The Islamic Funerary Inscriptions of Bahrain, Pre-1317 AH/1900 AD 9789004383661, 9004383662

In, The Islamic Funerary Inscriptions of Bahrain, an illustrated catalogue of 150 gravestones with modern Arabic transcr

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Table of contents :
Contents
Acknowledgements
Figures, Tables and Graphs
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions
Chapter 3 Conclusions
Bibliography
Index
Recommend Papers

The Islamic Funerary Inscriptions of Bahrain, Pre-1317 AH/1900 AD
 9789004383661, 9004383662

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The Islamic Funerary Inscriptions of Bahrain

Handbook of Oriental Studies Handbuch der Orientalistik section one

The Near and Middle East Edited by Maribel Fierro (Madrid) M. Şukru Hanioğlu (Princeton) Renata Holod (University of Pennsylvania) Florian Schwarz (Vienna)

VOLUME 126

The titles published in this series are listed at brill.com/ho1

The Islamic Funerary Inscriptions of Bahrain Pre-1317 AH/1900 AD By

Timothy Insoll Salman Almahari Rachel MacLean

LEIDEN | BOSTON

Cover illustration: Pair of single slab limestone gravestones, Abu Anbra Cemetery, Bahrain. Front, ABN15 (undated), rear, ABN16 (1047 AH/AD 1637) (photo. T. Insoll). Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Insoll, Timothy, author. | Nadiputra, 1946– author. | Maclean, Rachel,  author. Title: The Islamic Funerary Inscriptions of Bahrain Pre-1317 AH/1900 AD / By  Timothy Insoll, Salman Almahari, Rachel MacLean. Description: Leiden ; Boston : Brill, [2019] | Series: Handbook of Oriental  studies = Handbuch der Orientalistik. Section 1, The Near and Middle East,  ISSN 0169-9423 ; Volume 126 | Includes bibliographical references and  index. Identifiers: LCCN 2018038574 (print) | LCCN 2018040291 (ebook) |  ISBN 9789004383661 (ebook) | ISBN 9789004380783 (hardback : alk. paper) Subjects: LCSH: Islamic cemeteries—Bahrain. | Inscriptions—Bahrain. Classification: LCC DS247.B27 (ebook) | LCC DS247.B27 I57 2019 (print) |  DDC 953.65—dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2018038574

Typeface for the Latin, Greek, and Cyrillic scripts: “Brill”. See and download: brill.com/brill-typeface. ISSN 0169-9423 ISBN 978-90-04-38078-3 (hardback) ISBN 978-90-04-38366-1 (e-book) Copyright 2019 by Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands. Koninklijke Brill NV incorporates the imprints Brill, Brill Hes & De Graaf, Brill Nijhoff, Brill Rodopi, Brill Sense, Hotei Publishing, mentis Verlag, Verlag Ferdinand Schöningh and Wilhelm Fink Verlag. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, translated, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher. Authorization to photocopy items for internal or personal use is granted by Koninklijke Brill NV provided that the appropriate fees are paid directly to The Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Suite 910, Danvers, MA 01923, USA. Fees are subject to change. This book is printed on acid-free paper and produced in a sustainable manner.

Contents Acknowledgements viI List of Figures, Tables and Graphs viii 1 Introduction 1 2 Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions 35 3 Conclusions 451 Bibliography 483 Index 487

Acknowledgements During the course of this research project various people have helped in significant ways and the authors are grateful to the following individuals. For advice during the development of the project: Dr Paulo de Moraes Farias, University of Birmingham, UK; Professors John Healey and Rex Smith, University of Manchester, UK; Professor Robert Hoyland, New York University, USA; Professor Frédéric Imbert, Aix Marseilles Université, France; Dr Ahmad al-Jallad, Leiden University, the Netherlands; Dr Venetia Porter, The British Museum, UK. For funding the fieldwork: His Royal Highness Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince of Bahrain. For logistical support: Mr Will Griffiths, Crown Prince Court, Bahrain. For research permission: Sheikha Mai Al-Khalifa, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Jaffaria Waqf Authority, and Sunni Waqf Authority. For participating in the fieldwork, and helping with the transcribing and translating of the funerary inscriptions: Sheikh Bashar abd Alhadi Al-Ali, and Mr Jassim Al-Abbas, Jaffaria Waqf Authority, Bahrain. The authors are especially grateful to Dr Xavier Luffin, Department of Literature, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium, for checking the Arabic translations, and Dr Tayyeb Mimouni, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter for both checking the Arabic translations and numbering the Quranic Sura cited. They are also grateful to Dr Pierre Lombard, Maison des Orient, Lyon, France, for information on the use of iron oxide in Qalaʿat al-Bahrain, Ms Fatima Rawan, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter for information on the use of basil, Ms Chiara De Nicolais, Middle East Department, Sotheby’s, for information on Islamic gravestone sales, and Professor Pedram Khosronejad, Associate Director for Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies, Oklahoma State University, as well as Professors Sajjad Rizvi and Robert Gleave, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter, for references on Shiʿa commemorative practices. Finally, the authors take this opportunity to profoundly thank the local communities of Bahrain who allowed the funerary inscriptions in their cemeteries and shrines to be recorded and this book is dedicated to them.

Figures, Tables and Graphs Figures 1.1 1.2

1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.10 1.11 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 2.15 2.16 2.17 2.18 2.19 2.20 2.21 2.22

The locations of the cemeteries surveyed in Bahrain 9 Variety of gravestones in the Sunni cemetery, Manama. These include faroush and cement head and foot marker stones and modern inscribed marble gravestones. 10 Example of a single slab gravestone, ABN18 11 Example of a double slab gravestone, ABN5 11 Example of raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes with a central rounded arch set on a supplementary rectangular plinth, ABN15 26 Plan of the shrine containing ABN47 29 The excavated shrine containing ABN47 with mihrab in the wall on the right 30 Parts of the collapsed dome structure, excavated shrine containing ABN47 30 Plan of the excavated shrine containing KHA7 32 Collapsed arches, excavated shrine containing KHA7 33 ABN49 after excavation with plastic water pipe in-situ 34 The lettering system used to record the gravestone surfaces 35 Surface A, AAL1 36 Surface B, AAL1 37 Surface C, AAL1 37 Surface D, AAL1 38 Surface E, AAL1 38 Surface A, ABN1 40 Surface B, ABN1 41 Surface C, ABN1 41 Surface D, ABN1 42 Surface E, ABN1 43 Surface A, ABN2 44 Surface B, ABN2 44 Surface A, ABN3 46 Surface B, ABN3 47 Surface C, ABN3 47 Surface D, ABN3 48 Surface E, ABN3 49 Surface A, ABN4 50 Surface B, ABN4 51 Surface C, ABN4 52 Surface D, ABN4 53

Figures, Tables and Graphs 2.23 2.24 2.25 2.26 2.27 2.28 2.29 2.30 2.31 2.32 2.33 2.34 2.35 2.36 2.37 2.38 2.39 2.40 2.41 2.42 2.43 2.44 2.45 2.46 2.47 2.48 2.49 2.50 2.51 2.52 2.53 2.54 2.55 2.56 2.57 2.58 2.59 2.60 2.61 2.62 2.63

Surface E, ABN4 54 Surface A, ABN5 56 Surface B, ABN5 56 Surface C, ABN5 57 Surface D, ABN5 58 Surface E, ABN5 59 Surface A, ABN6 60 Surface B, ABN6 61 Surface C, ABN6 61 Surface D, ABN6 62 Surface E, ABN6 63 Surface A, ABN7 64 Surface B, ABN7 65 ABN8 66 Surface A, ABN9 67 Surface B, ABN9 68 Surface C, ABN9 68 Surface D, ABN9 69 Surface E, ABN9 69 Surface A, part 1, ABN10 70 Surface A, part 2, ABN10 71 Surface B, ABN10 71 Surface C, ABN10 72 Surface D, ABN10 73 Surface E, ABN10 73 Surface A, part 1, ABN11 75 Surface A, part 2, ABN11 75 Surface B, part 1, ABN11 76 Surface B, part 2, ABN11 77 Surface C, ABN11 77 Surface D, ABN11 78 Surface E, ABN11 79 ABN12 80 ABN13 81 Surface A, ABN14 82 Surface B, ABN14 82 Surface E, ABN14 83 Surface A, ABN15 84 Surface B, ABN15 85 Surface C, ABN15 86 Surface D, ABN15 87

ix

x 2.64 2.65 2.66 2.67 2.68 2.69 2.70 2.71 2.72 2.73 2.74 2.75 2.76 2.77 2.78 2.79 2.80 2.81 2.82 2.83 2.84 2.85 2.86 2.87 2.88 2.89 2.90 2.91 2.92 2.93 2.94 2.95 2.96 2.97 2.98 2.99 2.100 2.101 2.102 2.103 2.104 2.105

Figures, Tables and Graphs Surface E, ABN15 88 Surface A, ABN16 89 Surface B, ABN16 90 Surface C, ABN16 90 Surface D, ABN16 91 Surface E, ABN16 92 ABN17 93 Surface A, ABN18 94 Surface B, ABN18 95 Surface C, ABN18 96 Surface D, ABN18 97 Surface E, ABN18 98 ABN19 99 Surface A, ABN20 100 Surface B, part 1, ABN20 100 Surface B, part 2, ABN20 101 Surface A, ABN21 102 Surface B, ABN21 102 Surface C, ABN21 103 Surface D, ABN21 103 Surface E, ABN21 104 Surface A, part 1, ABN22 106 Surface A, part 2, ABN22 106 Surface B, part 1, ABN22 107 Surface B, part 2, ABN22 107 Surface C, ABN22 108 Surface D, ABN22 108 Surface E, ABN22 109 ABN23 109 ABN24 110 Surface A, ABN25 111 Surface B, ABN25 112 Surface A, ABN26 113 Surface B, ABN26 114 Surface C, ABN26 115 Surface D, ABN26 116 Surface E, ABN26 116 Surface A, ABN27 117 Surface B, ABN27 118 Surface C, ABN27 119 Surface D, ABN27 120 Surface E, ABN27 120

Figures, Tables and Graphs 2.106 2.107 2.108 2.109 2.110 2.111 2.112 2.113 2.114 2.115 2.116 2.117 2.118 2.119 2.120 2.121 2.122 2.123 2.124 2.125 2.126 2.127 2.128 2.129 2.130 2.131 2.132 2.133 2.134 2.135 2.136 2.137 2.138 2.139 2.140 2.141 2.142 2.143 2.144 2.145 2.146 2.147

ABN28 121 Surface A, ABN29 122 Surface B, ABN29 123 Surface C, ABN29 123 Surface D, ABN29 124 Surface E, ABN29 125 Surface A, ABN30 126 Surface B, ABN30 126 Surface C, ABN30 127 Surface D, ABN30 128 Surface E, ABN30 128 Surface A, ABN31 130 Surface B, ABN31 130 Surface C, ABN31 131 Surface D, ABN31 132 Surface E, ABN31 133 Surface A, ABN32 134 Surface B, ABN32 135 Surface C, ABN32 136 Surface D, ABN32 137 Surface E, ABN32 138 Surface A, ABN33 139 Surface B, ABN33 139 Surface C, ABN33 140 ABN34 141 ABN35 142 Surface A, ABN36 143 Surface B, ABN36 144 Surface C, ABN36 145 Surface D, ABN36 146 Surface E, ABN36 147 Surface A, ABN37 148 Surface B, ABN37 149 Surface C, ABN37 149 Surface D, ABN37 150 Surface E, ABN37 151 Surface B, ABN38 152 Surface E, ABN38 153 ABN39 153 Surface A, ABN40 155 Surface B, ABN40 156 Surface C, ABN40 156

xi

xii 2.148 Surface D, ABN40 157 2.149 Surface E, ABN40 158 2.150 Surface A, ABN41 160 2.151 Surface B, ABN41 161 2.152 Surface C, ABN41 161 2.153 Surface D, ABN41 162 2.154 Surface E, ABN41 163 2.155 ABN42 164 2.156 ABN43 165 2.157 ABN44 165 2.158 Surface A, ABN45 166 2.159 Surface B, ABN45 167 2.160 Surface C, ABN45 167 2.161 Surface D, ABN45 168 2.162 Surface E, ABN45 169 2.163 ABN46 170 2.164 Surface A, ABN47 171 2.165 Surface B, ABN47 172 2.166 Surface C, ABN47 173 2.167 Surface D, ABN47 174 2.168 Surface E, ABN47 175 2.169 ABN48 176 2.170 Surface A, ABN49 178 2.171 Surface B, ABN49 179 2.172 Surface C, ABN49 179 2.173 Surface D, ABN49 180 2.174 Surface E, part 1, ABN49 181 2.175 Surface E, part 2, ABN49 182 2.176 Surface B, ABN50 183 2.177 Surface C, ABN50 184 2.178 Surface E, ABN50 185 2.179 Surface A, ABS1 186 2.180 Surface C, ABS1 187 2.181 Surface D, ABS1 188 2.182 Surface E, part 1, ABS1 189 2.183 Surface E, part 2, ABS1 189 2.184 Surface E, part 3, ABS1 190 2.185 ASK1 191 2.186 ASK2 191 2.187 Surface A, BAR1 192 2.188 Surface B, BAR1 193 2.189 Surface C, BAR1 194

Figures, Tables and Graphs

Figures, Tables and Graphs 2.190 Surface E, BAR1 195 2.191 Surface A, BEIT1 196 2.192 Surface B, BEIT1 197 2.193 Surface C, BEIT1 198 2.194 Surface D, BEIT1 199 2.195 Surface E, BEIT1 200 2.196 BAQ1 201 2.197 Surface A, DAI1 202 2.198 Surface B, DAI1 202 2.199 Surface C, DAI1 203 2.200 Surface D, DAI1 203 2.201 Surface E, DAI1 204 2.202 HOO1 205 2.203 HOO2 206 2.204 HOO3 207 2.205 HOO4 207 2.206 Surface A, HOO5 209 2.207 Surface B, HOO5 210 2.208 Surface C, HOO5 210 2.209 Surface D, HOO5 211 2.210 Surface E, HOO5 211 2.211 HOO6 212 2.212 HOO7 213 2.213 HOO8 214 2.214 HOO9 215 2.215 HOO10 215 2.216 HOO11 216 2.217 HOO12 217 2.218 HUN1 218 2.219 Surface A, JBH1 219 2.220 Surface B, JBH1 220 2.221 Surface C, JBH1 221 2.222 Surfaces D and E, JBH1 222 2.223 JBH2 223 2.224 JBH3 224 2.225 Surface A, JBH4 225 2.226 Surface B, JBH4 226 2.227 Surface C, JBH4 226 2.228 Surfaces D and E, JBH4 227 2.229 JBH5 228 2.230 Partial inscription, JBH5 229 2.231 Surface A, JBH6 230

xiii

xiv 2.232 Surface A, JBH7 231 2.233 Surfaces B and E, JBH7 232 2.234 Surface C, JBH7 233 2.235 Surface D, JBH7 234 2.236 Surfaces A and E, JBH8 235 2.237 Surface B, JBH8 236 2.238 Surface C, JBH8 237 2.239 Surface D, JBH8 238 2.240 Surface A, JBH9 239 2.241 Surface B, JBH9 240 2.242 Surfaces C and E, JBH9 240 2.243 Surface E, JBH9 241 2.244 Surfaces A and E, JBH10 243 2.245 Surface B, JBH10 244 2.246 Surface C, JBH10 244 2.247 Surface D, JBH10 245 2.248 Surface A, JBH11 247 2.249 Surface B, JBH11 247 2.250 Surface C, JBH11 248 2.251 Surface D, JBH11 249 2.252 Surface E, JBH11 249 2.253 Surface A, JBH12 251 2.254 Surface C, JBH12 251 2.255 Surface D, JBH12 252 2.256 Surface E, JBH12 253 2.257 JBH13 253 2.258 Surface A, part 1, JID1 255 2.259 Surface A, part 2, JID1 255 2.260 Surface C, JID1 256 2.261 JAI1 257 2.262 JAI2 258 2.263 Surfaces A and E, JAI3 259 2.264 Surface B, JAI3 259 2.265 Surface C, JAI3 260 2.266 Surface D, JAI3 261 2.267 KAR1 262 2.268 KAR2 263 2.269 Surfaces A and E, KAR3 264 2.270 Surface B, KAR3 265 2.271 Surface C, KAR3 265 2.272 Surface D. KAR3 266 2.273 KAR4 267

Figures, Tables and Graphs

Figures, Tables and Graphs 2.274 2.275 2.276 2.277 2.278 2.279 2.280 2.281 2.282 2.283 2.284 2.285 2.286 2.287 2.288 2.289 2.290 2.291 2.292 2.293 2.294 2.295 2.296 2.297 2.298 2.299 2.300 2.301 2.302 2.303 2.304 2.305 2.306 2.307 2.308 2.309 2.310 2.311 2.312 2.313 2.314 2.315

Surfaces A and E, KAR5 269 Surface B, part 1, KAR5 269 Surface B, part 2, KAR5 270 Surface C, KAR5 270 Surface D, KAR5 271 Surface A, KHA1 272 Surface B, KHA1 273 Surface C, KHA1 274 Surface A, KHA2 275 Surface B, KHA2 276 Surface D, KHA2 277 Surface A, KHA3 278 Surface B, KHA3 279 Surface A, KHA4 280 Surfaces B and E, KHA4 281 Surface C, KHA4 281 Surface D, KHA4 282 Surface A, KHA5 283 Surface B, KHA5 284 Surface C, KHA5 285 Surface D, KHA5 286 Surface E, KHA5 287 Surface A, KHA6 288 Surface B, KHA6 289 Surface C, KHA6 289 Surfaces D and E, KHA6 290 Surface A, KHA7 292 Surface B, KHA7 293 Surface C, KHA7 293 Surface D, KHA7 294 Surface E, KHA7 295 Surface A, KHA8 296 Surface B, KHA8 296 Surfaces C and E, KHA8 297 Surface D, KHA8 298 KHA9 299 Surface A, KHA10 300 Surface B, KHA10 301 Surface C, KHA10 301 Surface D, KHA10 302 Surface E, KHA10 303 Surface A, KHA11 304

xv

xvi 2.316 Surface B, KHA11 304 2.317 Surface A, KHA12 305 2.318 Surface B, KHA12 306 2.319 Surface C, KHA12 307 2.320 Surface D, KHA12 307 2.321 Surface E, KHA12 308 2.322 Surface A, KHA13 309 2.323 Surface B, KHA13 310 2.324 Surface C, KHA13 311 2.325 Surface D, KHA13 311 2.326 Surface E, KHA13 312 2.327 KHA14 313 2.328 Surface A, KHA15 314 2.329 Surface B, KHA15 315 2.330 Surface C, KHA15 315 2.331 Surface D, KHA15 316 2.332 Surface E, KHA15 317 2.333 KHA16 318 2.334 Surfaces A and E, KHA17 319 2.335 Surface B, KHA17 320 2.336 Surface C, KHA17 321 2.337 Surface D, KHA17 322 2.338 Surface A, KHA18 323 2.339 Surface B, KHA18 324 2.340 Surface C, KHA18 324 2.341 Surface D, KHA18 325 2.342 Surface E, KHA18 326 2.343 KHA19 327 2.344 Surfaces A and E, KHA20 328 2.345 Surface B, KHA20 329 2.346 Surface C, KHA20 329 2.347 Surface D, KHA20 330 2.348 Surfaces A and E, KHA21 331 2.349 Surface B, KHA21 332 2.350 Surface C, KHA21 332 2.351 Surface D, KHA21 333 2.352 KHA22 334 2.353 Surface A, small slab, KHA22 335 2.354 Surface B, small slab, KHA22 336 2.355 Surface A. KHA23 337 2.356 Surface B, KHA23 338 2.357 Surface C, KHA23 338

Figures, Tables and Graphs

Figures, Tables and Graphs 2.358 Surfaces D and E, KHA23 339 2.359 Surface A, KHA24 340 2.360 Surface B, KHA24 341 2.361 Surface C, KHA24 342 2.362 Surfaces D and E, KHA24 343 2.363 Surface A, KHA25 344 2.364 Surface B, KHA25 345 2.365 Surfaces C and E, KHA25 345 2.366 Surface D, KHA25 346 2.367 MAH1 347 2.368 MAH2 348 2.369 MAL1 349 2.370 Surface A, MAQ1 350 2.371 Surface B, MAQ1 351 2.372 Surface C, MAQ1 351 2.373 Surfaces D and E, MAQ1 352 2.374 Surface A, MAQ2 353 2.375 Surface B, MAQ2 354 2.376 Surface C, MAQ2 355 2.377 Surface D, MAQ2 356 2.378 Surface E, part 1, MAQ2 357 2.379 Surface E, part 2, MAQ2 357 2.380 Surface A, MAQ3 358 2.381 Surfaces B and E, MAQ3 359 2.382 Surface C, MAQ3 359 2.383 Surfaces A and E, MUS1 361 2.384 Surface B, MUS1 362 2.385 Surface C, MUS1 362 2.386 Surface D, MUS1 363 2.387 Surfaces A and E, MUS2 364 2.388 Surface B, MUS2 365 2.389 Surface C, MUS2 366 2.390 Surface D, MUS2 367 2.391 Surface A, MUS3 368 2.392 Surface B, MUS3 369 2.393 Surface C, MUS3 369 2.394 Surface D, MUS3 370 2.395 Surface E, MUS3 371 2.396 Surface A, MUS4 372 2.397 Surface B, MUS4 373 2.398 Surface C, MUS4 374 2.399 Surface D, MUS4 375

xvii

xviii 2.400 2.401 2.402 2.403 2.404 2.405 2.406 2.407 2.408 2.409 2.410 2.411 2.412 2.413 2.414 2.415 2.416 2.417 2.418 2.419 2.420 2.421 2.422 2.423 2.424 2.425 2.426 2.427 2.428 2.429 2.430 2.431 2.432 2.433 2.434 2.435 2.436 2.437 2.438 2.439 2.440 2.441

