Mushaf throughout the ages. This is achieved through modern exhibition halls and interactive technologies that combine scientific content with visual displays, enriching the visitor’s experience and strengthening their connection with the Book of God.

The museum is part of the cultural system hosted by the Hira Cultural District, which aims to highlight the Islamic and historical heritage linked to Mecca and to acquaint visitors with the major milestones in the history of revelation. This is done through educational content and interactive experiences that contribute to strengthening cultural and civilizational awareness among various segments of society.