SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This is a study of Islamic stelae in British Collections, The first part of the study is an examination of these stelae so that it was possible to give a full description of their shape, material, lettering and place of origin. This has been followed by comparisons between them and representative stelae from other parts of the Islamic world. On reading the formulae and Qur'anic verses found on them, it became clear that they all followed a common pattern. Thus the Qur'anic verses are found on most of the stones, they are concerned with death, the hope of everlasting life in Paradise for the deceased and the Oneness and the eternity of God. On examining the stelae, especially concentrating on the name of the deceased, it was discovered that most of them were the descendants of Arab tribesmen who had come from Hijaz and Yaman and settled in Egypt, This is an historical point of great indication. The second part of the study is a publication of the stelae them-selves, where a translation of each is given together with a detailed commentary, Besides, some specific notes or their kufic script are made and it wag possible thereby to make a comparison between these stelae and other known examples of kufic lettering. Following this is a Chapter on epigraphic analysis and theories that have been held about it by Western scholars and Arab traditionalists. Stalae were divided from the epigraphic point of view and showed the whole range of development from the early primitive to mature writing. The masho and its complicated rules have been fully discussed. The last part comprises tables of the various alphabetical groups selected from our specimens and other stelae from North Africa and Sudan. After drawing these tables, it was possible for me to make my conclusions regarding the development of the kufic script in Africa during the period covered by those specimens.