Figures, Tables and Graphs Surface E, MUS4 376 Surface A, MUS5 377 Surface B, MUS5 378 Surface C, MUS5 379 Surface D, MUS5 379 Surface E, MUS5 380 Surface A, MUS6 382 Surface B, MUS6 383 Surface C, MUS6 383 Surface D, MUS6 384 Surface E, MUS6 385 Surface A, MUS7 386 Surface B, MUS7 386 MUS8 387 Surface A, MUS9 388 Surface B, MUS9 389 Surface C, MUS9 390 Surface D, MUS9 391 Surface E, MUS9 392 Surface A, MUS10 394 Surface B, MUS10 394 Surface C, MUS10 395 Surface D, MUS10 396 Surface E, part 1, MUS10 397 Surface E, part 2, MUS10 397 Surface A, part 1, MUS11 398 Surface A, part 2, MUS11 399 Surface B, part 1, MUS11 399 Surface B, part 2, MUS11 400 Surface C, MUS11 400 Surface D, MUS11 401 Surface A, MUS12 402 Surface B, MUS12 403 Surface C, MUS12 403 Surface D, MUS12 404 Surface E, MUS12 404 Surface A, NOA1 406 Surface B, NOA1 407 Surface C, NOA1 407 Surface D, NOA1 408 Surface E, NOA1 409 Surface A, NOA2 410

Figures, Tables and Graphs 2.442 2.443 2.444 2.445 2.446

Surfaces B and E, NOA2 410 Surface C, NOA2 411 Surface D, NOA2 412 NOA3 413 Fifteen rows of four shallow cup marks, likely Awari/Mancala type game, NOA3 413 2.447 Hollow cavity, NOA4 414 2.448 Inscription fragment, NOA4 415 2.449 Side A, QAD1 416 2.450 Side B, QAD1 417 2.451 Side C, QAD1 418 2.452 Side D, QAD1 419 2.453 Side E, QAD1 420 2.454 Surface A, QAD2 421 2.455 Surface C, QAD2 422 2.456 Surface D, QAD2 422 2.457 Surface E, part 1, QAD2 423 2.458 Surface E, part 2, QAD2 423 2.459 Surface E, Sh. AB1 425 2.460 Sh. LA1 426 2.461 Partial view of surface A, Sh. LA1 427 2.462 Surface C, Sh. LA1 428 2.463 SHAM-ALK 430 2.464 SYA1 431 2.465 Surface B, SYA1 433 2.466 Surface E, SYA1 434 2.467 Surface A, TUB1 435 2.468 Surface B, TUB1 436 2.469 Surface C, TUB1 437 2.470 Surface D, TUB1 438 2.471 Surface E, TUB1 439 2.472 TUB2 440 2.473 Surface A, TUB3 441 2.474 Surface B, TUB3 442 2.475 Surface C, TUB3 443 2.476 Surface D, TUB3 444 2.477 Surface E, part 1, TUB3 445 2.478 Surface E, part 2, TUB3 445 2.479 Surface A, TUB4 446 2.480 Surface B, part 1, TUB4 447 2.481 Surface B, part 2, TUB4 448 2.482 Surface C, TUB4 448

xix

xx 2.483 2.484 2.485 3.1

Figures, Tables and Graphs

Surface D, TUB4 449 Surface E, part 1, TUB4 450 Surface E, part 2, TUB4 450 Tin containing Quran and unidentified prayer texts, Abu Anbra cemetery 452 3.2 Plants, including mashmoom and an unidentified flower, growing on graves, Abu Anbra cemetery. The fan palm leaves are added to beautify the grave. 453 3.3 Dried mashmoom stems, containers for bird seed and water (dry), and incense burner on grave, Hoora cemetery 454 3.4 Plastic flowers on a grave, Al-Qadem cemetery 455 3.5 Water container for birds on grave, Hoora cemetery 456 3.6 Child’s doll left on a grave, Hoora cemetery 457 3.7 Flag commemorating Imam Hussein, Hoora cemetery 458 3.8 Flag commemorating Abu al-Fadel, Abu Anbra cemetery 459 3.9 Green textile wrapped stone in front of gravestone, Noaim cemetery 460 3.10 Paper charm and the glass bottle in which it was found, Karranah cemetery 461 3.11 Powdered herbal medicine and roll of plastic in which it was found, Abu Anbra cemetery 461 3.12 Door covered in the names of people petitioning the deceased, Amir Zaid shrine and mosque, Malkiya 463 3.13 Perspex and cement case covering DAI1, Daih cemetery 465 3.14 Glass case covering ABS1, Abu Saiba cemetery 465 3.15 Glass case covering TUB3, Sheikh Hashem el-Tublah mosque, Tubli 466 3.16 Shrine of Sheikh Husayn bin ʿAbd al-Samad, Abu Anbra cemetery 468 3.17 The damaged wooden superstructure covering ASK1, Sasaʿa bin Sawhan mosque, Askar 468 3.18 Sheikh Nasser bin Muhammad bin Shaikh Abdullah al-Rabi mosque/shrine, Karranah 469 3.19 Sheikh Suliman Al-Mahoozi shrine, Mahooz cemetery 469 3.20 Textile shrouds and aluminium superstructure covering MAL1, Amir Zaid shrine and mosque, Malkiya 470 3.21 Sheikh Ali Al-Qademi shrine, Al-Qadem cemetery 470 3.22 Interior of shrine room housing Sh.AB1, Western Madaris mosque 471 3.23 Metal and glass superstructure with green textile shroud used to cover Sh.AB1, Western Madaris mosque 472 3.24 Perspex and metal superstructure covering Sh.LA1, Western Madaris mosque 473 3.25 Domed shrine containing SYA1, Sayed Yahya Al Husseini mosque 474 3.26 Sheikh Nasser bin Muhammad bin Sheikh Abdullah al-Rabi shrine, Karranah, in 2001 475

Figures, Tables and Graphs 3.27 3.28 3.29 3.30

xxi

Wooden framework covering QAD1, Al-Qadem cemetery 476 Travertine slabs covering gravestone, Sheikh Daoud tomb, Jidhafs 478 Two ceramic tile covered gravestones next to Sheikh Daoud tomb, Jidhafs 479 Gravestones raised on painted wooden plinths, Al-Khamis Mosque visitors centre 481 3.31 Gravestones raised on granite plinths in external pavilion, Al-Khamis Mosque visitors centre 481

Tables 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 3.1

Gravestone locations, abbreviations, and numbers 1 Chronological order of the dated gravestones 6 The writers and engravers named on the gravestones 18 The number of uses of Quranic chapters and verses 22 References to economic data and geographical locations in the inscriptions 23 Contemporary shrines housing historical gravestones 467

Graphs 1.1 1.2

Number of dated gravestones by century (AH) 7 Number of dated gravestones by century (CE) 8

Chapter 1

Introduction 1

Introduction to the Project

This book presents a catalogue of the Islamic funerary inscriptions of Bahrain dating to before 1317 AH/1900 AD (all dates are specified as either AH or AD. Where both dates are cited these are in the format AH/AD). It results from fieldwork completed between 2013 and 2015 undertaken in co-operation with the Bahraini Shiʿa Jaffaria Waqf and the Sunni Waqf authorities who provided information on the locations of relevant gravestones, personnel to participate in the recording, and ethical clearance and research authorisation (along with the Directorate of Archaeology and Heritage of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities). 150 gravestones were recorded in 26 locations: in 23 cemeteries, mosques, and shrines (136 gravestones), two museums (13 gravestones), and one private house (1 gravestone) (Table 1.1; Figure 1.1). Of these, 38 gravestones were exposed through archaeological excavation and 106 have inscriptions. Table 1.1

Gravestone locations, abbreviations, and numbers

Name

Location Type

Number of Gravestones

Aʿali (AAL) Abu Anbra (ABN)

Mosque Originally urban now village cemetery Village cemetery Village cemetery, mosque and shrine Private house Museum Mosque Village cemetery Urban cemetery Urban cemetery Village cemetery Village cemetery Village cemetery Village cemetery Urban cemetery Urban cemetery

1 50

Abu Saiba (ABS) Askar (ASK) Barbar (BAR) Beit al-Quran (BEIT) Bilad al-Qadim (BAQ) Daih (DAI) Hoora (HOO) Hunaniyah (HUN) Jebelat Habshi (JBH) Jidhafs (JID) Jidhafs al-Imam (JAI) Karranah (KAR) Al-Khamis (KHA) Mahooz (MAH)

© koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2019 | doi:10.1163/9789004383661_002

1 2 1 1 1 1 12 1 13 1 3 5 25 2

2

Chapter 1

Table 1.1

Gravestone locations, abbreviations, and numbers (cont.)

Name

Location Type

Number of Gravestones

Malkiya (MAL) Al Maqsha (MAQ) Bahrain National Museum (MUS) Noaim (NOA) Al-Qadem (QAD) Sh. Abd al-Rauf al-Bahrani (Sh. AB) Sh. Latfulla (Sh. LA) Sh. Ahmed bin Muhammad al-Khalifa (SHAM-ALK) Sayed Yahya Al Husseini (SYA) Tubli (TUB)

Mosque Village cemetery Museum Urban cemetery Village cemetery Shrine in mosque Shrine in mosque Tomb

1 3 12 4 2 1 1 1

Shrine in mosque Village cemetery, mosque

1 4

The excavations and surveys, and the ethnographic recording of contemporary cemetery visitation practices, cemetery material culture, and uses of the gravestones was directed by Professor Timothy Insoll, assisted by Dr Salman Almahari and Dr Rachel MacLean and Mr Jassim Al-Abbas. Following the advice of Professor Robert Hoyland, New York University, that the inscriptions should be transcribed into modern Arabic by those familiar with the formulae used, this was completed in Bahrain by Dr Salman Almahari of the Directorate of Archaeology and Heritage, Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, with Sheikh Bashar abd Alhadi Al-Ali, religious scholar, and Mr Jassim Al-Abbas, Head of Research at the Jaffaria Waqf Authority. Dr Salman Almahari completed the translation from modern Arabic to English, and additional crosschecking of the translations was completed by Dr Xavier Luffin of the Départment de Langues et Lettres, Université Libre de Bruxelles, and Dr Abdelghani Mimouni, Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter. 2

The Contents of the Book

This chapter considers the history of Islamic burial, gravestone, and cemetery research on Bahrain, and discusses the gravestone chronology, gravestone and cemetery types, stone sources and gravestone manufacture, the gravestone inscriptions, content, iconography and decoration, and the archaeology of the shrines and cemeteries in which some of the gravestones were found. Chapter 2 presents the gravestones in the form of a catalogue. It provides detail on each location where gravestones were recorded, and individual reference numbers, co-ordinates,

Introduction

3

dimensions, orientations, and descriptions for every gravestone, as well as an Arabic transcription and translation for all gravestone inscriptions. Chapter 3 concludes this study by providing a discussion of contemporary practices relating to cemeteries, graves, and gravestones, the threats facing the gravestones, and management options for protecting and presenting the gravestones. No attempt is made to add historical context to the epitaphs and texts, the individuals commemorated, or to the places mentioned on the gravestones. This is to permit others to explore these themes, add this detail and to use this epigraphic corpus for the purposes of their research unsullied by previous study. 3

Previous Research on Islamic Burials, Gravestones, and Funerary Inscriptions on Bahrain

Comparatively little scholarly attention has been given to the Islamic cemeteries, gravestones, and funerary inscriptions on Bahrain. They are not referred to by the early European travellers who visited Bahrain such as Captain E. L. Durand (1880; Rice 1984) who excavated burial mounds at Aʿali in 1878, or Theodore and Mabel Bent who were in Bahrain in February 1889 for the same purpose (Bent 2010: 13–27). The omission is interesting as both Captain Durand and the Bents do refer to the Al-Khamis Mosque, albeit as the “Madresseh-i-abu-Zeidan” (Bent 1984: 78) or the “Meshed-i-Abú-Zeidán” (Durand 1984: 20), and this is a site where many gravestones have been recorded. Ernst Diez (1925: 105), the German Oriental scholar who visited the Al-Khamis Mosque in 1914, does refer to the mosque being surrounded by graves but gives no further detail. The cemetery at the village of Saar is described by Hansen (1968: 129) based on her ethnographic study in 1960, as “barren and unplanted”, with the north-south oriented graves marked at the head and foot with “two oblong rough slabs of coral chalk”. One grave of “some outstanding member of the small village community” was differentiated with “a flat rectangular resting stone slab” (ibid). This might be a reference to the type of rectangular grave marker repeatedly recorded during the survey but the absence of detail denies precise identification. James Belgrave (1973: 91), in his otherwise reasonably detailed consideration of the antiquities of Bahrain, focuses on examples of Arabic inscriptions not in funerary contexts such as those from the Al-Khamis Mosque and describes the gravestones, erroneously, as “comparatively modern and therefore are of little archaeological importance”. More recently, Islamic tombs and gravestones have been uncovered during archaeological investigation. Kervran (1996, 2005) completed excavations of Muslim burials at three locations, Saar, Qalaʿat al-Bahrain, and the Al-Khamis Mosque. The Saar cemetery is described as associated with a village and located within a raised area formed of the ruins of a Bronze Age temple (Kervran 1996: 58). Three tombs, oriented north-south, with dimensions of 180 cm × 90 cm were investigated.

4

Chapter 1

Two were within a small structure with a mihrab, and thus appear to resemble a shrine excavated in the Abu Anbra cemetery discussed below. The tombs were finished in stucco and it is possible, but not certain, that the two stucco panels from Saar catalogued as MUS7 in Chapter 2 are from one or more of these tombs, as unfortunately the illustrations provided by Kervran (1996: 64–65) are not clear enough to confirm this. The texts are described as containing “pious formulas and verses from the Coran (sic)” (Kervran 2005: 340). The style of the letters used in the Saar gypsum panels is suggested as of 12th–13th centuries AD date (Kervran 1996: 61), and as such would agree with the dates given in the interpretive panel associated with MUS7 in the Bahrain National Museum (see Chapter 2). The tombs excavated at Qalaʿat al-Bahrain were given a later date range of the 14th to 16th centuries AD, and were part of a cemetery of 3000m² containing between 100 and 120 tombs (Kervran 1996: 61–63, 2005: 334–335). Sixty human burials were exhumed. Two types of Muslim tombs were encountered; simple pits oriented north-south, and pits lined with gypsum plaster, one with a coffin containing a young child dressed in a white cotton shroud or robe that disintegrated on contact with the air (Kervran 1996: 66). Some burials also contained grave goods such as a female with a glass bracelet around the arm and a carnelian bead, and another female burial with a clay Shiʿa prayer tablet placed under one elbow. All these graves lacked above ground funerary monuments but it was suggested that they were “probably covered with cenotaphs and often built inside funerary chapels” (Kervran 2005: 337) which had not survived. An exception was provided by a funerary chapel (chapelle funéraire) containing four intact tomb structures of a rectangular stepped design, seemingly undecorated, and made from gypsum plaster and stone (Kervran 2005: 338–339). A 14th century AD date was suggested for this structure based on its stratigraphic position (Kervran 1996: 68). Frifelt (2001: 42, 45–46) also refers to Muslim burials encountered during excavations at Qalaʿat al-Bahrain but no gravestones are described. The burials at the Al-Khamis Mosque are assigned to two phases by Kervran (1996: 69, 2005: 339–340); Umayyad/Abbasid for those under the walls and floors of the Mosque, and later for those with inscribed rectangular stone grave markers of the type classified under the code KHA (Al-Khamis) in Chapter 2. The Umayyad dates can be discounted (cf. Insoll et al 2016: 238). It is possible that a few burials under the mosque might be Abbasid and unconnected with the Mosque, but it is likely that the vast majority are 13th century AD or later, reflecting the chronology of the Mosque itself (cf. Insoll et al. 2016: 240). No detail is provided on the burials recorded, but the gravestones of the types considered in detail in Chapter 2 are briefly described as associated with the Shiʿa, of between 130 cm and 180 cm length and 30 cm to 60 cm height, inscribed on four sides, and with a mihrab image carved on the upper surface (Kervran 1996: 69). A cemetery is also referred to several hundred

Introduction

5

meters away from the Al-Khamis Mosque. It is not given a name by Kervran but is said to be called locally, “Little Kerbala” (ibid), an appellation not encountered during the fieldwork. It is likely that the cemetery is in fact Abu Anbra, where there is a significant concentration of historical gravestones. The most detailed study of the gravestones prior to this one was by Ludvik Kalus (1990, 1996). It was completed as part of an overall survey of all the then known Arabic inscriptions of Bahrain and includes 36 examples of inscribed gravestones in nine locations. Some of these gravestones appear to have been moved or to have disappeared in the intervening 25 to 30 years since Kalus (ibid) completed his research. Where it has been possible to locate and identify the gravestones discussed by Kalus (1990, 1995) these are cross-referenced in Chapter 2 and new translations are provided. 4

The Chronology of the Bahraini Gravestones and Cemeteries

Blair (1998:196) makes the point that “the speed with which tombstones were introduced depended in part on the strength of local customs of burial”. Kervran (1996: 71) has drawn parallels between the tombs with masonry walls recorded in Islamic contexts and pre-Islamic sepulchres, particularly Hellenistic ones. This is important, for in Bahrain there was a pre-Islamic tradition of commemorating the dead beginning c.2300–2000 BC, with the Early Dilmun burial tumuli (cf. Breuil 1999: 49; Lombard 1999a: 56–57). Thus, there was pre-adaptation to using physical markers for graves but there exists a gap of seven centuries from the last pre-Islamic grave stelae, with a probable date of the 2nd–3rd centuries AD for the so-called Tylos or Hellenistic period figurative grave stelae from sites such as the Al-Maqsha, Al-Hajjar, and Shakhura necropolis, and Qalaʿat al-Bahrain north-western Palm Grove (cf. Lombard 1999b: 212–216; Salman and Fredslund Andersen 2009: 98–99, 171–173), and the first dated Muslim gravestone on Bahrain, KHA6, with a date of 407/1016 (Table 1.2). If the tradition that some of the people of Bahrain converted to Islam after receiving a letter inviting their conversion from the Prophet Muhammad in 7/628 is accepted (Kanoo 1993: 281–283), there is an absence of dated gravestones for a period of nearly 400 years. Four reasons could explain this. First, gravestones from this period have not survived. Second, gravestones from this period have not been found. Third, the dead were uncommemorated, or fourth, the dead were commemorated with un-engraved stones, pebbles, enclosures of low-walls, palm-fronds, branches, or objects such as pots, all of which have been recorded as grave markers elsewhere in the Islamic Middle East (e.g. Granqvist 1965: 110; Sourdel-Thomine and Linant de Bellefonds 1978: 352; Simpson 1995: 247–248; Bittar 2003: 16; Mershen 2004: 165–167; Gorzalczany 2009: 225–226).

6 Table 1.2

Chapter 1 Chronological order of the dated gravestones

Reference Number

Date

KHA6 DAI1 ABN5 ABN11 ABN10 ABN45 ABN9 KHA20 KAR3 MUS3 JID1 ABN7 KAR5 ABN34 MUS4 KHA5 JBH12 JBH11 TUB3 MUS2 ABN6 JAI3 ABN16 ASK1 ABN47 NOA1 BEIT1 ABN32 SYA1 TUB4 ABN18 TUB1 JBH7 JBH10 MUS5 ABN50 MUS10 ABN1 KHA7

407/1016 650/1252 707/1307 707/1307 746/1345 754/1353 765/1363 846/1442 847/1443 854/1450 903/1497 904/1498 965/1557 984/1576 985/1577 997/1588 1002/1593 1003/1594 1008/1599 1014/1605 1046/1636 1046/1636 1047/1637 1066/1655 1067/1656 1076/1665 1089/1678 1090/1679 1093/1682 1093/1682 1094/1683 1095/1684 1098/1687 1100/1689 1100/1689 1102/1691 1102/1691 1103/1692 1105/1694

7

Introduction Table 1.2

Chronological order of the dated gravestones (cont.)

Reference Number

Date

MUS9 HOO5 ABN40 MAQ2 ABN4 KHA18 Sh.LA1 SHAM-ALK HOO2 HUN1

1106/1695 1107/1696 1108/1697 1112/1701 1113/1702 1138/1726 1150/1738 1209/1795 1210/1796 1236/1821

Forty-nine gravestones have dates and these are presented in chronological order in Table 1.2 and Charts 1.1. and 1.2. They span the period between 407/1016 and 1236/1821. It is possible that the use of inscribed gravestones might be linked with the growth of Shiʿism in Bahrain. The phrasing used on the earliest gravestone, KHA6, clearly indicates a link to Shiʿa belief. However, the date of 407/1016 on this gravestone suggests that the growth in funerary epigraphy in the Bahraini context was not linked with what Taylor (1992: 7) has described as “the rise of major Shiʿi empires, such as the Fatimids, Qarmita, Buyids and Hamdanids” in the tenth century. The number of dated gravestones gradually increase in quantity from one each in the 5th and 7th centuries AH, to five in the 8th, three in the 9th, six in the 10th, and 17 in the

Chart 1.1 Number of dated gravestones by century (AH)

8

Chapter 1

Chart 1.2 Number of dated gravestones by century (CE)

11th century, before declining to 13 dated gravestones in the 12th century, and three dated gravestones in the 13th century AH. It is interesting that the period with the largest number of gravestones, the 11th/17th century, correlates in large part with Safavid rule of Bahrain between 1602–1717 AD (Cole 1987: 186), a dynasty known to have patronised and encouraged Shiʿa arts in the shrines of Iran, and until its loss to the Ottomans, in Iraq as well (Allan 2012: 41). It is probable that the Shiʿa communities using gravestones such as KHA6 coexisted with Sunni Muslims who might not have commemorated their dead in the same way. Some modern inscribed gravestones were seen in the largest contemporary Bahraini Sunni cemeteries that were surveyed, at Manama and Hunaniyah (East Riffa) (Figure 1.1), but in many instances uninscribed head and foot marker stones were used as grave markers. These could be formed of unworked slabs of faroush, a natural seabed crust composed of sand, lime muds, shells, and carbonate cement (Judd and Hovland 2009: 88), or pointed cement markers (Figure 1.2). Two definitely Sunni gravestones were recorded with inscriptions pre-dating AD 1900 and both are for members of the Al-Khalifa ruling family (HUN1 and SHAM-ALK). Their rarity likely reflects doctrinal proscription on the commemoration of the dead (cf. Sourdel-Thomine and Linant de Bellefonds 1978; Leisten 1990; Schöller 2004: 261–262, 271–275; Allan 2012: 5), though how this has been considered and implemented has varied (Schöller 2004), and numerous exceptions exist indicating the use of inscribed gravestones in what are likely to be Sunni or almost exclusively Sunni contexts throughout the Islamic world (e.g. Sourdel-Thomine and Linant de Bellefonds 1978: 355; Ory 1989: 57–59; Moraes Farias 2003; Bittar 2003; Mershen 2004: 165; Bauden 2011).

