[MANUSCRIPTS OF HANAFI SCHOOL / PILGRIMAGE / ARABIAN PENINSULA] Man’asik-i Hac. [i.e., The rites of pilgrimage]

ANONYMOUS, Manuscript, [Istanbul?], AH Cemâziye’l-evvel 1205 = [1788].

Modern wrappers with marbling patterns. 12mo. (16 x 12 cm). In Ottoman script (Old Turkish with Arabic letters). [128] p.

Naskh on wove paper. Written in the 18th century in black and red ink. 

This early and rare anonymous Haj manuscript of the rites and ceremonies for the Islamic pilgrims in the Arabian Peninsula, written in the form of the Hanafi school.

The manuscript book starts with poetics lyrics in praise of the cities Mecca and Medina. After these two long poems, the main text starting after the basmala consists of eleven chapters, including prayers, vajibs [i.e., fardhs = religious duties], rites and ceremonies that must be performed by Islamic pilgrims in Umra and Mecca, to-do list during Haj, circumambulation of the Kaba, etc.

"Manasik" is the whole of rites and ceremonies that must be performed by Islamic pilgrims in and around Mecca. The Qur'an differentiates between two manasiks: The Manasik of Hajj, which must be done in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, and The Manasik of 'Umra, which can be performed any time of the year. The knowledge of manasik is an independent part of Fiqh [i.e., Islamic law].