Al-Azhar imam introduced to world's oldest Qur'an manuscript in London

CAIRO - 19 July 2018: Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb was introduced on Wednesday to the most ancient manuscript for the Holy Qur’an at his residence in Lambeth Palace, London.

The manuscript, which is kept at the University of Birmingham, was moved to Lambeth Palace in a nice gesture to help Tayyeb see it, Al-Azhar said in a statement Wednesday.


Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb was introduced to the most ancient manuscript for the Holy Quran at his residence in Lambeth Palace, London on July 18, 2018 - Press photo/Official Facebook page of Azhar

A researcher at the UK university disclosed that the manuscript dates back to the first half of the 1st century AH, noting that it is the world’s most ancient manuscript of its kind.

The manuscript was found about 70 years ago.

Al-Azhar Grand Imam Ahmed el Tayyeb was introduced to the most ancient manuscript for the Holy Quran at his residence in Lambeth Palace, London on July 18, 2018 - Press photo/Official Facebook page of Azhar