9

Introduction

6 9 8 13 15 21 25 14 23 3 19 11 22 2 17 24 26 16 7

5

12

20

27 1

10

Legend 1. A’Ali (AAL). 2. Abu Anbra (ABN). 3. Abu Saiba (ABS). 4. Askar (ASK). 5. Barbar (BAR). 6. Beit al-Quran (BEIT). 7. Bilad al-Qadim (BAQ). 8. Daih (DAI). 9. Hoora (HOO). 10. Hunaniyah (HUN). 11. Jebelat Habshi (JBH). 12. Jiddah Island (JDI). 13. Jidhafs (JID). 14. Jidhafs al-Imam (JAI). 15. Karranah (KAR). 16. Al-Khamis (KHA). 17. Mahooz (MAH). 18. Malkiya (MAL). 19. Al Maqsha (MAQ). 20. Bahrain National Museum (MUS). 21. Noaim/Naim (NOA). 22. Al Qadem (QAD). 23. Sh. Abdiraf al-Bahraini (Sh. AB). 24. Sh. Latfulla (Sh. LA). 25. Sh. Ahmed bin Muhammad al-Khalifa (SHAM-ALK). 26. Sayed Yahya Al Husseini (SYA). 27. Tubli (TUB).

18

4

0

2.5

5

10

Kilometers

Figure 1.1 The locations of the cemeteries surveyed in Bahrain

10

Chapter 1

Figure 1.2 Variety of gravestones in the Sunni cemetery, Manama. These include faroush and cement head and foot marker stones and modern inscribed marble gravestones.

5

The Types of Gravestones and Cemeteries

5.1 The Types of Gravestones Of the 150 gravestones recorded, 139 are of a rectangular form. Those for which the length was measurable indicated that the majority (68 examples) were between 100–149 cm, followed by 44 examples of between 150–199 cm length. Three gravestones were between 200–249 cm and five between 50–99 cm length. Of the latter, three could have formed half of a double slab gravestone configuration but could not be classified as such because they are very eroded. Where the width was measurable of either single or one of the parts of double slab gravestones (see below), it was found that 63 gravestones were between 31–40 cm, 60 between 21–30 cm, 15 between 41–50 cm, three between 51–60 cm, and five between 10–20 cm maximum width. Maximum height measurements indicated that 60 gravestones were between 31–40 cm, 45 between 41–50 cm, 20 between 51–60 cm, 16 between 21–30 cm, three between 61–70 cm, and one between 10–20 cm height. On all the finished rectangular gravestones inscriptions were found on five surfaces unless they were eroded, incomplete, or damaged (Chapter 2). The gravestones were either produced as single or double slabs (Figures 1.3 and 1.4). Single slab gravestones predominated at 90 examples with 30 double slab gravestones, 17 half double gravestones, and five fragments classified as part of two

Introduction

Figure 1.3 Example of a single slab gravestone, ABN18

Figure 1.4 Example of a double slab gravestone, ABN5

11

12

Chapter 1

further rectangular gravestones found. It is not known if the fragments were from single or double slab gravestones. The remaining ten gravestones were composed of one concrete block, two gypsum examples, one double slab gravestone carved only on one face and fixed to a hollow cement structure, and six flat gravestones. Three of the flat gravestones are modern laser etched marble slabs that commemorate individuals pre-dating AD 1900 (ABN34, HUN1, SHAM-ALK). The other three are premodern, with one possibly imported (HOO9), as it is seemingly made of sandstone, which is not local to Bahrain, and the other two were described by local informants as of Iranian origin (HOO2, HOO7) (see Chapter 2 for full details). The criteria for why some gravestones were carved as a single slab and others using double slabs is not known, but might be related to size. The largest single slab gravestone (ABN45, Figure 2.162) measures 227 cm length by 57 cm width by 21 cm height, and the combined maximum dimensions of the largest double slab gravestone (ABN21, Figure 2.84) are 202 cm length by 51 cm width by 31 cm height. Generally, the slabs that compose a double gravestone are of broadly comparable size, but disparities were recorded. ABN48, for example, was formed of two slabs of exactly 98 cm length, and of comparable width at 48 cm and 47 cm, but the height of each slab varied at 54 cm and 35 cm (Figure 2.169). Disparities could also exist in slab length as with ABN11 that was formed of two slabs of 109 cm and 82 cm, whereas the widths of the slabs at 50 cm and 49.5 cm and their heights of 41 cm and 39–40 cm are comparable (Figure 2.54). In all the double slab gravestones, the two slabs were joined by simply butting against each other except for ABN12 which was connected, uniquely, by a carved mortise and tenon type joint that served to link the two slabs together (Figure 2.55). Thirteen hollow gravestones were recorded. Hollow gravestones can be defined as “cenotaphs” following Blair’s (1998: 196) description of these as “empty rectangular boxes”. The hollow gravestones, and all the rectangular gravestones more generally, can also be described as “grave covers”, following Lowick (1985: 79). As such, besides the sectarian considerations discussed earlier in this chapter, this prevalent type of above-ground rectangular gravestone or grave cover would have not been universally acceptable in some Muslim communities for cultural reasons. Ali (1994: 398), for instance, describes how Malay Muslims would not use a sarcophagus-type gravestone as it was “too reminiscent of a Hindu platform where a pyre was set to burn the dead” and thus “any suggestion that the body was entombed above the ground, as in a sarcophagus, was unacceptable”. It is likely that many more of the Bahraini gravestones are hollow as this could only be ascertained when the gravestone position had shifted to allow a view of the underneath, where they were cracked (e.g. ABN26, Figure 2.97), or of double form and had been separated or partially separated, or where they were excavated and this permitted a view underneath. Similarly, whether a gravestone was solid could only be identified based on the same criteria and three solid examples were recorded (e.g. ABN5, Figure 2.25). Presumably, gravestones were hollowed out to reduce

Introduction

13

weight during transport. Circular holes were also found drilled into five gravestones with one each on JBH4, KHA15, MUS6, and MUS12, and several on TUB1. Initially, it was thought that this might also be linked with transport and they were for the insertion of a rod to ease carrying (e.g. MUS6, Figure 2.406). This interpretation was subsequently discounted on the basis that these holes would be expected to continue through both sides of the gravestone, which they did not, and not disfigure the epigraphy. The purpose of the holes remains unknown. The dominant gravestone orientation, in 60 instances, was northwest to southeast. This was followed by 48 gravestones oriented north-northwest to south-southeast, 12 oriented north to south, two northeast to southwest, and one each oriented west-northwest to east-southeast and west-southwest to east-northeast. Based on comparison with contemporary practice the graves should, ideally, be oriented with the head to the north and face directed towards the Qibla in the west, and the feet to the south. A close approximation of this ideal is thus manifest by many of the gravestone orientations. Twenty-seven gravestones were found in an unfinished form. This ranged from the gravestone having only been cut into the basic rectangular shape with blocks for where the raised decoration would be (e.g. ABN 35, Figure 2.131) to small areas left unfinished, as with the rear of the raised decoration on ABN26 (Figure 2.99). The style of the unfinished gravestones, the similarities in materials used (limestone), and their sizes, all serve to indicate their contemporaneity with the finished examples. It can only be hypothesized as to why unfinished gravestones were sometimes used as funerary markers. This could be due to cost, death of the commissioning party, death of the writer or engraver, a variety of circumstances could be responsible. Factors of cost might explain the use of what are best described as ‘sub-standard’ gravestones, i.e. where surface flaws are likely to have precluded effective carving (e.g. ABN35, Figure 2.131). It also has to be acknowledged that some of the unfinished gravestones may have been found and appropriated more recently as commemorative markers. This could explain why seven of the 12 gravestones in Hoora cemetery are unfinished, as they were collected elsewhere and re-used in this large urban cemetery. In other instances, unfinished gravestones had clearly been abandoned and were not apparently associated with the deceased (e.g. ABN46, Figure 2.163). However, it appears unlikely that the presence of the unfinished gravestones indicates that they were manufactured or carved in the cemeteries themselves. The absence of stone debitage from cutting or carving in all excavated gravestone contexts, and the likely venerated status of cemeteries, based on contemporary analogies (Chapter 3), does not suggest in-situ manufacture and carving. Further implications of the unfinished gravestones for our understanding of gravestone manufacture are discussed below. Only two gypsum grave markers were recorded (ASK2 and MUS7 [2 panels]). These are supplemented by the three gypsum tombs recorded by Kervran (1996), previously described, one or two of which might correlate with MUS7. The rarity

14

Chapter 1

in the use of gypsum could relate to beliefs described by Schöller (2004: 259) that “everything which has been touched by fire is disliked because it is a bad omen with regard to (Hell-) Fire” and because materials such as brick and lime that had been exposed to fire were believed to “dry out the grave” (Leisten 1991: 15–16). More prosaically, the prevalent use of stone for the Bahrain gravestones might also be connected with understandings of material longevity, i.e. that stone is a long-lasting material and limestone is suited to taking on carving, as well as to the relative availability of stone in the Jiddah Island quarry, discussed below. Comparative material for the Bahraini rectangular gravestones is rare and perhaps the closest parallels can be drawn with the gravestones from Siraf on the southern Iranian coast. Functional similarities exist in that both the Bahraini and Sirafi groups can be described as ‘grave covers’, as defined by Lowick (1985: 79). In other ways, they differ. The Siraf gravestones are generally earlier, dated to between 364/975 and 735/1334, made of sandstone, or in three instances stucco, carved in floriated Kufic script, and often incorporate a stepped crest running the length of the upper surface (cf. Lowick 1985: 80, 85, 112–113; Bittar 2003: 157–160). The approximate length of the Siraf gravestones (excluding fragments and a child’s gravestone) varies between 163 cm and 114 cm with several of around 130–150 cm length, width ranges between approximately 28 cm and 45 cm with most around 30–45 cm, and in height between 25 cm and 57 cm, with most between 40 cm and 50 cm (Lowick 1985: 90–114). As such they are generally comparable in size to the dominant rectangular Bahraini gravestone form. 5.2 Types of Cemeteries The cemetery types can be divided into two categories, urban and village. Of the 16 cemeteries in which gravestones were recorded, five can be classified as urban, and the remaining 11 as village cemeteries (Table 1.1), though one of the latter (Abu Anbra) was formerly urban, indicating that cemeteries can change status over time dependent on population growth and decline. Figure 1.1 indicates a clear clustering of cemeteries and shrines in the northeast of the main island of Awal correlating with the villages in this area. The general absence of cemeteries and shrines with inscribed gravestones pre-dating 1900 AD in the south and centre of Awal can be explained by differences in population composition in the centre of the island (predominantly Sunni and/or expatriate), and lack of population and settlement in the south. The latter compounded by an absence of relevant archaeological investigation as this is currently a restricted area. The total absence of relevant gravestones on the island of Muharraq with its indications of Islamic settlement back to the Umayyad period, as well as later occupation attesting the urban expansion of Muharraq in the late 19th and 20th centuries (cf. Carter and Naranjo-Santana 2011) is less understandable. It is not possible to reconstruct the past spatial reasoning, if any, behind the location of the gravestones within the cemeteries themselves, for in most instances they have become part of a palimpsest of graves in multi-period contexts, as already

Introduction

15

considered in the discussion of chronology above. Patterns of contemporary cemetery usage indicate that today all the cemeteries in which the gravestones were recorded are essentially unplanned, but a degree of planning is utilised in plotting where burials will go based on the availability of space. In the Abu Anbra cemetery, for example, graves are re-used. Old graves are re-opened and the bones of the previous occupant are placed in a corner of the grave trench and the new corpse added or the older bones are removed, the corpse interred and the bones of the previous occupant are then placed back into a corner of the grave. Whether specific areas within cemeteries are linked with particular families also depends on the availability of space. For example, in the two Janusan village cemeteries (lacking inscribed gravestones dating from before AD 1900) there is considerable space and burial can, essentially, occur wherever desired. As a correlate, particular family areas have developed. In contrast, in the Deir village cemetery on Muharraq Island, (again lacking funerary inscriptions relevant for this study), where space is limited, there are no family areas and place of burial is based on the date you died in sequence. Further detail on the cemetery locations is provided in Chapter 2. 6

Stone Sources and Gravestone Manufacture

6.1 Stone Sources The principal, if not the sole source of the limestone used for the gravestones was likely Jiddah Island, approximately 4km north-west of the main island of Awal (Figure 1.1). The quarries on Jiddah are of significant antiquity but the only published survey of them is a brief but valuable report by Højlund (2013: 176) who suggests they were exploited as early as the Bronze Age, c. the second-millennium BC. Permission was not forthcoming from the Bahraini authorities to revisit Jiddah Island as part of the research described here. This would have permitted provenance studies to be completed comparing the gravestones with the oolitic limestone from the quarry at Jiddah, but must await future access. A photograph of an Arabic inscription from Jiddah Island is also provided by Belgrave (1973: 80), which he describes as “the scratching of a slave” referring to “the name of the Governor of Bahrain at a certain date, the age of the quarries and the date of the mending of the fort” (ibid: 91). No translation is given but one in French is provided by Kalus (1990: 72) and this is translated into English by Højlund (2013: 174). This is quoted below and a new Arabic transcription presented based on the photograph provided by Belgrave (1973: 91).

‫� ة � ا � � ا غ � ن � ن ق � � ة �أ � ف �ص� �ة‬ ‫ف� � ن ش ش‬ ‫ن ن ة �ه‬ ‫ ج ر��ي�� �ت��م ل�����ف�ر� أم�� م�� ������طع م�ا �ئ�� ل��� ��خ�ر‬968 ����‫و ي� ����ض��م�� �������ه�ر ����ع ����ب�ا � ����س‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ق ة‬ � � �‫� � ن ف� �زا �ة ا �ل �ز �ي� ال‬ ‫ع����ظ��م ��ج�لا ل ا �ل�د � ن‬ ‫ي� ���م�را د‬ � ‫�ل���� ج��د ��ي�د ��ب�رو ج� ���ل���ع�� ا �ل ب����حري� ي� و ر و � ر‬ ‫م‬ ... ‫ ���ع��لى ��ي�د ا �ل�ع ����ب�د‬... ‫��ح��مود �����ش�ا ه‬

16

Chapter 1

During the month of Shaban of the year 968, ended the cutting of 100,000 stones for the construction of the towers of Bahrain Fortress. By the hand of the slave, under the government of the Grand Minister Jalal Al-Deen Morad Mahmood Shah. The inscription indicates that the quarries were certainly in operation in 968/1560, a period from which several of the inscribed gravestones date (Table 1.2). 6.2 Gravestone Manufacture Entirely hand carved inscribed gravestones of the type recorded in the survey are no longer made in Bahrain. Gypsum is still hand carved, but the craftsmen practicing this stated that it is a completely different material to stone and requires different technical skills to work it. Hence reconstructing the processes and time involved in producing a fully inscribed gravestone of the rectangular types recorded in the survey is difficult because of the absence of contemporary parallels. A Bahraini artist who does stone carving was interviewed regarding the production of these gravestones. He was then carving a marble gravestone with calligraphy on five faces, and estimated that to complete a fully carved gravestone comparable to those recorded with inscriptions on five faces by hand alone would take him two years including preparing the stone block, designing and marking out the calligraphy, and cutting the lettering (Khalil Almadhoon pers. comm. 20/4/17). This is probably a significant over-estimation of the time it took earlier masons as he does not specialise in the production of gravestones and he uses electric powered chisels for the bulk of the work so is probably not so quick in the use of hand chisels as earlier craftspeople would likely have been. The literature on gravestone cutting and carving in the Gulf and Iran is very limited, though a summary of the processes, but not the time involved in producing a carved gravestone in Iran sometime in the period between 1937 to 1941 is provided by Wulff (1966: 129–130). This is useful for insights into a comparable chaîne opératoire. First the raw block was trimmed and the surfaces brought to a “bright shine” by the stonemason. The drawing was then copied onto the stone by tracing the lines with Indian ink and the outlines chased with a sharp chisel. The background was next cut away with various profiled hollow chisels and the cut-out background smoothed with a set of bent, profiled files. The final polishing was then completed with emery cloth. Similar processes were likely involved in the production of the Bahraini gravestones. Several stages of manufacture are apparent in the 27 unfinished gravestones that were recorded. First the stone block would have been cut from the quarry. This first stage cannot be identified in the gravestone corpus as all the blocks have been further worked. The tools that appear to have been used, based on marks left on some gravestones, were saws and chisels. The clearest example of this is provided by ABN35 where what appear to be chisel marks are present on the top surface (E)

Introduction

17

and chisel and saw marks on the long side surfaces (A and B) (Figure 2.131). Next, the block would be cut into a more refined basic shape probably including, where used, the rectangular blocks for raised decoration at each end (e.g. ABN46, Figure 2.163), and if these were a feature of the design, the rectangular plinths that might support them. It is possible that much of the roughing out and rudimentary carving of features such as the rectangular block for the ubiquitous raised decoration (e.g. MUS8, Figure 2.413) was completed by apprentices and other craftspeople not involved in the final letter carving. The standardisation apparent in the gravestone design, rectangular shape, range of similar sizes, and repetitive design elements, would have facilitated production. The raised decoration would then appear to have been cut. ABN8, a gravestone formed of two limestone slabs, has been cut into shape but left uncarved possibly because the surface of the stone would have precluded effective carving. At one end is the rectangular block awaiting carving into raised decoration but at the other end this has been further cut into a basic shape of three flattened facetted cubes (Figure 2.36). Finally, the inscriptions and any other decoration such as the shallow carved niche design often found on the upper surface seem to have been carved after they were marked onto the surface (see below). The order in which the surfaces were carved, if this followed a repeat pattern, is unknown. One gravestone (ABN5) has three sides fully carved but sides C and D left uncarved (Figures 2.26 and 2.27), suggesting that one side at a time was worked on. No evidence for re-carving to obliterate or over carve/change mistakes was found on any gravestone, but the quality of the carving could vary significantly from somewhat crudely carved examples (e.g. ABN2) (Figure 2.12) to outstanding masterpieces (e.g. QAD2, Figure 2.454). The likelihood that gravestones were manufactured and carved outside the cemetery context has already been discussed. Schöller (2004: 278) describes the naming of the “sculptor” as only occurring in “rare cases” in Arabic funerary epitaphs, a point echoed by Bittar (2003: 10). The Bahraini corpus would thus appear to be exceptional in having both the names of the writers and/or engravers present on 32 gravestones (Table 1.3). In 22 examples the names of both the writer and engraver are included, in two examples only the writer’s name is present, and on six gravestones the name of the engraver alone is found. This patterning of single writer’s or engraver’s names on the gravestones is unlikely to be meaningful as in all eight instances it is probable that the other name is missing because of damage or erosion to the relevant section of the inscription. Hence it is likely that the intention was to include both the writer’s and the engraver’s names as part of the inscription in all instances where they are found singularly. Patterns emerge in the writer’s and engraver’s names. Fifteen individual writer’s names appear to be signed on the gravestones. The most prolific writer is Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din al-Bahrani who is named on six gravestones, though without the addition of ‘al-Bahrani’ in four instances. Five of these gravestones are dated (ABN1, ABN32, JBH10, JBH12, TUB1) and these indicate that he was working between

18 Table 1.3

Chapter 1 The writers and engravers named on the gravestones, e = engraver, w = writer (*see Table 1.2 for further detail on the dates of the gravestones)

Gravestone

Date*

Writer

Engraver

ABN1

1103 AH

ABN3 ABN4

Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din

1113 AH

ABN16 ABN32

1047 AH 1090 AH

ʿAli bin Abdullah bin ʿAbd al-Samad al-Asbaʿi al-Bahrani Saʿud Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din al-Bahrani ʿAli bin Husayn al-Bahrani

al-Sayyid Naser bin al-Sayyid Hashim al-Husayni al-Sayyid Naser al-Sayyid Naser bin al-Sayyid Hashim al-Asbaʿi al-Bahrani

ABN36 ABN37 ABN38 ABN40

Masʾud e. 1110 AH

ABN41

ʿAli bin Husayn bin Zayn al-Din ʿAli bin Abdullah bin ʿAbd al-Samad ʿAbd Muhammad bin Ahmad … Al-Asbaʿi ʿAbd al-Nabi bin Ahmad ʿAbd Allah bin ʿAli al-Biladi al-Bahrani

ABN47

1067 AH

ABS1 BEIT1

1089 AH

HOO5

1107 AH

JBH4 JBH7 JBH10

1098 AH 1100 AH

al-Sayyid Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din al-Bahrani

JBH11

e. 1007 AH

JBH12

1002 AH

KHA7

1105 AH

ʿAbd al-Husayn bin Muhammad Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din

KHA10

al-Sayyid Hashim al-Sayyid Naser bin Sayyid Hashim al-Husayni al-Sayyid Salih bin al-Sayyid Hashim al-Sayyid Hashim al-Sayyid Hashim al-Sayyid Naser bin al-Sayyid al-Sayyid Naser bin Hashim

al-Sayyid Naser al-Sayyid ʿAlawi son of the good and the pious al-Sayyid Salih al-Sayyid Naser bin al-Habr … al-Sayyid Hashim Abdalhussain Alsyed (Side C) Muhammad Sa⁠ʾid, (Side E) al-Sayyid Naser bin al-Sayyid Hashim Salman bin ʿAli al-Sayyid Naser bin al-Sayyid Hashim al-Husayni al-Sayyid Naser Bin the late al-Sayyid Hashim al-Husayni al-Sayyid Hashim

19

Introduction Table 1.3 Gravestone

The writers and engravers named on the gravestones, e = engraver, w = writer (cont.) Date*

KHA15

Writer

Engraver

Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din

Husayn bin ʿAli Bin Fardan al-Manami al-Sayyid al-Sayyid ʿAlawi bin al-Sayyid Naser al-Asbaʿi al-Sayyid Hashim al-Sayyid Hashim bin al-Sayyid Ali al-Sayyid ʿAlawi bin al-Sayyid Naser Sayed Hashem bin Sayed Naser Alhussaini Al-Bahrani al-Sayyid Hashim bin al-Sayyid Naser … Ali Bin …

KHA18 MAQ2

1138 AH e. 1121 AH

MUS4 MUS6

985 AH

Masʾud Ahmad bin Faraj al-M …

MUS9

1106 AH

MUS10

1102 AH

NOA1

1076 AH

ʿAli bin Abdullah … al-Bahrani Ali bin Abdullah bin ʿAbd al-Samad Alosbai ʿAli bin Husayn bin Zayn al-Din Sheikh … Lutf Allah Lut Allah Bin Ali Lut Allah Aljedhafsi Al-Bahrani ʿAli bin Husayn

Sh.AB1

SYA1

w. 1093 AH

TUB1

1095 AH

Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din

al-Sayyid Salih bin al-Sayyid Hashim al-Sayyid Naser bin al-Sayyid Hashim al-Husayni

at least 1090/1679 and 1103/1691. All five of the dated gravestones also bear the name of the same engraver, al-Sayyid Naser bin al-Sayyid Hashim al-Husayni, though, unusually (and uniquely), on gravestone JBH10, side E is signed by al-Sayyid Naser bin al-Sayyid Hashim, and side C by another engraver, Muhammad Sa⁠ʾid. Gravestone JBH12 which is signed by both craftsmen raises a conundrum as it is dated 1002/1593 which is considerably earlier than the dates on the other gravestones these two worked on. It is impossible that their working life extended for nearly a century and unlikely that two craftsmen with identical names were working 100 years earlier. It thus appears that this gravestone was commissioned and carved to commemorate someone a significant period after their date of death. A hypothesis supported by the stylistic affinities and carving of JBH12 (Figure 2.253) which are in accord with the other four gravestones attributed to these two craftsmen. The next most frequently named writer, on three gravestones, is ʿAli bin Abdullah bin ʿAbd al-Samad al-Asbaʿi al-Bahrani, who in two instances (ABN41, MUS9) is signed by shorter or incomplete versions of the same name. Two of his gravestones

20

Chapter 1

are dated to 1106/1694 and 1113/1701. One other writer’s name, Masʾud, is signed on two gravestones, one dated to 985/1577 (MUS4), and it is possible that another writer also appears on two gravestones as the writer’s name ʿAli bin Husayn bin Zayn al-Din on ABN40 is likely the same as the shorter ʿAli bin Husayn found on SYA1. All other writer’s names on the gravestones are singular instances. The engraver’s names on the gravestones are complicated to interpret because of the affinities between many of them (Table 1.3), the various versions of the names used, and the fragmentary nature of some of the inscriptions. Interpretation of the engraver’s names will thus be omitted except in relation to one engraver’s name that is especially prominent, and which is that of the previously mentioned craftsman, al-Sayyid Naser bin al-Sayyid Hashim al-Husayni. His full name is carved on six gravestones (ABN1, ABN32, JBH10, JBH12, KHA7, TUB1) and he is described as the engraver/inscriber on five of these gravestones. On the sixth (ABN32), the engraver attribution is missing, but based on stylistic criteria it is certainly his work. He is also likely represented by the shorter ‘al-Sayyid Naser bin al-Sayyid’ (ABN40), ‘al-Sayyid Naser bin Hashim’ (ABN41), and ‘al-Sayyid Naser’ (ABN3, ABS1). Only one of the four gravestones bearing shorter names (ABN40) is dated, to 1110/1698. This would extend the working life of al-Sayyid Nasir by a further seven years to that already discussed, giving an overall duration recorded on his signed gravestones of 19 or 20 years (1090/1679 to 1110/1698), which is not an unrealistic length of time for his having been an engraver. The stylistic affinities of the four gravestones bearing the shortened versions of his name, with their well-defined raised decoration, good overall proportions, and crisp carving, further link them to the six examples with his full signature. Based on the exceptional quality of his work, it is appropriate to describe al-Sayyid Naser bin al-Sayyid Hashim al-Husayni as a master carver (e.g. ABN1, Figure 2.7, ABN3, Figure 2.14, ABN32, Figure 2.122, ABN40, Figure 2.145, ABN41, Figure 2.150, ABS1, Figure 2.179, JBH10, Figure 2.244, JBH12, Figure 2.253, KHA7, Figure 2.300, TUB1, Figure 2.467). Perhaps this was why he carved the gravestone (KHA7) for the incumbent of a shrine excavated in the Al-Khamis mosque precincts (see below). The distribution of the gravestones produced by Husayn bin ʿAli, as writer, and al-Sayyid Naser, as engraver, indicates a quite tight clustering in northwest Awal with their gravestones found in cemeteries at Abu Anbra, Abu Saiba, Jebelat Habshi, Al-Khamis, and Tubli (Figure 1.1). In the 22 examples where both the writer’s and engraver’s names are present, precedence is given to the name of the writer on 14 gravestones and the engraver on the remaining eight gravestones (ABS1, BEIT1, KHA15, MUS6, MUS9, MUS10, SYA1, TUB1). It is not known if this indicates greater prestige was accorded the writer or if it merely reflects the order of work completed, i.e. writing then engraving. The separation of writers and carvers apparent in the Bahrain corpus has been described in relation to Muslim funerary inscriptions elsewhere. In mid-15th century AD Malaysia, for example, it seems that after a ruler or high official had stipulated

Introduction

21

the basic details of a text, a secretary would precisely draft it and write it on palm leaves or, in some instances, trace the inscription with paint or chalk onto the stone which was then cut by a letter carver (De Casparis 1980: 21). In other contexts, both the writer and the engraver seem to have been one and the same. El-Hawary (1930: 330) describes how, in an unspecified location in the “first five centuries A.H.” the engraver would, after levelling the block he was going to use, draw straight parallel lines, then paint the lettering in black ink, and then carefully engrave it. It is not known if all of the engravers and writers recorded in the Bahrain corpus were local to Bahrain. Artisans, including stone carvers, travelled widely, as attested by the lapicide Mubarak al-Makki who appears to have been of Hijazi origin but seems to have worked, perhaps as Master of a workshop, carving funerary inscriptions in Egypt in the mid-3rd century AH/mid-9th century AD (Schneider 1986: 96–97). A proportion of the surnames do seemingly indicate that at least some of the writers and engravers were local to Bahrain. The surname “al-Bahrani”, suggests Bahrain, and is found associated with both writers (e.g. ABN32) and engravers (e.g. MUS10), as well as associated with the name “al-Asbai” (ABN4, writer and engraver). “Al-Asbai” is a specific reference to the Bahraini village of Abu Saiba. “Al-Asbai” is also found as a singular surname for writers (ABN47), and engravers (MAQ2). Other Bahraini affiliations are indicated by the name “Aljedhafsi” (Ah.AB1, writer) which is a reference to the village of Jidhafs, and “al-Manami” (KHA15, engraver) which is possibly a reference to Manama, the current capital. 7

Script, Epigraphy, and Content

All the inscriptions are carved in cursive Thuluth script. This was first formulated in the 7th century AD but was not fully developed until the late 9th century AD (Safadi 1986: 52). It is widely found used on a variety of materials other than stone including, for example, earthenware, stucco, metals such as brass and bronze, and paper and parchment (cf. ibid: 52–61). The gravestones essentially follow the standardised formula described by Blair (1998: 198), with the addition on various gravestones of the writer’s and engraver’s names, as described. They attest or witness the dead through: – The invocation or basmala. – Introductory phrases such as Quranic verses dealing with judgement and resurrection. – The deceased’s name. – Eulogies. Certain Quranic chapters and verses recur on the gravestones (Table 1.4). Five are used ten or more times, with the most popular Surat Al-Baqarah (The Cow), and particularly the Ayat Al-Kursi (The Throne Verse) (2:255) which recurs 68 times, thus, replicating patterns noted elsewhere (cf. Blair 1998: 198). This is followed by

22

Chapter 1

Table 1.4 The number of uses of Quranic chapters and verses Surah and Ayah

Number of Uses

2:255 5:55–56 7:56 9:21–22 10:62 13:23–24 15:46 16: 31–32 21:101–103 21:255 22:37 25:10 28:83 28:88 32:16–17 33:56 35:28 35:33 36:55–58 38:50–54 39:42 39:73 41:30–32 43:68–73 44:51–56 48:1–3 52:19–20 55:26–27 56:11–26 89:27–30 97:1–5 99:7

68 1 1 23 1 10 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 3 28 1 1 42 4 1 6 2 5 3 1 2 1

42 uses of part of the Surat Fussilat (41:30–32), 28 of part of Surat Sâd (38:50–54), 23 uses of part of Surat Al-Tawbah (The Repentance) (9:21–22), and 10 uses of part of Surat Ar-Raʿd (The Thunder) (13:23–24). Fifteen gravestones commemorated females and 36 males based on the names and/or references to the deceased as ‘he’ or ‘she’ in the inscriptions. There was no

23

Introduction

discernible difference in gravestone size, epigraphic style or decoration based on gender. The size of the rectangular gravestones can be seen to vary, as previously described, but the content of the inscriptions suggests they were only made for and used by adults. Table 1.5

References to economic data and geographical locations in the inscriptions

Gravestone

Economic Data

Locations

ABN1 ABN3

Six Muhammadi qirans 15 mann of palm dates

ABN4 ABN6 ABN18 ABN31 ABN32 ABN36 ABN40

One Muhammadiyyah Six qirans

Barburah in al-Sahramuw al-Shatba Palm trees, Alnaboud, Sayhat, al-Bahrayn Mina

ABN41 ABN47 ABN50 BAR1 BEIT1 HOO5 JBH8 JBH10 JBH12 KAR5 KHA7 KHA12 KHA15 MAQ2 MUS4

MUS5 MUS9 MUS10 NOA1

Baskets weighing 20 mann Two baskets, one basket, half basket Three big baskets, two baskets Unspecified crop Big basket

80 mann Unspecified crop 16 Muhammadiyyah, baskets, shares, zakat Endowment, crop 15 Muhammadiyyah

One third of the palms 34 shares, 1 share

20 mann dates, crops 20 mann, fruits Dates, palms

Sufala Garden, Sitra, al-Khawariyah Al-Ukul Island Abu Naser palm trees, Sitra Unspecified palm gardens al-Kharajat garden, al-Sabkha Hillat al-Sayf, Sihat Albalad garden, Awal Mani Um Al-Suli Garden, Jid Alhaj Palm garden at al-Bilad Abu Mandah field Unspecified land

al-Bahrayn Mani in al-Bahrayn, al-Mahall palms Awal Island Katkatan Sar in al-Bahrayn Garden of bin al-Zayid, Hilal Mosque, southern garden of al-Kharajat Unspecified palm garden Basanj at Awal

24 Table 1.5

Chapter 1 References to economic data and geographical locations in the inscriptions (cont.)

Gravestone

Economic Data

Locations

Sh.LA1

Two baskets of palm dates

SYA1 TUB1

Dates, crops 20 mann of al-Ghara palms

TUB4

Palm crop

Unspecified palm gardens, Mena land in al-Bahrayn Sanj in al-Bahrayn, al-Ghara palms al-Kharajat at Katkan in al-Bahrayn, al-Ghara palms Al-Kharajat, al-Shatib al-Kabir at the Katkan area near the sea

The inscriptions on 32 gravestones refer to economic data and/or geographical locations. Of these, 17 gravestones mentioned both categories, six economic data alone, and nine geographical locations alone (Table 1.5). Both categories of information seem to relate predominantly to endowments and their returns. In some instances, these are precisely described (e.g. ABN3 or TUB1), in others (e.g. MUS5 or KAR5) they are vague and unspecific. Examples of where precise instructions are found include on ABN3 where it is stated that the proceeds (15 mann of dates) from the endowment (al-Shatba palm trees) should be spent on reading the Quran every day. Similarly, on ABN40 it is stated that two baskets (presumably of dates), should be spent on reading two parts of the Quran daily with one basket coming from the al-Kharajat garden, half a basket from the western garden and another half from the “eastern” and “al-sabkha”. Besides mann and baskets, other measures of weight referred to are the Muhammadiyah, used for the same purpose of supporting Quran reading, and mentioned on KHA7 where it is stated that 15 Muhammadiyah from the income of al-Mahall palms should be used, and the qiran (ABN6) or Muhammadi qiran (ABN1). The mann is described by Rebstock (2008: 2261) as a unit of weight that was important throughout the Islamic world but particularly “in the Persian East”, and where its weight varied between 816.5g and 6656g. References to the qiran, Muhammadi qiran, or Muhammadiyah as measures of weight have not been found. Varied geographical locations are referred to, for example, ABN31 refers to the people of al-Ukul Island which is now identified as Nabi Salih Island, in the Tubli Bay area, east of Awal, but for the reasons described at the beginning of the chapter, this locational data will not be interpreted here. A major change apparent in comparing the content and length of the epigraphy of the historical gravestones with contemporary gravestones is in the limitations imposed by the decline in size of the available working area on the latter. Modern, usually marble, gravestones have only a single small panel available for carving, by

Introduction

25

machine, compared to the earlier larger rectangular gravestones with five faces that can potentially be used. The difference in available epigraphic space is manifest in, for example, the frequently lengthier ancestry expressed by the names carved on the historical gravestones or in the poems and eulogies present, which would be impossible to include on the smaller modern gravestones. 8

Iconography and Decoration

The dominant use of deep carving in relief in the Bahrain corpus has, undoubtedly, contributed to the survival of the inscriptions and associated decoration, and has been described as a preservation factor in other Islamic epigraphic contexts (e.g. De Casparis 1980: 21). On 35 gravestones, a shallow carved recessed niche was recorded on the upper surface. These were of rounded (13 examples) or pointed (21 examples) form, and only in one instance terminated in a dome (ABN48). On a further 17 gravestones a probable niche design was also present on the upper surface represented by a partial shallow carved rectangular panel design but lacking the defining niche terminal due to either erosion or damage of the relevant surface (e.g. ABN12) (Figure 2.55). The complexity of the niche design varied with most simply defined by a single (ABN40) (Figure 2.149), or double carved border line (ABN47) (Figure 2.168). More rarely, supplementary ornate elements were incorporated such as an arrow carved within a small rectangle above the rounded end of the niche (KAR5), or a flower or abstract symbol in the point of the niche (MUS6) (Figure 2.410). The niche is probably a representation of a mihrab, as previously suggested by Kervran (1996: 69), and is a motif found on other Shiʿa gravestones. Parsayi et al (2014: 126) describe its common use in the Dar al-Salam cemetery at Shiraz in southern Iran where the mihrab functioned as “a metaphor for a window toward the divine light”. Miles (1939: 155, Fig. 9) also illustrates a similar niche/mihrab decorated rectangular flat gravestone dated to the early 8th century AH from Isfahan. There is remarkable continuity in the design of the rectangular gravestones over the approximately 680 years they were made, encompassing the period from the date of KHA6 (407/1016) to ABN4 (1113/1702) (Table 1.2). This is indicated not only by the rectangular form itself, but by the continued use of the rectangular recessed design on the top surface and by similar forms of raised decoration found over the time span represented by KHA6 (407/1016) to ABN40 (1108/1697), the last completely intact example recorded (Figures 2.296 and 2.145). Three element raised decoration was identifiable on 60 gravestones usually at both ends unless it was broken or cut off at one end. On 49 gravestones, this was formed of two facetted cubes with a central rounded arch of varying thickness, with the raised decoration set on a supplementary rectangular plinth on 25 gravestones (Figure 1.5).

26

Chapter 1

Figure 1.5 Example of raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes with a central rounded arch set on a supplementary rectangular plinth, ABN15

Introduction

27

Other variants of the three-element raised decoration included three facetted cubes (ABN6, Figure 2.32), two short rounded collared cylinders with a central rounded arch (ABN11, Figure 2.52), two facetted cubes with a central thin raised point (ABN29, Figure 2.110), two facetted cubes and a central flat slab (HOO8, Figure 2.213), two facetted cubes with cup marks carved on top and a central rounded arch (KHA23, Figure 2.357), and two triangles and a central point (MUS2, Figure 2.389). Additional carving was also present on the exceptionally well carved gravestone QAD2 which had star motifs cut into the top surfaces of the facetted cubes and calligraphy on the rear of all three elements of the raised decoration at each end (Figure 2.455). Comparable three-element raised decoration has not been found elsewhere. A partial exception is provided by Dhofar in Oman where a central flattened point with a flattened half point either side, or a central semi-circle with a half semi-circle either side were used as decoration on the top of flat slab gravestones, but the only similarity is in the use of three decorative elements (cf. Oman 1983: 289). The cutting off of the raised decoration on some gravestones might reflect a change in fashion, deliberate iconoclasm, or a change in funerary traditions with the removal of the solely decorative elements. Fifteen gravestones had definitely had the raised decoration cut off one or both ends (e.g. ABN4, Figure 2.19), and on nine gravestones it was unclear if the raised decoration had been broken or cut off (e.g. ABN9, Figure 2.37). A further 19 gravestones had the remains of eroded and unidentifiable raised decoration at one or both ends (e.g. KHA24, Figure 2.359). Five of the 15 gravestones that had their raised decoration cut off were dated (ABN1, ABN4, KHA18, MAQ2, MUS10, Table 1.2). All of these were from the early 12th century AH (late 17th to early 18th centuries AD). This tight chronological patterning might be historically significant, but how, is unknown. Colour was also used to enhance the lettering on five gravestones. Red pigment was recorded on one face on two gravestones (DAI1 and KHA23), two faces on one gravestone (KAR3), and on three faces on two gravestones (KHA6, Figure 2.296, and MUS11). It is not known if these five recorded examples represent fortuitous survival or the total sample of gravestones with coloured epigraphy and thus whether red and/or other colours were used more widely to decorate the gravestones. However, the seemingly random nature of the faces coloured red suggests it is preservation factors rather than conscious decision that has influenced the numbers found. The red colourant used is haematite or iron oxide. Haematite is a material found in Qalaʿat al-Bahrain as early as the Middle Dilmun/Kassite period (c. 1450 BC). It appears to have been used to coat floors possibly along with small blocks of iron oxide, and as a constituent in external slip applied to the so-called ‘Kassite goblets’ (P. Lombard pers. comm. 29/8/17). It was also used in the Tylos period (c. 300 BC–600 AD) to colour figurative grave stelae (cf. Lombard 1999b: 216). The latter usage indicating a pre-Islamic connection between funerary commemoration and iron oxide.

28

Chapter 1

Haematite is also known from Islamic archaeological contexts in Bahrain. A single haematite bead was recovered from levels dated to the mid-11th to 12th centuries AD in the Al-Khamis Mosque precincts, along with six other fragments of haematite, two dated to the 11th century, and the other four to the late 12th to 14th centuries AD (Insoll 2005: 295–296). Two haematite weights, suggested as antique objects based on their forms, but found in Islamic layers dated to the 12th to 15th centuries AD, were also found in the ‘Merchant Quarter’ at Qalaʿat al-Bahrain (Frifelt 2001: 151). Five sets of cup marks carved on gravestones were also recorded. On MUS8, four shallow linear circular depressions were found on the upper surface of the gravestone (Figure 2.413). The purpose of this and three, similar, shallow circular depressions on the upper surface of KHA16 (Figure 2.333) is unknown. Similarly, the function of two large circular cup marks, one carved on the top surface and the other on one side of HOO4 (Figure 2.205) is unclear. The other two sets of cup marks appear to have been used for playing mancala games. These are defined by de Voogt (1997: 14) as involving, “one basic movement which involves ‘sowing’ and ‘capturing’ playing pieces, or ‘seeds’, using a board comprising rows of holes”. Gravestone NOA3 has four rows of 15 individual cup marks neatly carved at one end of the upper surface (Figure 2.446). The cup marks on ABN46 are less distinct and evenly placed but two rows of smaller cup marks and a third row of three larger randomly spaced and two smaller cup marks can be identified (Figure 2.446). The first two rows appear to be the remains of the rock-cut mancala board. The position of ABN46, lying on its side with the game board on the uppermost surface, suggests it was found as it had been left, and had not been subsequently moved. Mancala was widely played in Africa and Arabia (cf. Townshend 1979; de Voogt 2010, 2012; Charpentier et al. 2014). For example, the double linear arrangement of cup marks on ABN46 is very similar to the rock cut mancala boards of northern Ghana (cf. Insoll, MacLean, and Kankpeyeng 2013: 34, 36). Whilst both the two-row and four-row arrangements are similar to the mancala games from eastern and southern Africa discussed by Townshend (1979: 111, 117, 119). Four row boards of the type represented by ABN46 are described by de Voogt (1997: 14) as “found mainly on the East African coast”. Other rock-cut mancala boards have been recorded archaeologically in the Arabian Peninsula and the Near East, including configurations of two lines of seven cup marks at Al-Dahariz in Dhofar, Oman (Charpentier et al. 2014: 116), and similar two rows by seven boards at Palmyra in Syria (de Voogt 2010: 1065). 9

The Archaeology of the Gravestones and Shrines

In total, two shrines and 38 gravestones were located and excavated in cemeteries. Gravestone ABN47 was found inside a small shrine in the Abu Anbra cemetery (N26.21060° E050.55135°). This building had maximum dimensions of c.340 cm × 520 cm (not 430 cm × 520 cm as previously stated [Insoll et al. 2016: 237]). Built of rough stone blocks with mud mortar and plastered on the inside walls, a paved stone

Introduction

29

threshold gave access to the building in the eastern wall, and there was a small plain mihrab niche in the western wall (Figures 1.6 and 1.7). The shrine was filled with a loose sandy deposit containing no artefacts, but with a particular concentration of structural debris at the southern end of the building. The roof had collapsed leaving pieces of roofing arches in situ next to the gravestone where they had fallen. These were removed to define the building plan and it was seen that shaped coral blocks had been extensively used for the dome structural elements (Figure 1.8), probably

Figure 1.6 Plan of the shrine containing ABN47

30

Chapter 1

Figure 1.7 The excavated shrine containing ABN47 with mihrab in the wall on the right

Figure 1.8 Parts of the collapsed dome structure, excavated shrine containing ABN47

Introduction

31

as they are comparatively light (M. Al-Mearaj pers. comm. 1/3/15). The name of the shrine occupant is only partially legible on the gravestone, ‘Al … al-Bahir’ who died in 1067/1656, and was a Haji. Four gravestones (KHA4, KHA5, KHA6, KHA7) were found in and around a second shrine excavated in the cemetery east of the extant Al-Khamis Mosque (N26.20843° E050.54847°). This structure was excavated by Dr Muhammad Al-Mearaj as part of rescue excavations in advance of the construction of the Al-Khamis Mosque Visitor Centre. The shrine was built of rough blocks of stone and mortar and was formed of an approximately square room with internal dimensions of c.400 cm × 390 cm. Attached to this was a rectangular arcade with maximum dimensions of 1035 cm × 365 cm (Al-Mearaj 2012: 14–15) (Figure 1.9). As with the Abu Anbra shrine, collapsed arches were preserved where they had fallen from the roof to the north and east of the shrine room (Figure 1.10). Gravestone KHA7 was inside the main room of the shrine, the other three gravestones were outside the main shrine and KHA5 was possibly associated with a further smaller shrine room (Al-Mearaj 2012: 15). KHA7 provided a date of 1105/1694, KHA5 of 997/1589, and KHA6 of 407/1017. KHA4 was undated. KHA5 and KHA7 date to the period of shrine construction and KHA6 is linked with earlier occupation recorded around the Al-Khamis Mosque (Insoll et al. 2016: 236). The inscription on KHA7 commemorates the late Shaikh Muhammad bin al-Mabrur Shaikh Majid and states that it is his shrine. It is possible that the shrine was linked with the later commemorative role of the Al-Khamis Mosque, within a mashad-type function, as proposed by Kervran and Kalus (1990: 39). Parallels for the shrines that were excavated are scarce as this is an understudied category of monument (Insoll et al. 2016: 236–237), and those that are described differ in form. Survey in 1976 by an Italian team of the al-Khidr shrine on Failaka Island, Kuwait, for example, indicated that it was built on an oblong ground plan, with an “egg-shaped dome” but was then roofless (Patitucci and Uggeri 1984: 419). The photograph provided (ibid) indicates that the main part of the shrine was circular in form on rectangular foundations, built on a low mound and accessed by a flight of steps. Patitucci and Uggeri describe the shrine (1984: 419) as dedicated to the god Khidr, protector of fishermen and barren women. Bibby (1996: 154) also briefly refers to the same shrine in the context of it being repeatedly pulled down, as the Kuwaiti authorities did not agree with the ritual practices performed there. Similarly, the shrines surveyed by Costa (1994) on the former course of the Sat al-Nil in Iraq differ from the Bahrain examples. Although comparable in size (e.g. Abu Hatab and Umm Al Awlad), they are earlier (8th to 12th century), and built of fired brick often finished with elaborate stucco work (e.g. Abu Hatab) (see Costa 1994: 4–5, pls. 1 and 5). Gravestones were excavated where it was not possible to see their full form and/ or position (10 examples), where their inscriptions were obscured (22 examples), or when local information indicated that there was the possibility of a buried

Figure 1.9 Plan of the excavated shrine containing KHA7

32 Chapter 1

Introduction

Figure 1.10

33

Collapsed arches, excavated shrine containing KHA7

gravestone but it could not be seen on the surface (six examples). All ten gravestones that comprise the first category were uninscribed, of the second category of 22 gravestones, excavation of four of these wholly exposed their inscriptions as, though they could be seen above the surface, all their above ground faces were eroded (e.g. JBH8, Figure 2.236). The six gravestones comprising the third category have already been described (KHA 4 to 7, ABN46 and ABN47). Besides those gravestones inside or beside their shrine buildings, excavation provided significant new information in other ways. The presence of ABN49, for example, was only indicated above the ground surface by the raised decoration at one end but excavation indicated it was a completely buried fully carved double slab gravestone which had been dislodged and the raised decoration pushed above ground by a white plastic water pipe that had been laid directly over it (Figure 1.11). The presence of some of the gravestones in sub-surface archaeological contexts (e.g. ABN47 and HOO5) suggests that they could be subject to what Osman and Edwards (2011: 201) have described in relation to Nubian Islamic cemeteries as a “life-cycle”; whereby, they might be abandoned and forgotten as the lineages or figures they were associated with or commemorated slipped out of memory.

34

Figure 1.11

Chapter 1

ABN49 after excavation with plastic water pipe in-situ

Chapter 2

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions 1 Introduction All the gravestones from a particular cemetery are grouped together. The cemeteries are presented alphabetically. The cemetery abbreviations are listed in Table 1.1 and repeated at the start of each cemetery sequence where their location is also described. Within each cemetery grouping all gravestones are given a sequential reference number comprising the abbreviation of the cemetery name and their unique number, for example ABN1 (Abu Anbra 1), ABN2, ABN3. Every individual gravestone catalogue entry also provides information on: 1. The co-ordinates of the gravestone (measured with a handheld GPS unit). 2. The maximum dimensions of the gravestone (length, width, and height). 3. The gravestone orientation. 4. A description of the gravestone discussing, where relevant, form, condition, decoration, number of inscribed surfaces, and whether it was excavated. 5. If the gravestone was inscribed, an Arabic transcription and translation. The gravestone surfaces were given the codes A to E for the purpose of recording and analysis (Figure 2.1). If a gravestone was oriented following the contemporary ideal, as discussed in Chapter 1, A would be oriented to the West, B to the East, C to the South, D to the North, and E forms the upper surface. All inscribed gravestone surfaces were photographed, but in some instances, particular gravestone surfaces were difficult to photograph adequately for publication because their position in tightly packed cemeteries or shrines meant they could not be easily accessed with a camera. The inscribed surfaces of some gravestones were also fragile which meant it was not possible to scrub them to remove all traces of earth that might be adhering to them. For transcription and translation these difficulties were surmounted by the translators in Bahrain revisiting the gravestones to check their work as necessary. The English translation of The Quran used is by Al-Hilâlî and Khân (1419/1998, Madinah: King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran). The material from the Quran is cited numerically with the Surah followed by the Ayah.

Figure 2.1 The lettering system used to record the gravestone surfaces © koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2019 | doi:10.1163/9789004383661_003

36 2

Chapter 2

Aʿali – Salamya Mosque (AAL)

Location: Original context not known, possibly a cemetery in the surrounding area. Now kept on a tiled floor area in the Salamya Mosque in Aʿali village. Reference Number: AAL1 Co-ordinates: 26.16459° N 050.52542° E Dimensions: Slab 1. 60 cm length (l) × 24 cm width (w) × 40.5 cm height (h) Slab 2. 94 cm (l) × 28 cm (w) × 47 cm (h) Orientation: Not applicable (NA) Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs. The inscriptions found on four surfaces are very eroded. Partial remains of a shallow carved pointed niche design on the top surface (E) with additional tracery framing above. The end is broken on one slab and it has some concrete adhering to the top. Eroded unidentifiable raised decoration at the other end. The original orientation is unknown. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful… (35:33) – Eden Paradise, which they shall enter… (13:23)

Figure 2.2 Surface A, AAL1

‫أ‬ :� ّٰ �‫ب���س���م ا �ل��ل�ه ا �لرح�م� ن� ا �لر‬ ........................،‫حي�����م‬ ‫ن خ ن‬ ‫� ن���ا ت‬ .............................‫��لو���ه�ا‬ ‫� ع�د � ي��د‬ ‫�ج‬

37

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

B: – No carving or inscriptions.

:�‫ب‬

‫ت‬ ‫�ز خ ف‬ ‫� ن �ق‬ � ‫لا‬ ��‫حو�ي� ��� ش��� ولا ��ا ر‬

Figure 2.3 Surface B, AAL1

C: – The inscription cannot be read.

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ض‬ ‫ق ت‬ �� ‫�غ ي��ر وا‬ � .‫�� ن� �را ء ���ه�ا‬ ‫ح��ة ولا ي����م ك‬

Figure 2.4 Surface C, AAL1

38

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫ ا �ل‬....... � ........��‫ح��س�ي� ن‬

D: – ...al-Husayni…

‫ي‬

Figure 2.5 Surface D, AAL1

E: – The inscription cannot be read.

Figure 2.6 Surface E, AAL1

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ض‬ �� ‫ا �لن���ق ش�� �غ ي��ر وا‬ � ‫ح‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

3

39

Abu Anbra Cemetery (ABN)

Location: Large unplanned cemetery, it appears that it was originally urban and connected with the former settlement area surrounding the Al-Khamis Mosque, but is now used by the contemporary village community of Bilad al-Qadim. It also contains several Saint’s shrines. Reference Number: ABN1 Co-ordinates: 26.20939° N 050.55050° E Dimensions: 115 cm (l) × 35.5 cm (w) × 42 cm (h) Orientation: Northwest (NW) to Southeast (SE) Description: Single limestone slab gravestone in good condition with inscriptions on five surfaces. The raised decoration has been cut off both ends. Shallow rounded pointed niche design on the top surface (E). Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – The angels will descend on them, (saying:) Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We are your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your souls desire, and all that you ask for, as hospitality (41:30–32) – From One, the Forgiving, the Most Merciful. Gardens of Eden whose gates will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be maidens of equal age with modest gaze. This is what you are promised on the Day of Reckoning (38:50–53). Praise be to Allah and to no one else.

‫أ‬

:�

َ ََ ُ‫تَتَنَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ�خَ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��ا �وا ولا‬ ‫���� ل ع��لي���ه���م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ ِ َ َْ‫ت‬ ْ َ‫�ْلَنَّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ‫ح�زَنُ� ا َ �أ � ش‬ � ،�‫��������م �وع�د و‬ ‫���ُروا �ا �ج�����ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ِ‫و وب‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ‫نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ‫ََْ ُّ نَْ َ ْ آ‬ ْ َ � � � � ‫ل‬ � � � ‫�ن � � ك‬ � ‫ال‬ � �‫ا � ا‬ ِ‫ح�� ولِي��ا �م فِي� حي���ا ةِ ل�د ي��ا و فِي� � �خِ رة‬ َ َ ْ �ُ َ� َ ْ �ُ ُ ُ‫َ �َ ُ� ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أَ ن �ف‬ ‫�م ول ك‬ ‫ي�ه�ا �م�ا ����������ه� � ��� ��س ك‬ ‫ول ك‬ ‫ي�ه�ا �م�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ ً ُ‫تَ َّ ُ نَ نُ�ز‬ ‫ � لا‬،�‫��د �عو‬ َّ ُ‫ّ ْ �غَ �ف‬ َ ُ ُ َّ ً‫� نَّ َ ْ ن �ُّ �فَ �تَّ َ��ة‬ � � ‫ن‬ ‫ا‬ � �� ، �� ‫ح‬ � �� � ��‫� ع�د ٍ� م‬ �� ‫ح� ��ل�ه���م‬ ‫م‬ ِ‫�ِم�� �� و ٍر ر ِ ي ٍ �ج ت‬ َ َ‫ْ أَْ َ ُ ُ �تَّ نَ َ َ ْ ُ نَ َ �ف‬ �ِ‫ي�ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي�ه�ا ي��د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫ �م� �كِ�ئِ�ي��� ف‬،�‫ال� ب�وا ب‬ ٍ‫��ه��ة‬ َ َّ ُ‫َ ن َ ُ ْ َق َ ت‬ َ ��َ‫� َ � َ �ش‬ ْ � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�د‬ �� ‫ع‬ ، �� � � ‫�ه‬ ‫ط‬ ��‫ل‬ �ِ‫� و ِ ��م �صِ ر � ر ف‬ ٍ‫�كثِيرةٍ و ر ب‬ ٰ ٌ َ ْ‫أَت‬ َ ‫�ْل‬ ْ �َ � �َ‫ َ�ه��ذَ ا �َم�ا تُ� َع ُ�د ن‬،� � ‫ا‬ � ‫ح‬ ،� ‫ا‬ � ‫��س‬ ‫م‬ ‫� �را ب‬ ِ‫و و لِيو ِ ِ ب‬ ‫وا �لح‬ .‫��م�د �ل�ل�ه وح�د ه‬

40

Chapter 2

Figure 2.7 Surface A, ABN1

َّ B: ٰ : �‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب���س���م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لرح�م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫حي�����م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َ ُ َّ ٌ ْ َ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ خُ�ذُ ُ نَ�ةٌ َ َ ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ there is no other deity but he, the ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� �� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه �م�ا‬ ‫و ي‬ Ever Living, the One Who sustains َّ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ ََ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�� ا‬ ‫ا‬ and protects all that exists. Neither �� ِ‫� و�م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا ا �ل��ذ‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. ْ َ‫َ ْ �فَ ُ ْ َ ُ َّ �إِ�ذْ ن َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ أ‬ ََ ْ To Him belongs whatever is in the ‫ي�ه���م و�م�ا‬ �� ‫ي� ش���� ِ�ع ن���د ه � لا � ِ�ِ�ه �ي�ع��لُ �م�ا ب�ي�� ن� �ي� ِ�د‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ِ ‫م‬ heavens and whatever is on the earth. َ‫خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ� ُ ن‬ Who is he that can intercede with .�‫حي����طو‬ ِ�‫���ل����ه���م ولا ي‬ Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. ْ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ‫َّ َ ش‬ ّ ْ َ‫ش‬ ُ – And they will never compass any- ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه‬ ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل�ِم ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا ����ا ء و�ِ�س ك‬ ���� ِ‫َ إ‬ ‫بِ ي‬ ‫ع‬ thing of His Knowledge except that َّ َ ُ ُ‫َ أ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ � فْ ظ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � �‫ا‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ه‬ � ‫ا‬ which He wills. His Seat extends ‫ح���������ه���م�ا‬ ‫د‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ر‬ ‫و‬ ‫و‬ ‫و‬ ‫و‬ ‫ي‬ � ِ ِ‫ت‬ over the heavens and the earth, and ّٰ ‫ق‬ ُ َ ْ� ‫َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ ‫�ظ‬ He feels no fatigue in guarding and ،‫ �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل�ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�� ي�����م‬،‫�� ي�����م‬ ِ‫و و ل�ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬ ‫ي‬ preserving them. And He is the Most ‫أ‬ ّٰ ‫�ل‬ ‫ وا ح‬،)�‫� �مي��ر ا �ل���م���م ن��ي�� ن� (ا �ل���م�ؤ �م ن��ي�� ن‬ High, the Most Great (2:255). Allah, �‫��م�د �ل��ل�ه ر ب‬ the High, the Great has spoken the truth. His Generous Prophet has spo.�‫ا �ل�ع�ا �ل���مي�� ن‬ ken the truth. Ali, prince of believers, has spoken the truth. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds.

41

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.8 Surface B, ABN1

: ‫ج‬ �

C:

ٰ ‫ق ة �ج�ز ن ت‬ �‫كا � ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �ل�ع�ز ��ز ب‬ � � ‫ا‬ � ‫ح‬ � � ‫ص‬ � ‫ب‬ ��‫�را ء � � ء �م‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ض‬ .�� ....‫�صي��ر‬ ��‫ ا �ل‬......‫ ب��ع�د‬.....�‫�م� ن‬ ‫�خ‬ ‫��م�د �ا ت‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ت ق ن ت م‬ – Six Muhammadi Qirans should be ‫ ا �ل����سي���د‬،� ‫ي�ر ج� �م����ه�ا ����س�� �را �ا � ح ي‬ ‫ة ق‬ ‫ن‬ spent on, Sayyid Abdullah Bin Sayyid ‫�ع��ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه � نب� ا �ل����سي���د ����ص ع��ل � � � �م ����عه�ا‬ Naser on Barburah which is located � ‫ر ى ب ربور و‬ ‫ا �ل��س��ح‬ .‫�ر�مو‬ in al-Sahramuw. – Reading part of the Book of God the Noble One … Proceeds from …

Figure 2.9 Surface C, ABN1

42

Chapter 2

D: – This is the grave of the late and blessed Shaikh Salim bin Shaikh ʿAbd al-Wahhab, who died on fifteenth of Jumada al-Thani, 1103.

:‫د‬ ‫�ه��ذا ض‬ ‫ا �ل���م���ق‬ � � �� � � ‫ح‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫م‬ � � ‫��م‬ �� � ‫م‬ ‫برور‬ ‫س‬ ‫رو‬ ‫ريح‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ل��������� خ‬ ‫ش خ‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ا�ش‬ ‫ا �ل�������ي��� ��س�ا �ل�م �ب� الا ��د ��س‬ �‫ي‬ ‫ت ف ف خ‬ ‫ش‬ �‫�ع��ب�د ا �لو�ه�ا ب� �و �ي� �ي� ��ا �م��س �ع���ر �ج �مي���د �ي‬ ‫�ة �ة‬ .‫�ه�ـ‬1103 ���‫(�ج �م�ا د �ى) ا �لث��ا ن�ي�� ����سن‬

Figure 2.10 Surface D, ABN1

E: – Written by Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din, May Allah forgive them, in Safar 1103.

‫ف‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ �‫ا �ل�د�ي� �ع���فى �ع����ه���م �ي‬

‫�ز ن‬ ��‫ي‬

: ‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت أ‬ � ‫�����ب�ه ال� �ق�ل‬ ‫�ك‬ ‫ح��سي�� ن� � نب� ع���ل‬ ‫ي‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫ف‬ .‫�ه�ـ‬1103 ���‫�ص��ر ����سن‬

‫�خ‬ � ‫ط ب��� ت� ي�ا ق���بر‬ – Oh grave, how good you are ‫كا �م�لا ع�لي�����م�ا ���بي��را‬ � ‫حي��� ث� وا ري� ت� ش�������ي���خ��ا ��س�ا �ل�م‬ that a knowledgeable, perfect and experienced shaikh was buried in you.

43

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– My Allah bless his soul and give him paradise and silk as a generous gift from Him. – Engraved by the humble alSayyid Naser bin al-Sayyid Hashim al-Husayni.

Figure 2.11

ٰ �‫�ق�د ��س ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه روح�ه و‬ ‫�ر�م�ا �م ن���ه �ج� ن����ة وح‬ ‫�ر�يرا‬ ‫ح��ب�ا ه  ك‬ ‫� ن‬ ‫ا �ل����سي���د ن�ا �صر � نب� ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا �ش�����م ا �ل‬ �‫ح��س�ي��ي‬

‫�ق‬ ‫ن �ق ش‬ ‫��� ����ه الا �ل‬

Surface E, ABN1

Reference Number: ABN2 Co-ordinates: 26.20974° N 050.55106° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 80 cm (l) × 24 cm (w) × 35 cm (h) Slab 2: 22 cm (l) × 24 cm (w) × 35 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone broken into two parts. Hollow interior. Badly eroded. Unidentifiable three element raised decoration at both ends. Partially legible inscriptions on two surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – With Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter.

َ ‫َو�م�ا‬

ْ َ‫أ‬ ْ �� ‫�ي� ِ�د‬ ‫ي�ه���م‬ ِ

‫أ‬ � َ : ّ َ ْ َ‫� نْ َ هُ � ل �إِ�ذ ن َ ْ ُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ �� ‫ا‬ � ‫م‬ ‫�ه‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫ع‬ ‫ع‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫��ل‬ � � � �‫بي‬ ‫ِ َ إِ بِ ِِ ي م‬ ْ ُ ‫َ ْف‬ ‫خ���ل����ه���م‬

44

Chapter 2

– And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge… (2:255)

Figure 2.12

Surface A, ABN2

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none… (2:255) – … Who is he that can intercede.

Figure 2.13

َّ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫نَ ش‬ َُ �‫( َولا ي‬ � � �‫حي����طو‬ )...........‫����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل�ِم ِ�ه � لا‬ ِ ِ‫إ‬ ‫بِ ي‬

Surface B, ABN2

C: – No carving or inscriptions. D: – No carving or inscriptions. E: – No carving or inscriptions.

ٰ : �‫ب‬ ّٰ �‫ب���س���م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لرح�م� ن� ا �لر‬ ........‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا‬،‫حي�����م‬ ‫�ف‬

‫�ذ‬

‫ ا �ل� � � ش‬................... . ���� ‫ي� ي ع‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ �� ‫لا �و ج��د ��� و��� � و‬ � ‫كا ب�ا‬ :‫د‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ا ت‬ �‫لا ت�و ج��د ن����قوش��� � و � ب‬ �

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ا ت‬ �‫لا ت�و ج��د ن����قوش��� � و � ب‬ �

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

45

Reference Number: ABN3 Co-ordinates: 26.20979° N 050.55109° E Dimensions: 140 cm (l) × 34 cm (w) × 37 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone with some patches of erosion and damage. Next to collapsed shrine on top of mound. Raised decoration cut off at both ends. Inscriptions on four surfaces. Shallow carved pointed niche design on top surface (E). Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Verily, those who say: Our Lord is Allah, and then they stand firm, the angels will descend on them, (saying:) Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your souls desire … which will never finish… (41:30–32) – And all that you ask for, as hospitality from One, the Forgiving, the Most Merciful. Gardens of Eden whose gates will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be maidens of equal age with modest gaze. This is what you are promised on the Day of Reckoning. Verily, this is our Provision… (38:50–54)

‫أ‬

:�

ُ ََ ْ َ ُ َّ َ ُّ َ ُ َ� َ‫نَّ َّ ن‬ � ِ‫� � ا �ل��ذ‬ ‫ي� ��ق�ا �لوا رب����ن�ا ا �ل��ل�هُ ���ث�� ّم ا ����س��ت����ق�ا �موا‬ ِ‫إ‬ َ ّ َ ََ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� ْ ‫تَ�ْ�زَنُ َ أ‬ � � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ،�‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �رو �ا �ج � �ن��ةِ ل�� �ك�������م و��ع�د و‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ َ َ‫نَْ أ‬ ْ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� � � �‫�مْ �ي� ا �لح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خِ� �ر‬ �‫ح� نُ� � ْولِ�ي��ا �ؤ ك‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ َ ْ ُ‫َ �َ كُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أ ن ��ُ ُ ك‬ ‫ ���م�ا‬--- .‫�م‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ � ‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������هي� � �����ف��س‬ � ‫ول‬ ِ َ��َّ‫َ ُ ن‬ .---‫�ل�ه �مِ � ن� ����ف�ا ٍد‬ ُ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ �َ َّ ُ نَ �ُ �زُ ً ّ ْ �غَ �ف‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ ��ن� لا �ِم� ن� � �� و ٍر‬،�‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬ َ َّ�� َ ُ ُ َّ ً‫َ ْ ن ُّ �فَ َّ َ �ة‬ �ّ � ‫� ���ع�د ٍ� �م�� ��ت����ح� ��ل���ه��م‬ ِ‫ �ج � �ن�ا ت‬.‫ر ِح����ي��ٍم‬ َّ‫ْ أَْ َ ُ ُ �ت‬ َ َ‫َ َ ْ ُ ن‬ َ �� ‫ن‬ � � � ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫ �م� ِك‬،�‫ال� ب�وا ب‬ ���ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د عو� ف‬ ���ِ‫�� ئِ� ي��� ف‬ َ َ َ‫�ف‬ ُ‫َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ َ َ َ َ ��� � � � ‫ و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬،� ‫ا‬ � � �� � �� � ‫�ش‬ � ‫ر‬ ‫و‬ ٍ‫بِ��� �ا كِ����ه��ةٍ ك ثِ ي ةٍ ر ب‬ َ‫َّ ْ أَْ َ ٌ َ �ذَ َ ُ َ ُ ن‬ �‫ ���ه� ا ���م�ا ت�و���ع�د و� لِ�يَ� ْو ِم‬،�‫ا �ل����ط�ر�� � ���ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ف‬ ْ َ� َ�� ‫نَّ َ �ذَ �َِ�زْ ُق‬ ‫ا �ل‬ ‫ح‬ .---.‫ � � ���ه� ا لر �� �ن�ا‬،� ‫ا‬ �� � � ‫�س‬ ِ‫ِ بِ إ‬

46

Figure 2.14

Chapter 2

Surface A, ABN3

َّ B: ٰ : �‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َّ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ َ َ َ َّ � َ sustains and protects all that exists. �� ِ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا ا �ل��ذ‬ ِ‫���م�ا فِي� ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ‫ي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َ َ ْ َ � ْ‫َ ْ ��َ ُ ْ َ ُ َّ �إِ�ذ‬ َ ‫�ش‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in ‫ ولا‬..................ُ‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ َ the heavens and whatever is on the َ ّ ْ ُ َ َ ّ ْ َ‫� ُ نَ ش‬ � earth. Who is he that can intercede �ِ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء َو���س‬ ���� ‫ح����ط‬ ِ‫َ إ‬ ‫ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ ‫ع‬ with Him except by His permission! َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ ُ ُ َُ َ َ َ ‫َ أ ْ ض‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ا‬ He knows … And they will never .‫� وال� ر�� ولا �ي�ؤ ود ه‬ ‫ك‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in َ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫فْ ظ‬ � � � – Guarding and preserving them. And �� ‫�راه‬ ‫ لا �إِ ك فِي‬،‫ِح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا ل���ع�ِ�لي� ا ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ He is the Most High, the Most Great. ْ ُ�� ْ َ ْ‫ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ُّ ْ ُ نَ ْ غَ ّ ��َ َ ن‬ ‫ا �ل ِ�دي� �ق�د ����بي��� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ �� ا �ل��� �ف��م�� ي� ك‬ There is no compulsion in religion. ‫����ف�ر‬ ِ ِ‫ي‬ Verily, the Right Path has become dis- َ ُ ُ َ�� َ‫ّ ف‬ ْ َ ْ َ‫ْ ت‬ ‫�غ‬ ‫�ا � َّل����ط�ا � � َ ��ؤ‬ ‫ن‬ � � � tinct from the wrong path. Whoever ‫�د ا ����س�����م��س�ك‬ ‫ا‬ � � � ‫�ه‬ � � ‫�ل‬ ‫�ق‬ � ‫ل‬ ِ ِ ِ‫و تِ وي مِ � �ب‬ ِ‫ب‬ disbelieves in Allah, then has grasped ٌ َ ُ ّ َ َ َ َ َ ‫ْ ُ ْ َ ُْثْ قَ َ َ ن‬ the most trustworthy handhold ��‫�بِ� �ا �ل�عرو�ةِ ا �لو����ى لا ا ���فِ��������ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي‬ ‫ع‬ that will never break. And Allah is ُْ ْ ُ‫َ ٌ ّ ُ َ ُّ َّ نَ آ َ ن‬ ّ ُ ُ� ‫�خ‬ All-Hearer All-Knower. Allah is the �َ‫�����ه��م �ِم� ن‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه و لِي� ا �ل��ذِ �ي� � �م��وا ي� ِر ج‬،‫ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ Guardian of those who believe. He ُُّ َ َُ ُّ‫�ظ‬ brings them out from darkness into .‫� �إِلى ا �لن�ور‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ ِ‫ا �ل�� �ل� ت‬ ِ light (2:255–257).

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.15

47

Surface B, ABN3

C: – A part of the Book of God the Noble One should be read every day for 15 mann of palm dates. – From the products of al-Shatba Palm trees ……in Alnaboud …. Located at Sayhat al-Bahrain.

: ‫ج‬ �

‫ق أ‬ ‫�ج�ز ن ت‬ ‫كا � ا �ل�ّ�لٰ�ه ا �ل�ع�ز ��ز‬ � ‫كل �يو�م‬ � �‫ي�����ر‬ ‫ء‬ � � � ‫م‬   � ‫ب‬ � ‫ي‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫ت‬ �‫ب‬ ‫�خ�م��س� � ش‬ � .‫ع���ر �م ن���ا �م� ن� ����مر‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�خ� ا � ش‬ � �‫�م� ن ح�ا �ص‬ � ‫ �م� ن� ا �لن����بود‬..........‫ل�����ط��ب�ا‬ � ‫ل ل‬ ���‫ ق�� ب�����س��ي‬.......)‫(ا �ل ب�� ن��ود‬ ‫ح��ة ا �ل��ب��ح‬ .�‫�ر�ي ن‬ ‫ع‬

Figure 2.16 Surface C, ABN3

48 D: – No carving or inscriptions.

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Figure 2.17 Surface D, ABN3

: ‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫�ف‬ ‫�خ‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن����ق ش‬ � � � .‫ ا ل����سي���د �ا �صر‬......‫ ا ل�� �ا ر‬.......‫����ه‬ ‫ف ت‬ ‫ � ن���ا ت‬........ � ......� .........�‫ح�تى �يوا ر �ى �� �را ب‬ ‫�ج‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ ا �ل���م ت‬..........‫ ا �ل�ّ�لٰ�ه‬....... � ‫ف �ق �ت‬ – … He cried for killing of Wahab … .� ‫و‬ ‫ ���ل� � �ل و�ه�ا ب� ب� كى‬....... Allah … The death. ‫ت‬ – Written by … .............‫�����ب�ه‬ ‫�ك‬ E: – Engraved by…the distinguished … alSayyid Naser. – ... gardens … until buried in the soil …

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

49

Figure 2.18 Surface E, ABN3

Reference Number: ABN4 Co-ordinates: 26.20484° N 050.55125° E Dimensions: 123 cm (l) × 34 cm (w) × 34–37 cm (h) Orientation: North (N) to South (S) Description: Single limestone slab gravestone in generally good condition but with some damage at the ends on the top surface. Raised decoration cut off at both ends. Next to collapsed shrine, below mound. Shallow carved rectangular rounded niche decoration on top surface. Inscriptions on five surfaces.

50

Chapter 2

Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Gardens of Eden whose gates will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be maidens of equal age with modest gaze. This is what you are promised on the Day of Reckoning (38:50–54). Verily, this is our Provision which will never finish. Verily, the dwellers of the Paradise, that Day, will be busy with joyful things. They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, …on thrones… (36:55–56) – The angels will descend on them, (saying:) Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your souls desire, and all that you ask for, as hospitality From One, the Forgiving, the Most Merciful (41:30– 32). My Lord, forgive.

Figure 2.19

Surface A, ABN4

‫أ‬ َ : َ َ ‫أ‬ ْ ُ ّ َ َّ�� َ � ُ ْ ُ ُ ً َّ ّ ‫َ ْ ن‬ � ،�‫� ���ع�د ٍ� �م��ف� ��ت����ح��ة ��ل���ه��م ال� ب� َوا ب‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�ن‬ ِ‫�ج � ت‬ َ َ َ‫ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ نَ َ �ف‬ �‫�ثِ���ي��َر‬ �‫����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ‫�م��ت ِك‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ ْ َّ ُ‫َ َ ُ ْ �َ َ ت‬ َ ََ ‫ا‬ �ِ‫ و ِ�ع ن���د ���ه��م ��ق�ا �صِ را � ا �ل����ط�ر�ف‬،� ٍ‫و� ����ش�ر ب‬ ْ َ َ ٌ َ ْ�َ‫أ‬ َُ ُ َ� ‫ ���ه��ذ ا �َ��م�ا ت�و���ع�د و نَ� �يَ� ْو�م ا �ل‬،� ‫ح‬ ،� ‫ا‬ �� � � ‫�س‬ ‫� ��ت�را ب‬ ِ‫لِ ِ ِ ب‬ َ ْ ‫نَّ أ‬ َ َّ َ َ َ ‫نَّ َ �ذَ َ ْ ُق‬ َ َ‫�ص‬ � � � .‫� � ���ه� ا �لرِ�ز �����ن�ا ���م�ا �ل�هُ �مِ � ن� ن������ف�ا ٍد‬ �‫��ح�ا ب‬ ِ‫إ‬ ِ‫إ‬ ْ َّ َْ ُ� ُ‫ش‬ َ ْ ُ َ‫��َ �ُ ن‬ َ ْ ‫ا ��جل‬ ‫ ���ه��م‬،�‫�����ن��ةِ ا �لي�و�م �ي� ������غ�ل �ف�ا كِ��هو‬ ِ‫ف‬ ٍ َ َ‫َأَ �زْ َ �ُ ُ ْ � �� َا �َ َ ْ أ‬ ‫ا‬ .‫�ك‬ � ِ ِ‫و� وا ج�����ه��م فِي� ظِ� �ل ٍل ��ع��لىَ ال� ر ئ‬ ََ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ ْ َ‫تَْ�زَنُ َأ‬ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� � � � ،�‫��������م �و��ع�د و‬ ‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا �ا �ج � �ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ‫نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ َ �� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� ْ� � � � ‫ل‬ � ‫ك‬ ‫ال‬ � �‫�� �ر‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ِ‫ح� ن� � ولِ�ي��ا �م ي� ح����ي�ا ةِ ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� � خ‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أَ ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������هي� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ِ ً ُ َ ُ َّ َ َ َُ �ِ ‫ ���ن��زُلا �ِّم� نْ� �غ� ��ف� ور ّر‬،�‫�َ��م�ا ���ت�د �عو ن‬ �‫ ر ب‬.‫ح����ي��ٍم‬ ٍ �� ‫�غ‬ .‫ا � ���ف�ر‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter. – And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Allah, then has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer AllKnower (2:255–256).

Figure 2.20

Surface B, ABN4

51

َّ َ َ ّ ٰ : �‫ب‬ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َّ ٌ َ‫ُ َْ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ ُ‫�ه َ ا �ل� ّ ا �ل���ق�� �م لا ت�� ����خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� َلا � ْ �م �ل�ه‬ ‫و و‬ ‫و حي� يو‬ َ َ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ .‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م‬ �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ ْ َ َ َّ ّ ْ َ‫َ َ ُ� ُ نَ ش‬ � ‫لا‬ ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ���� ‫ح����ط‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫و ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ َ َ َ َ ‫َ أْض‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ع‬ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ي� ود ه‬ ‫ لا‬،‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ّ َ‫�َاهَ � ا � ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ا � ُّ�ْ ُ � نَ ا �ْ غ‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ �� ‫�د‬ � ‫�د‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�ك‬ �� ‫�ش‬ ‫�ب‬ ‫�ق‬ ‫ل‬ � �‫ي‬ ‫�� ي� ر‬ � ِ ِ �‫إِ ر فِي‬ ِ ‫مِ � ي‬ ُ‫�َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ َ َ‫ّ ف‬ ُْ � ‫��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫� َو�ي�ؤ �مِ � ن� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ������ق ِ�د‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا و ت‬ َ َ َ ْ ُْ ََ َ َ ُْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ‫ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �بِ� �ا �ل�ع ْر َو�ةِ ا �لوث���ق�ى لا ا ن���فِ��������ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ٌ َ ٌ َ ُّ َ ‫وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي��ع ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬

52

Chapter 2

C:

: ‫ج‬ �

– (Reading) … task … Day … From the Book of God. – One Muhammadiyyah for every month from the proceed of the palm trees called … at Mina …

ّٰ

��

‫�ظ �� �ة‬

‫ة‬



.‫��ت�ا ب� ا �ل��ل�ه‬ �‫ �م� ن� ك‬....‫ �يو�م‬.... �‫و ي����ف‬.....)� ‫(�ق�را ء‬

�� ‫ن‬ ‫�ل ك� ش‬ ‫حم‬ ‫� �ة ن‬ ‫��ل �������ه�ر �م�د ��ي� �م�� ��ح�ا �ص�ل ا �ل������خ�ل‬ ‫ف‬ .......��‫ ب����م ن‬........‫��ص��ي�ـ‬ ��‫ا �ل���م���ع�رو�� ��ب�ا �ل‬ ‫ي‬

Figure 2.21 Surface C, ABN4

53

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

:‫د‬ ‫� ��ذا ض � � ا � �خ� �ة‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�د‬ ‫ه‬ � � � ‫م‬ �� � ‫ر‬ ‫ريح‬ ‫أ‬ ٰ ّ ‫ن‬ �‫ال� واه �ع��ب�د ا �ل��ل�ه �ب‬ ‫ا �ل���م�ا � �ز‬ .�� ‫حو‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ف �ة‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ا �ل���م��ت �ل�د �ة �م� ن �ن�� ت‬ – Her mother is a daughter of al-Sayyid ���‫� ا �ل����سي���د ج���ع����ر ا �ل���م��تو�ي‬ ‫� ب‬ ‫و‬ Jaʿfar, died in 11th of Rabiʿ al-Awwal ‫ح�ا د � �ش���ه �� ال�أ ل �ل����سن����ة ا �لث��ا �لث���ة �ع���ش‬ �‫ب‬ ‫� ي� � ر ربيع و‬ ‫ر‬ in 1113. ‫أ‬ ‫ف‬ .���‫وا �ل���م�ا ئ��ة و ال� �ل‬ D: – This is the grave of the chaste Madinah bint Shaikh al-Awah Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Mahuzi.

‫ل��������� خ‬ ‫�م�د �ن���ة �ن�� ت� ا � ش‬ ‫ي ب‬ �‫ي‬ ‫خ‬ ‫ا�ش‬ ‫ل�������ي��� ا ب�را �هي�����م‬

Figure 2.22 Surface D, ABN4

54

Chapter 2

: ‫�ه�ـ‬ �����‫��س���م�ه ا �ل��ف‬ ‫��ج�ا �ن ���ع��ل � ن �ع� �ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه � ن‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ �� � ‫ق‬ ‫ر‬ �‫ب‬ �� �‫ير �� ي� ي� ب‬ ‫� ن‬ .�� ‫��ص���م�د الا ��ص��ب�ع� ا �ل��ب��حرا‬ ��‫�ع��ب�د ا �ل‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ن ي‬ ‫� � � �ض �ة‬ � ‫ق���بور‬ .............. �‫� �ي�����ئ‬ ��‫ح��س�ب� ن��ا ���ه�ا �ج�و م م‬ ‫ح�����ق�� ا �ل����س���د ��ن�ا �ص � ن‬ ‫���ه��ذا ���م�ا ن����ق �����ش�ه ا �ل‬ – Inscribed by the humble al-Sayyid �‫ب‬ ‫ر‬ ‫� ير ي‬ ‫ن‬ Naser bin al-Sayyid Hashim al‫ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا � ����ش��م الا ��ص��ب�ع� ا �ل��ب��ح‬ .�� ‫�را‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ Asbaʿi al-Bahrani. E: – Written by the one who stands in need of Allah, ʿAli Bin Abdullah Bin ʿAbd al-Samad al-Asbaʿi al-Bahrani. – Graves, we thought these were illuminated stars …

Figure 2.23 Surface E, ABN4

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

55

Reference Number: ABN5 Co-ordinates: 26.20995° N 050.55146° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 74.5 cm (l) × 38.5–40 cm (w) × 34 cm (h) Slab 2: 79–80.5 cm (l) × 38.5 cm (w) × 34 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Gravestone formed of two solid limestone slabs. In generally good condition. Three element raised decoration at both ends formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at one end and two facetted cubes and a central cylinder at the other end. The end surfaces (C and D) are unengraved and the outer surface of the raised decoration on both these sides is incomplete suggesting the gravestone is not fully finished. Shallow carved pointed niche design on the top surface (E). Inscriptions on three surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Verily, those who say: Our Lord is Allah, and then they stand firm, the angels will descend on them, (saying:) Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise – Which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your souls desire and all that you ask for, as hospitality from One, the Forgiving, the Most Merciful (41:30–32).

‫أ‬ :� ّٰ ‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه‬ ُ‫َ ّ�ُ��َ�ن�ا ا �ل�ّ�لَ�ه‬ ‫رب‬ ُ‫ْ َ َا َ ة‬ ��� ‫ا �ل���م�ل ئِ� �ك‬ َّ َْ� ‫�ا �جل‬ . ِ‫�����ن��ة‬ ِ‫ب‬ َ ُُ‫َّ ُ نُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن نَْ ُ أ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ ََ� ْ � ،�‫���ت�����م �و���ع�د و‬ � �ِ‫�م �ي� ا �لح����ي�ا ة‬ ‫ا �ل�� �ك‬ �‫ح� ن� � و�لِي��ا ك‬ ‫تِي‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ �� َ ََ ُ ْ � َ َ تَ شْ ت‬ �‫�� �ر� و�ل ك‬ ِ‫ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خ‬ ���ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ِهي‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫أَ ن‬ ْ‫ �ُ��ن��زُلاً �ّم� ن‬،َ‫� ْ �����َ�ه�ا �َ��م�ا �َ��ت َّ�د �ُع ن‬ �‫� �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و‬ �‫�م و�ل ك�م فِي‬ �ِ َ َُ �ِ ‫�غ� ��ف� ور ّر‬ .‫ح����ي��م‬ ٍ ٍ ُ َ� َ‫ن َّ ن‬ �‫ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ � ِ‫ح����ي��م � � ا �ل��ذ‬ ‫ي� ��ق�ا �لوا‬ ِ‫إ‬ ُ ْ َ َ َُّ َ‫�ُ َّ ْ َ��َ ُ َ َ ن‬ ‫��ث��م ا ����س��ت��ق�ا �موا ت����ت���ز ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م‬ َ َ‫أََّ ت‬ ُ �� ْ ‫��َ فُ ََ تَ�ْ�زَنُ َ أ‬ � ‫� لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا‬

56

Figure 2.24

Chapter 2

Surface A, ABN5

: �‫ب‬

B: – Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope (32:16). God rest his soul. And give glad tidings to the good doers (22:37). No doubt! Verily, those who believe in Allah they have no fear nor do they grieve. – These are rewarded with high places because they are patient, and are met therein with greetings and the word of peace and respect. Abiding thereinexcellent it is as an abode, and as a place to rest in (10:62). it will be said to them; peace be on you, a Word from the Most Merciful (36:58). (It will be said to them): Enter therein (Paradise), in peace and security (15.46).

Figure 2.25

Surface B, ABN5

َ‫َ ْ ُ ن‬ َ َ ْ َ ْ ُ ُ ُ ُ َ‫تَ�تَ�َ ف‬ �ِ �ِ‫��ج�ا �ى �ج� ن��وب�����ه��م �ع� ن� ا �ل���م������ �ض�ا ج‬ �‫ع ���ي�د �عو‬ �� ِ ً َ َ َ ً� َ‫َ َّ ُ ْ �خ‬ ‫ّٰ � ن‬ .)�‫ رح���م�ه ا �ل��ل�ه (��ف�ر‬.‫رب�����ه��م � ْو��ف�ا وط��م���ع�ا‬ ٌ‫َ َ ��ّ ْ ُ ْ َ أَ نَّ أَ ْ َ ّ َ �خَ ْ ف‬ ���‫وب����ش�ر ا �ل���م‬ ��‫ � لا �إِ � � ولِ�����ي�ا ء ا �ل��لِ�ه لا �و‬.�‫ح���سِ�نِ��ي�� ن‬ ِ ِ ْ َ َ ُ َ‫ْ َنُ ن‬ َْ َ �‫ع��لي����هِ� �� ْم َولا ���ه��م ي‬ .�‫ح�ز �و‬ َ‫أُ َْ َ ُ�ْ �زَ ْ نَ ْ�غُ ْ �َ �ةَ َ َ َُ َُ َ�قَّ ْ ن‬ �‫� و�لئِ��ك ي����ج� و� ا �ل�ر��ف� بِ����م�ا ����ص ب��ر وا و�ي��ل� و‬ َ َ َ‫ن‬ َ ً َ َ ً‫َ تَ َّ �ة‬ ْ َ‫� ُ ن‬ � ���� ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫ ����خ�ا �ِل ِ�د�ي� ف‬،‫ح����ي� َو��س�لا ���م�ا‬ �‫ح��س��� ت‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ� ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ً َ َ ّ ّ ‫ن‬ ْ ‫ُ ْ �تَ��َ ًّ َ ُ �قَ ً َ َا ٌ �ق‬ � ٍ ‫ ����س�ل �م ولا �مِ �� ر ب‬.‫�م����س� ��ق�را و�م�� �ا ���م�ا‬ َ ‫َّ � ا ْ خُ ُ َ َ َ آ‬ ‫ د‬.‫ر ِح����ي��ٍم‬ .�‫��لو���ه�ا �����س�لا �ٍم � �مِ ���نِ� ي�� ن‬ ِ‫ب‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – No carving or inscriptions.

57

: ‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ �� ‫لا ت�و ج��د ��� و��� � و‬ � ‫كا ب�ا‬

Figure 2.26 Surface C, ABN5

58 D: – No carving or inscriptions.

Chapter 2

: ‫د‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ا ت‬ �‫لا ت�و ج��د ن����قوش��� � و � ب‬ �

Figure 2.27 Surface D, ABN5

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

E: – I am astonished that a man that was like a sea of dew is now placed in two feet of a grave, 707. – O ʿAli’s grave be proud … God rest his soul.

Figure 2.28

59

: ‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ �‫حي����ط�ا �م� ن ا �لن��د �ى ي‬ ‫حرا م‬ ‫��جع‬ � � � � ‫حي����ط ب��ه‬ ‫�ه‬ ���‫� ب‬ ‫ل‬ � ‫ب‬ � ‫ن‬ ‫�ة �ق‬ .‫ �ه�ـ‬707 ‫�ش����برا � �م� ن� �ج� ن��� ا �ل�� ��بر‬ ‫ق‬ ‫�ف �خ‬ �‫ ط�ا ب‬........ ،‫ا ���بر ع��ل� ط�ل ع��لى ا �ل����س��ب ب�ا �ل�����ر‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ث� اه ي‬ ‫ر‬

Surface E, ABN5

Reference Number: ABN6 Co-ordinates: 26.21051° N 050.55123° E Dimensions: 107 cm (l) × 28 cm (w) × 42–44 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone, eroded. Next to collapsed mosque. Three element raised decoration formed of three facetted cubes, the central one thinner, all set on a rectangular plinth at both ends. Inscriptions on five surfaces, two only partially illegible. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Verily, those who say: Our Lord is Allah, and then they stand firm, The Angels will descend on them, (saying:) Fear not,

‫أ‬ :� ُ َ� َ‫نَّ َّ ن‬ ّٰ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ � � ا �ل��ذِ �ي� ��ق�ا �لوا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إ‬ ُ ْ َ َ َُّ َ‫َ َُّ َّ ُ �ُ َّ ْ َ��َ ُ َ َ ن‬ ‫رب����ن�ا ا �ل��ل�ه ��ث��م ا ����س��ت��ق�ا �موا ت����ت���ز ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م‬ َ ُ‫ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ .‫��خ�ا �وا‬ ‫ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬

60 – Nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised … (41:30) the Forgiving, the Most Merciful (41:32).

Figure 2.29

ْ ُ‫ُ ن‬ ‫�ك‬ ‫���ت�����م‬

َّ ‫ل‬ � �‫ا �تِي‬

Chapter 2

ْ َ‫ََ تَْ�زَنُ َأ‬ َّ��َْ� ُ �� � ‫ل‬ ِ‫ولا ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا بِ�ا �ج�� �ن��ة‬ َ َُ ُ �‫ �غ� ��ف� ور ر‬.............�‫ت�و���ع�د و ن‬ .‫ح����ي��م‬

Surface A, ABN6

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and His being pleased and of Gardens for them wherein are everlasting delights. They will dwell therein forever. – Indeed, Allah has with Him a great reward (9:21–22). Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope (32:16). Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good (7:56).

: � ٰ ْ ُ ّ‫َُ ش‬ ‫� ب���س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �ل ��ح��م� ن‬ � � ‫ا‬ � ‫ح‬ ، � � ‫ل‬ ‫ي‬ � �� ‫���ُر���ه��م‬ ‫م‬ �� ‫ر � ر‬ ‫ب‬ ِ ‫يب‬ َ ُ َ ّ ُ ُ ْ َ َ ْ ّ�� � َ ‫َ ّ �َح ّ ��ْ ُ َ َ ن‬ ْ ‫رب�����ه��م ر ���م��ةٍ �ِم� �ن�ه ور �ض‬ ‫� ��ل���ه��م‬ ٍ‫� وا ٍ� و�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ َ‫َ أ‬ َ ُ َ ّ ً َ‫َ نَ ٌ � ٌ ��� � � ن‬ .‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا‬ ‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م م���قِ����ي��م �خ�ا ِل ِ�د‬ ����ِ‫ي� ف‬ ����ِ‫ف‬

ُ َ‫نَّ ّ َ �� َ ُ أَ ْ ٌ َ ٌ تَ�تََ ف‬ ْ ُ ُ ُ‫�ن‬ ��� .‫� � ا �ل��ل�ه �ع� �ن�د ه � ����ج� �ع�� ����ي��م‬ ‫��ج�ا �ى �ج ��وب�����ه��م‬ ‫إ‬ ِ ِ‫ر �ظ‬ ْ َ َ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َ ّ َ ً َ َ َ ً� ‫ن َ ْ�خ‬ َ .‫���� �ض�ا � �ِ ���ي�د �عو� رب�����ه��م� ْو��ف�ا وط��م���ع�ا‬ ��‫�ع� ن� ا �ل���م‬ ‫جِع‬ ِ ْ ُ ْ َ ّ ٌ ‫نَّ َ ْ َ تَ ّ َق‬ َ‫� ن ن‬ ‫ن‬ .���‫� � ر ��ح��م�� ا �ل��لِ�ه �ر � ب� �ِم�� ا �ل���م��ح���سِ�ِ��ي‬ ‫ِي‬ ِ‫إ‬

61

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.30 Surface B, ABN6

C: – The proceed of … 6 Qirans … al-rams … From …

� ‫ق‬

‫� ا �ن�ا ت‬ ......� ‫ر‬

Figure 2.31 Surface C, ABN6

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�ل‬ � �� � ......... � ‫م‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ص‬ � ‫�س‬ � ‫ح‬ � �‫ن‬ ‫ا �� � ل‬ ��‫ �م‬........‫ا �لر����م��س‬

62 D: – ………… – Year of one thousand and forty-six

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ................................... ‫أ‬ ‫أف‬ ‫ ����سن����ة ا �ل����س� ت‬.......... .���‫� وال� ر ب��عي�� ن� وال� �ل‬

Figure 2.32 Surface D, ABN6

E: – Whatsoever is on the earth will perish. And the Face of your Lord full of Majesty and Honour will remain forever (55:26–27).

ُ‫َ ْ ُ َ ّ َ �ذ‬ ‫و����ج�ه رب�ِ�ك و‬

َ‫َ َْق‬ ‫وي�ب���ى‬

:‫�ه�ـ‬

‫ُ ُّ �َ نْ َع�َ�لْ َ ��َ ن‬ � �ٍ ‫كل م�� ي�����ه�ا �ف�ا‬ ْ َ ْ ‫�َ َا َ ْال‬ .‫�را �ِم‬ ‫ا ���ل�ج�ل ِل و ك‬ ِ‫�إ‬

63

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– Everything will perish except His Face. His is the Decision, and to Him all shall be returned. He is a Lord who forgives and he is merciful (28:88).

ْ َ َ ْ َ َّ ٌ َ ْ َ‫ُ ُّ ش‬ َْ ُ �ْ‫�ُ ك‬ �‫كل ���� ءٍ ���ه�ا �ل�ك � لا و ج‬ ‫�����ه�هُ �ل�هُ ا �لح‬ ‫�م َو� �ل����يِ�ه‬ ‫� ي‬ ِ‫ِ إ‬ ِ‫إ‬ َ َُ ُ �‫ ر ب� �غ� ��ف� ور ر‬.......�‫ت� ْر ج� ��عو ن‬ .‫ح����ي��م‬

Figure 2.33 Surface E, ABN6

64

Chapter 2

Reference Number: ABN7 Co-ordinates: 26.21059° N 050.55116° E Dimensions: 68 cm (l) × 27 cm (w) × 37 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Short limestone slab, half of a two-slab gravestone. Badly eroded. Traces of shallow carved rectangular panel design on upper surface (E). Possible remains of very eroded unidentifiable raised decoration at one end. Partial inscriptions on two surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – No carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.34

‫أ‬ :� ‫أ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ن �ق ش‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� � و‬

Surface A, ABN7

B: – Your sins of the past and the future and … (48:2) – N … behind them … all …

:�‫ب‬

َّ َ‫�ذَ َ َ َ �َ أ‬ َ َّ َ�� َ‫َ ت‬ ................‫���م�ا ����ق�د �م �مِ � ن� ن���ك و���م�ا ��ت� �خ�َر و‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫خ ف‬

‫ن‬

.................‫كل‬ � ....‫ ���ل������ه��م‬....�

65

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.35

Surface B, ABN7

C: – … Nine hundred and four of the migration … D: – No carving or inscriptions. E: – No carving or inscriptions.

‫ أ‬:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫ت‬ ..........‫ ال� ر ب� وا �ل����س�ع���م�ا ي� ع��لى ��م�ه�ا �ج�ر�ه�ا‬......... ‫ع‬ : ‫د‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ �� ‫ك‬ � ‫لا �و ج��د ��� و � � و ��ا ب�ا‬ :‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ �� ‫ك‬ � ‫لا �و ج��د ��� و � � و ��ا ب�ا‬

Reference Number: ABN8 Co-ordinates: 26.21054° N 050.55117° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 71 cm (l) × 33 cm (w) × 33 cm (h) Slab 2: 77 cm (l) × 32 cm (w) × 33 cm (h) Orientation: North north west (NNW) to South south east (SSE)

66

Chapter 2

Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs. No inscriptions (Figure 2.36). Near collapsed mosque. Cut into shape but left uncarved possibly because the voids in the surface of the stone would have precluded effective carving. Has what appear to be chisel marks on the upper surface (E). Unfinished raised decoration formed of a rectangular block awaiting carving at one end. Three element raised decoration cut into a basic shape of three flattened facetted cubes at the other end. Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions

Figure 2.36

ABN8

Reference Number: ABN9 Co-ordinates: 26.21059° N 050.55117° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 103 cm (l) × 50 cm (w) × 48 cm (h) Slab 2: 97 cm (l) × 51 cm (w) × 48 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs. Badly eroded in places. Traces of shallow carved rectangular panel and two circles on upper surface (E) of one of the two slabs. Raised decoration broken or cut off at both ends. Partial inscriptions on four surfaces. Near a collapsed mosque that was excavated and contained ABN47.

67

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Arabic Transcription and Translation:

– It is Allah who takes away the souls … (39:42)

Figure 2.37

‫أ‬

:� ..............................

A: – …………

َ ُ‫ْ أَ ن �ف‬ ............‫ال� ��� ��س‬

َّ‫َّ َََ ف‬ ‫ُت‬ ‫ا �ل��ل�ه ي��و�ى‬

Surface A, ABN9

:�‫ب‬ B: ّٰ ْ ُ ُ ّ‫َُ ش‬ ‫ن‬ � � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫���ر���ه��م‬ ِ �‫ب����س��م ل��ل�ه لر �ح��م�� لرح����ي��م ي�ب‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Their َّ�� َ َ ‫َ ُّ ُ َ ْ َ ّ ��ْ ُ َ ْ َ ن‬ � ‫رب�����ه��م �رح���م��ةٍ �ِم� �ن�ه ور �ض‬ Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy .� ‫ا‬ � ‫�ن‬ ٍ‫� وا ٍ� و�ج � ت‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ from Him, and His pleasure and of Gardens for them (9:21). َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫����َّ�ن�ا تُ �َ��ع ْ�د ن َ� ْ�د خُ ُ َن‬ – Gardens of Eternity. They shall enter �‫��لو�����ه�ا و�م� ن� ����ص��ل�� �مِ � ن‬ � � ‫�ج‬ ‫ي‬ ٍ ‫ح‬ َ them and also those who are righ- ُ َ َ َ ُ َ ‫أ‬ ‫آ‬ ْ ْ ‫�� �هِ� ْ َ �ذ ّ ّا �� �هِ� ْ َ ا �ل� َ��م� ا � � ة‬ teous from among their fathers, and ��� ‫� ب�ا ئِ����هِ� ��م َو� �ز َوا جِ� � ��م و ِري� تِ� ��م و ل ئِ ك‬ their wives and their children. And َ ُّ ‫ّ ن‬ ْ َ َ َ‫َ ْ خُ ُ ن‬ � � angels shall enter unto them from ‫ا‬ � ‫م‬ � ِ‫�ه‬ � �� ‫�ب‬ ‫ك‬ � �� � ‫م‬ ٍ‫���ي�د ��لو� ع��لي � ِ � ِل � ب‬ every gate (13:23).

68

Figure 2.38

Chapter 2

Surface B, ABN9

C: – The greatest terror will not grieve them, and – The angels will meet them with greeting: this is your Day which you were promised (21:103).

: ‫�ج��ـ‬ َ ْ َ َ ‫حْ�زُُن��هُ���ُ ا �لْ��فَ���زَُ ْال�أ كَُ ت �ق‬ � .‫�ب��ر وت����ل� �ا �ه���م‬ ‫م‬ � ‫لا ي‬ ‫ع‬ َ َ‫ْ َ َ َ ةُ َ�ذَ َ ْ ُ ُ ُ ّ ُ نُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ �‫��� �ه� ا ي�و�م ك‬ ‫�م ا �ل��ذِ �ي� �ك‬ .�‫���ت�����م �وع�د و‬ ‫ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬

Figure 2.39 Surface C, ABN9

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

D: – Grave of the blessed … – ... Seven hundred and sixty-five …

69 :‫د‬ ........‫���� �ض�ري� ا �ل��س�ع����ي�د‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ �� ‫ح‬ ........ �‫ ��خ��م��س و����س��تو� و����س��ب�ع���م�ا ��ي‬............

Figure 2.40 Surface D, ABN9

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.41

Surface E, ABN9

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

70

Chapter 2

Reference Number: ABN10 Co-ordinates: 26.21059° N 050.55119° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 105 cm (l) × 42–43 cm (w) × 30 cm (h) Slab 2: 76 cm (l) × 42 cm (w) × 34 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Gravestone formed of two hollow limestone slabs. The smaller stone is more eroded. Inscriptions on three surfaces. Raised decoration on the larger stone has either been eroded or broken off. Rounded top part of shallow carved rounded niche decoration with two circles above niche on the upper surface (E). Found next to a collapsed mosque that was excavated and contained ABN47. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬ ّٰ ‫ن‬ ‫��� � � ن ف‬ ..............‫ ا � ا �ل��ل�ه‬.................‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫�خ�ا ل�د‬ ���� �‫ي‬ َ ُُ‫َْ َّ َّ ُ نُ ْ تُ َ ُ نَ نَْ ُ أ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ‫�ْ ف‬ � �‫���ت�����م �و���ع�د و‬ � ‫�ا ��جل‬ � ‫ك‬ ‫ح� ن� � ولِ�ي��ا‬ ‫�����ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ � ‫م‬ �‫ي‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ‫ة‬ ‫ا �ل‬ � ............‫ح����ي�ا � ا �ل�د ن����ي�ا‬ ُ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ �َ َّ ُ نَ �ُ ُ ً ّ ْ �غَ �ف‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ – And therein you shall have all that ‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ��ت�د �عو� ��ن��ز لا �ِم� ن� � �� ور‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ٍ you ask for, an entertainment from َ �ِ ‫ّر‬ the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful .................‫ح����ي��م‬ ٍ A: – To dwell therein forever … God … (9:21) – Of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world …

(41:30–32).

Figure 2.42

Surface A, part 1, ABN10

:�

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.43

71

Surface A, part 2, ABN10

B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ ْ‫نَّ َّ � نَ َ َ�قَ ت‬ �‫ب���س���م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لرح�م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most � � �‫ � � ا �ل��ذِ ي� ����س��ب‬،‫حي�����م‬ ِ‫إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Verily, َ ْ‫َ ُ ّ نَّ �ُْ ْ نَ أُ َْ َ َ ن‬ ‫ ��ل�ه���م �م���ا ا ل‬...................... � those for whom the good has preced.‫ح��س�ى � و�لئِ��ك �ع����ه�ا‬ ِ ed from Us, they will be removed far therefrom … ُ‫َ َْ�زُُن ُ ُ ْفَ �زَُ ْ أَْ َُ َتَتَ َ�قَّ ُ ُ ْ َ َا َ ة‬ �‫لا ي‬ – The greatest terror will not grieve ��� ‫�ب��ر و����ل� �ا �ه���م ا �ل���م�ل ئِ� �ك‬ ‫ح ���ه���م ا �ل����ع ال� ك‬ them, and the angels will meet them َّ ُ ُ ُ َ َ‫َ�ذ‬ with greeting: this is your Day which ..........................................�� ِ‫�م ا �ل��ذ‬ �‫�ه� ا ي� ْو�م ك‬ ‫ي‬ … (21:101–103)

Figure 2.44

Surface B, ABN10

72

Chapter 2

C: – Very deteriorated, Unable to read.

Figure 2.45

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ض‬ ‫�غ‬ ‫ش‬ � � ‫ا �لن���ق �� �� ا‬ ‫� ير و ح‬

Surface C, ABN10

:‫د‬ ‫ن‬ � ......‫ ر‬....‫ ا �ل��س�ع����ي�د‬.......��‫ ر ك‬.... ‫ �ل‬....... ‫ع‬ ّٰ ‫ن‬ ‫� ت �ف‬ ‫ض‬ ‫ن‬ – … Saʿid Bin Maʿali, God enlighten his .� ‫ ��س�ع����ي�د �ب� �م���ع�ا ل� �ور ا �ل��ل�ه ��ر ي��ح�ه �و‬...... ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ shrine, died ‫أ‬ ‫�ش‬ – Twenty first of Muharram, the ‫ع���ر� ن� �م� ن� ا �ل���م����ح�ر�م � ول �ش����هور‬ ‫��ح�ا د �ي� و ي‬ first month of seven hundred and ‫�ة‬ ‫����سن����ة ����س� ت‬ forty-six. . �‫� وا ر ب����عي�� ن� و����س��ب�ع���م�ا ��ي‬ D: – …

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

73

Figure 2.46 Surface D, ABN10

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.47

Surface E, ABN10

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ .� �� �‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� و‬

74

Chapter 2

Reference Number: ABN11 Co-ordinates: 26.21056° N 050.55127° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 109 cm (l) × 50 cm (w) × 41 cm (h) Slab 2: 82 cm (l) × 49.5 cm (w) × 39–40 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs buried next to a collapsed mosque that was excavated and contained ABN47. Very well carved. Inscriptions on five surfaces, two partly illegible. Mostly in very good condition. Unusually detailed carving on top surface (E) formed of a shallow carved pointed niche design, with two larger circles above and two below, and two smaller circles, seemingly a later addition, within the niche. Three element raised decoration formed of two short collared rounded cylinders with a central rounded arch at one end and a rounded arch at the other end. Flanking the latter are two irregular indentations suggesting there were formerly two other decorative elements that have been removed. Excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – My worshippers! No fear shall be on you this day, nor shall you grieve. Enter paradise, you and your wives, in happiness. Trays of gold and cups will be passed round them.

– Therein all that inner-selves could desire, and all that eyes could delight in and you will abide therein forever. Therein for you will be fruits in plenty, of which you will eat (43:68–73).

‫أ‬ ََ َ ْ َْ ُ ُ ْ َ َ ٌ‫ َ َ َ �خَ ْ ف‬: � ‫�م ا �لي�و�م ولا‬ �‫ ���ي�ا ِ�ع����ب�ا ِد لا �و�� ���ع��لي� ك‬........ َ َ ْ ُ ُ ْ َ ُ َْ‫أَ ت‬ ْ �ُ‫�َ��َّ �ةَ أ ن ��ُ ْ َ أ �زْ َ ُ ك‬ �� ‫� ن���ُ�ت�� ْ ��زَ ن ن‬ ‫م‬ ‫ ا د ��خ�لوا ا ��جل� �ن� � � �ت��م و� وا ج��م‬.�‫ح �و‬ َ ْ َ َ ُ‫تُْ َُ نَ َُ �ف‬ ‫� ����ح�ا �� �ّم� ن‬ � � ِ ٍ‫ �ي����ط�ا � ع��لي����هِ ��م �بِ��صِ ف‬،�‫��ح ب��ر و‬ َ َ‫�ذ‬ َ ْ َ‫َأ‬ � ‫ا‬ � ‫ك‬ � �� .� � ‫�ه‬ � ‫و‬ ‫و‬ ٍ‫ب‬ ٍ‫ب‬ َ َ َ‫َ � َ َ تَ شْ ت‬ ُ‫ْال أ ن ��ُ ُ َتَ�َ�ذُّ ْال أ �ْ ُ ن‬ ���ِ‫و ف‬ ���‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ِه����يِ�ه � �����ف��س و� ل� � ��عي‬ َّ ُ‫أَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ نَ َ ْ َ َْ َّ �ة‬ �� ���� ‫َ � ن����ت��م‬ �� ‫�ل‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ف‬ �‫ و�تِ�ل�ك ا �ج�� �ن� ا �لتِ�ي‬.�‫ي���ه�ا ��خ�ا �ِل�د و‬ ُ َ ْ ُ َ َ‫أُ ثْتُ ُ َ َ نتُ ْ تَ ْ َ ُ ن‬ �‫��������م ����ع��م�لو� �ل ك‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫� ور ������مو���ه�ا بِ����م�ا �ك‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ِ ُ َ‫فَ َ �ةٌ َ�� َ ةٌ نْ َ �َ أْ ُ ن‬ .�‫�ثِ� ي��ر� �مِ ������ه�ا ��ت�ك�لو‬ �‫����ه� ك‬ �ِ‫��ا ك‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.48

Surface A, part 1, ABN11

Figure 2.49

Surface A, part 2, ABN11

75

76

Chapter 2

B: ٰ :� ُ ُّ َ ْ ُ ّ‫َُ ش‬ ‫� ب���س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �ل ��ح��م� ن‬ � � ‫ا‬ � ‫ح‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫���ُر���ه��م رب�����ه��م‬ ، � � ‫ل‬ ‫ي‬ � �� ‫م‬ ‫ب‬ ِ ‫ر � ر �� ي ب‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Their َ َ َ ّ َّ�� َ َ ‫َ ْ ّ ��ْ ُ َ ْ َ ن‬ ْ ُ � ‫�رح���م��ةٍ �ِم� �ن�ه ور �ض‬ Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫� ��ل���ه��م ف‬ ٍ‫� وا ٍ� و�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ َ‫َ أ‬ from Him, and His being pleased, َ َ ُ ّ َ َ َ‫ن ٌ �ّ ٌ ��� � � ن‬ َّ ‫ً ن‬ and Gardens for them wherein are ‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا � � ا �ل��ل�ه‬ ‫ �خ�ا ِل ِ�د‬،‫� ِ�ع����ي��م م���قِ����ي��م‬ ����ِ‫ي� ف‬ ِ‫إ‬ everlasting delights. They will dwell ْ َ‫�� َ ُ أ‬ ٌ َ� ٌ � ‫ع‬ � therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ‫�ج‬ ِ‫ِ�ع� �ن�د ه � �� ر �ظ‬ great reward (9:21–22). َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫����َّ�ن�ا تُ �َ��ع ْ�د ن َ� ْ�د خُ ُ َن‬ – Eden Paradise, which they shall enter �‫��لو�����ه�ا و�م� ن� ����ص��ل�� �مِ � ن‬ � � ‫�ج‬ ‫ي‬ ٍ ‫ح‬ َ and those who acted righteously from َ َ َ ُ َ ‫أ‬ ‫آ‬ ُ‫ْ َ �زْ َ � ْ َ �ذ ّ ّ ْ َ َ ا ة‬ among their fathers, and their wives, ��� ‫� ب�ا ئِ����هِ� ��م و� وا جِ����هِ� ��م و ِري�ا تِ����هِ� ��م وا �ل���م�ل ئِ� �ك‬ and their offspring. And angels shall ٌ َ َ ُّ ‫ّ ن‬ ْ َ َ َ‫َ ْ خُ ُ ن‬ َ � � enter unto them every gate. Peace is ‫ ����س�لا �م‬،� ‫ا‬ � ‫م‬ � ِ‫�ه‬ � �� ‫�ب‬ ‫ك‬ � �� ‫م‬ � � ‫���ي�د ��لو� ع��لي‬ ‫ِ � ِل‬ ٍ‫ب‬ upon you for you persevered in paَّ َ ْ�� ُ َ ْ َ‫َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ ْ�ُ ْ ف‬ �‫���ع��ل ك‬ tience! Excellent indeed is the final .‫�م ����م�ا �ص ب��ر��ت��م �نِ�����ع��م �ع��� ب�ق�ى ا �ل�د ا ر‬ ِ‫ي� ب‬ ِ home (13:23–24).

Figure 2.50

Surface B, part 1, ABN11

77

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.51 Surface B, part 2, ABN11

:‫�ج��ـ‬

C: – Whatsoever is on the earth will perish … (55:26)

‫ّ َْ ْ � ن‬ .............� ‫كل �م� ن� ع��لي�����ه�ا ��ف�ا‬ � ٍ

– ………… – … part … day … From … The Great …

‫�ظ‬ ......‫ ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬....�‫ �م� ن‬.....‫ �يو�م‬....‫ ����ج��ز ء‬....

َ َ ََ

ُُ

..................................

Figure 2.52 Surface C, ABN11

78

Chapter 2

D: – The blessed late, God enlighten his shrine. – He lived twenty-four years. – This is the shrine of the honoured and blessed late. – The pride of life and the Day of Reckoning ʿAli the son of the great leader. The pride – Of life and Day of Reckoning Muhammad bin Ahmad Bin Saʿid bin Maʿali. – Died in thirteenth of Jumada alakhar, seven hundred and seven.

Figure 2.53

Surface D, ABN11

:‫د‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ّٰ ض‬ �‫ا �ل���مر‬ .‫حو�م ا �ل��س�ع����ي�د �ور ا �ل��ل�ه ��ر ي��ح�ه‬

‫���ع�ا ش�� ا ����ع��ة � �� ن �ة‬ . ���‫ع���ش�رو� ����سن‬ ‫� رب و‬

�� �‫���ه��ذا ��� �ض� � ا �ل��� �ص�د ا �ل���م‬ �‫ع���ظ��م ا �ل���مر‬ ‫حو�م‬ ‫� ريح � ر‬ .‫ا �ل��س�ع����ي�د‬ �� ‫�ز � ن ا �ل�د ن� �ي�ا ا �ل�د � ن‬ ‫ي� ���ع��ل� � نب� ا �ل���مو لى ا �ل���م�ع���ظ��م‬ ‫ي� �� و‬ ‫ي‬ ‫�ز ن‬ ��‫ي‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ا �ل�د ن� �ي�ا ا �ل�د � ن حم ن‬ �‫����م�د �ب� ا ح���م�د �ب� ��س�ع����ي�د �ب‬ �‫�� و ي‬ .�‫�م���ع�ا ل‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ع���ش� ���م�ا د � ال ����خ� ����سن����ة‬ ‫ث‬ �� �� � �‫ت ف‬ ‫�و ي� ي� ا �ل� �ث�ا �ل�� � ر �ج ى ا ر‬ ‫�ة‬ . �‫����س��ب و����س��ب�ع���م�ا ��ي‬ ‫ع‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

E: … every Tuesday … should be read …

Figure 2.54

79 :‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ث‬ ‫ث‬ � � ‫ك‬ ‫�ل‬ � � � .........‫ م�ا‬.......‫كل يو�م � ��ا‬ � �‫ ي‬.......‫�ي��ق��را‬

Surface E, ABN11

Reference Number: ABN12 Co-ordinates: 26.21063° N 050.55135° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 62 cm (l) × 31 cm (w) × 36 cm (h) Slab 2: 67 cm (l) × 31 cm (w) × 33 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs. Badly eroded. No inscriptions. Near excavated collapsed mosque containing ABN47. The two blocks were separated and uniquely, indicated the use of a mortise and tenon type joint to join the two slabs of the gravestone (Figure 2.55). Traces of a shallow carved rectangular panel design, probably a niche, on the upper surface (E). Three element eroded raised decoration at each end that appears to be formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch.

80

Figure 2.55

Chapter 2

ABN12

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: ABN13 Co-ordinates: 26.21011° N 050.55087° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 56 cm (l) × 28 cm (w) × 31 cm (h) Slab 2: 87 cm (l) × 28–29 cm (w) × 30 cm (h) Orientation: West north west (WNW) to East south east (ESE) Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs. Gap between the two slabs indicates that they are solid (Figure 2.56). Shallow carved rectangular panel, probably a niche, on the upper surface (E) on one slab, and traces of its continuation on the other slab. Fine but eroded three element raised decoration formed of two decoratively carved facetted cubes with a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at each end. No inscriptions.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.56

81

ABN13

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: ABN14 Co-ordinates: 26.21013° N 050.55082° E Dimensions: 81 cm (l) × 26–27 cm (w) × 30 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Half of a double slab gravestone. Badly eroded and appears to have been drilled down one side surface (A). Eroded unidentifiable raised decoration at one end. Partially legible inscriptions on three surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

:�

�� � ‫الا‬ ‫�غ �ف‬ �‫ا �ل���مر‬ ‫ع���ظ��م وا �ل��س�ع����ي�د‬ ‫حو�م ا �ل���م��� ور‬ ..............‫ا �ل��مـ‬ ‫حور ا ��جل‬ � ..... ‫�����ن��ة ���ع��ل � نب� �م ن�����صور � نب� ك‬ – … Paradise fair females ʿAli bin ‫����م�ا ل‬ �‫ي‬ Mansur Bin Kamal al-Din … Safar … ‫�ة‬ �� ‫ا �ل�د � ن‬ . ‫ �ل����سن��� ا ر���ب‬........‫ �ص��ف�ر‬......�‫ي‬ Year four. ‫ع‬ A: – The forgiven, the greatest and the blessed late …

82

Figure 2.57

Chapter 2

Surface A, ABN14

:�‫ب‬

B: – ………… – … praise be to Allah

Figure 2.58

Surface B, ABN14

‫�ل‬ � ...‫��ح��مـ‬ ........‫ح��س�ـ‬ � ‫ل‬ � ‫ح‬ .....‫ ا ���م�د �ل�ل�ه‬........

83

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ �� ‫لا �و����ج�د‬ � ‫كا ��ب�ا‬

C: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫د‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ل ت‬ ‫ت‬ � ‫ك‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�د‬ � � � ‫ب‬ ‫ج‬ ‫ا‬ � � ��‫و‬

D: – No carving or inscriptions. E: – … the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that …

َّ َ‫َ �ذ‬ � �‫�م� ن� ا ا �ل��ذِ ي‬

ْ َ‫ْ أ‬ �ِ‫ال� ر�ض‬

:‫�ه�ـ‬

َّ ََ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫م‬ � �‫ا � و تِ و فِي‬

َ َ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫ا‬ – … His seat extends over the heav- ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫و�ِ�س ك‬....... ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا � و ت‬ ‫ع‬ ens and the earth, and He feels no ُ ُ َُ fatigue … (2:255) ..........‫ي��ؤ ود ه‬

Figure 2.59

Surface E, ABN14

Reference Number: ABN15 Co-ordinates: 26.21071° N 050.55110° E Dimensions: 132 cm (l) × 28.5 cm (w) × 32 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (next to ABN16). Well carved and in good condition. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at each end. Shallow carved pointed niche design on the upper surface (E). Inscriptions on five surfaces.

84

Chapter 2

Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him. – Except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. He is the Most High and the Most Great (2:255). Thanks be to Allah …

Figure 2.60

Surface A, ABN15

‫أ‬ َّ :� َ َ ٰ ّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َ ُ�� ْ‫ُ َ َْ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأ‬ ُ‫��خ��ذُ هُ ���سِ�نَ����ةٌ َلاَ نَ� ْ �ٌم �لّ�ه‬ �� ‫�هو ا �ل�ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا‬ ‫و و‬ ‫ي‬ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ َ ّ َ ‫�َ��م�ا � ا �ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ �‫فِي‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫ف‬ َّ َ ُ َ ْ ُ َ�� ْ‫ش‬ �‫ا �ل��ذِ �ي� ي‬ .‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه‬ ‫ع‬ ََ ْ َْ‫َّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ َ َ ْ نَ أ‬ � ‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا‬ �� ‫� لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ���م�ا ب�ي��� � ي� ِ�د‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫م‬ َّ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ � ‫حي����طو� �بِ����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا‬ ِ�‫���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ ِ‫َ إ‬ ‫ي‬ َ ‫َ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُّ ُ َّ َ َ َ أ ْ ض‬ ‫بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ��‫� وال� ر‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ‫ع‬ ُ َ ْ� ‫َلَ َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫وا ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬ ‫ا �لح‬ ......‫����م�د �ل�ل�ه‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

B: – The angels will descend on them, (saying:) Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter (41:30–31). – … gives them glad tidings … and His being pleased and of Gardens for them wherein are everlasting delights (9:21).

Figure 2.61

Surface B, ABN15

C: – It is the place of the Noble Man. – The blessed, Hasan bin al-Sayyid Abdullah bin Hasan.

85

:�‫ب‬ َ ّ َ َ ُ‫تَ�� نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أ تََ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ � ‫���خ�ا �وا َولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� ْ ‫تَ�ْ�زَنُ َ أ‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ �� �� ‫ك‬ � � ‫ا‬ � �� � � ِ‫ش‬ ‫��ع‬ ‫�ن‬ � �� � �‫ح �وا و� ب رو بِ �ج �ةِ ي� م و و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ُُ َ‫نَْ أ‬ ْ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� � ‫�مْ �� ا �ل‬ � ‫ح� نُ� � ْو�يَ��ا �ؤ ك‬ .�‫ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و � ال� خِ� �ر‬ � ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫ة‬

ُ ّ‫َُ ش‬ َّ�� َ َ ‫َ ْ َ ن‬ � ‫ ور �ض‬..........‫���ُر���ه�� ْم‬ � ٍ‫� وا ٍ� و�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ ِ �‫ ي�ب‬............. ِ ٌ ُّ ٌ َ‫�َّ ُ ْ � َ ن‬ .‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م‬ ���ِ‫�ل���ه��م ف‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫�ش ف‬ ‫���ه��ذا �م�����ق�ر ا �ل����سي���د ا‬ .�‫ل���ر���ي‬

‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫ا �ل��س�ع����ي�د‬ �‫ح����س ن� �ب� ا �ل����سي���د �ع����ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه �ب‬ � .�‫ح����س ن‬

86

Chapter 2

Figure 2.62 Surface C, ABN15

D: – Died in sixteen – Of the Rabiʿ al-thani

‫ ف‬:‫تد‬ .‫�و �� �يو�م ا �ل���س�ا د ��س‬ ‫ي‬

‫ن‬ �� � .�� ‫ع���ش�ر �م� ن� �ش������ه�ر رب�����ي ا �ل����ث�ا‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ع‬

87

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.63 Surface D, ABN15

E: – Reading on his grave every day. – … its … part … in … – You lived in the soil with glad people while you were one of the best youth.

:‫�ه�ـ‬ � ‫ة‬ .‫كل �يو�م‬ � ‫ا �ل�����ق�راه (ا �ل�����ق�را ء �) ���ع��لى ��ق��بره‬

‫ف‬

‫ن �ف‬ .‫ والا ����ج�ره �ل��طو‬....�� .....�‫ ��ح��ز ب‬....‫ ��� ���س�ه‬...... ‫ي‬

�� �� ‫ا � ن �� ن‬ �‫������ن� ت� ا �ل����ت�را ب� ����م �ل�ه�ا � �ئي��� و ق�د ك‬ ‫��س ك‬ �‫���ن� ت‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ن‬ �� .‫�م� ن� ��خي��ر ش������ب�ا �����ه�ا‬

88 – And you have been included with the winners of paradise fair females and young servants.

Figure 2.64

‫� ا �ل ن‬ �‫ ب‬،�‫�ز ���م� �ة ا �ل�����ف�ا �ئ�ز � ن‬ � ‫�����ن�ا‬ ‫حور �ج‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ي‬

Chapter 2

‫ت ف‬ �‫وا د ر �����ج�� �ي‬ ‫ن‬ .‫وو�ل�د ا �����ه�ا‬

Surface E, ABN15

Reference Number: ABN16 Co-ordinates: 26.21072° N 050.55110° E Dimensions: 152 cm (l) × 41 cm (w) × 41 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (next to ABN15). Well carved and in good condition. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at each end. Shallow carved pointed niche design on the upper surface (E) with triple lines used to delineate the outline. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

َّ :� A: َ َ ُّ ّٰ َ ‫ن‬ � � � � � � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ل��ل�ه ا ل�ـ�ه ا‬،‫ب����س��م ل��ل�ه لر �ح��م�� لرح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ ْ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ‫ُ�ه َ ا �ْل�َ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ َأ ��ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ة َ ن‬ ُ there is no deity but he, the Ever ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا ت�� ��خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� ولا � ْو�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ Living, the One Who sustains and َ ‫أ‬ َ ََ ّ � َ ‫ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا � ا‬ ‫ا‬ protects all that exists. Neither slum- ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ ِ‫ف‬ ber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him ُ َ�� ْ‫َّ َ ش‬ belongs whatever is in the heavens ‫ا �ل� � �������ف‬ ‫�ذِ ي� ي ع‬ and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255).

Figure 2.65

89

ََ ْ َْ‫� ��ْ َ ُ َّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ َ َ ْ نَ أ‬ ‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا‬ �� ‫ِع� �ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ���م�ا ب�ي��� � ي� ِ�د‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫م‬ َ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ ّ � ‫حي����طو� �����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا‬ ِ�‫���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ ِ‫َ إ‬ ‫بِ ي‬ َ َ َ ‫َ َ َ ُ ْ ُّ ُ َّ َ َ َ أ ْ ض‬ ‫� ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ‫ع‬ ُ َ ْ� ‫َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬

Surface A, ABN16

B: – The angels will descend on them, (saying:) Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have – all that your souls desire and all that you ask for, as hospitality from One, the Forgiving, the Most Merciful (41:30– 32). Gardens of Eden whose gates will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be maidens of equal age with modest gaze (38:50–52).

:�‫ب‬ ََّ َ َ َ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أ ت ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ � ‫���خ�ا �وا َولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� ْ ‫تَ�ْ�زَنُ َ أ‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ �� �� ‫ك‬ � � ‫ا‬ � �� � � ِ‫ش‬ ‫��ع‬ ‫�ن‬ � �� � ‫م‬ �‫و و‬ �‫ح �وا و� ب رو بِ �ج �ةِ تِي‬ ُُ‫نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� ْ � � � ‫ل‬ � � � � �ِ‫ح� ن� � و�ي��ا ك�م ي� ا ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خ‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫رة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ �‫و�ل ك‬ .‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ َ َ ْ َ‫َ ت‬ َ َ ْ �ُ‫أ ن ��ُ ُ كُ� ْ َ �َ ك‬ ‫���م�ا � ش�����ت����ه� � �����ف��س�م ول‬ ‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ َّ ُ‫�َ َّ ُ نَ �ُ �زُ ً ّ ْ �غَ �ف‬ ً‫ُّ �فَ �تَّ َ �ة‬ �ِ ‫ ��ن� لا �ِم� ن� � �� ور ر‬،�‫��ت�د �عو‬ �‫ �م�� � ����ح‬.‫ح����ي��ٍم‬ ٍ َ َ‫َّ ُ ُ ْ أَْ َ ُ ُ �تَّ �� نَ َ َ ْ ُ ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫ �م� ِك‬،�‫��ل���ه��م ال� ب�وا ب‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ� ي��� ف‬ ُ‫�فَ� َ َ�� َ َ َ َ َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ ‫� و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬ �‫بِ��� �ا كِ����ه��ةٍ ك‬ � ٍ‫�ثِ� ي��ر�ةٍ و� ����ش�را ب‬ َ ٌ َ ْ�‫َّ ْ أ‬ .�‫ا �ل����ط�ر�� � ��ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ف‬

90

Chapter 2

Figure 2.66 Surface B, ABN16

C: – This is the grave of the noble Hajj Haji – bin Muhammad bin Husayn bin Naser al-Khutay, May Allah have mercy on him

:‫�ج��ـ‬ � � .��‫�ر�م ��ح�ا �ج‬ ‫���ه��ذا ��ق��بر ا ل��ح�ا ج الا ك‬ ‫ي‬ � ‫� ن حم‬ ‫ح���سي�� ن� � نب� ��ن�ا �صر ا �ل‬ � �‫����م�د � نب‬ � ‫�خ��ط� رح���م�ه‬ �‫ب‬ ‫ي‬ ٰ ّ .‫ا �ل��ل�ه ب�رح�م����ت�ه‬

Figure 2.67 Surface C, ABN16

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

D: – Died in nineteenth of – Rabiʿ al-thani, One thousand and forty-seven

Figure 2.68

Surface D, ABN16

91 :‫د‬ �� � ‫ت� ف� � �م ا �ل����ت�ا ��س‬ .‫ع���ش�ر �م� ن� �ش������ه�ر‬ ‫و ي� يو‬ ‫ع‬

‫�� ن‬ ‫ن �ة‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ���‫رب�����يع ا �ل� �ث�ا �ي� �م�� ����س��� ����س��بع والا ر ب����عي‬ ‫ف‬ .���‫والا �ل‬

92

Chapter 2

E:

:‫�ه�ـ‬

– Written by Saʿud and engraved by alSayyid Hashim. – Their Lord gives the glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and His being pleased, and of Paradise for them wherein are everlasting delights (9:21–22). – They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward. Allah and his messenger have spoken the truth.

‫ن �ق‬



‫ت‬

�� ��� ‫���� �ه الا �ق� ��س�ع د‬ .‫���ش�ه ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا � ����ش��م‬ ‫ل و و‬ ‫�ك �ب‬

‫َُ شّ ُ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ �َ ْح�َ �ّ ��ْ ُ َ �ضْ ن‬ ،�ٍ ‫� َوا‬ ‫���ر���ه��م رب�����ه��م بِ ر ��م��ةٍ ِم� �ن�ه و ِر‬ ِ �‫ي�ب‬ َّ�� َ َ ٌ ُّ ٌ َ‫�َّ ُ ْ َ ن‬ � .‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م‬ ����ِ‫� �ل���ه��م ف‬ ٍ‫و�ج � �ن�ا ت‬

َ ْ َ‫َ ُ أ‬ َ ٌ� ّ َّ‫� � نَ َ أ َ ً ن‬ �‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا � � ا �ل��ل�هَ ِ�ع����ن�د ه � �� �جر‬ ����ِ‫�� �خ�ا �ِل ِ�دي� ف‬ ِ‫إ‬ ّٰ ‫ق‬ ٌ َ� .‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه ور��سو�ل�ه‬،‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ع �ظ‬

Figure 2.69 Surface E, ABN16

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

93

Reference Number: ABN17 Co-ordinates: 26.21074° N 050.55112° E Dimensions: 146 cm (l) × 35.5–37 cm (w) × 46 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (next to ABN18). No inscriptions. Cut to size and left unfinished (Figure 2.70). The unusual shape is due to the rectangular blocks that would have formed the basis of the raised decoration being half cut off at one end and completely cut off at the other end. Possible saw and chisel marks on the side surfaces (A and B).

Figure 2.70

ABN17

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: ABN18 Co-ordinates: 26.21077° N 050.55112° E Dimensions: 130 cm (l) × 33 cm (w) × 38.5 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE

94

Chapter 2

Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Some erosion on top. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Three element raised decoration at each end formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth. Shallow carved pointed niche design on the upper surface (E). Arabic Transcription and Translation:

– The Gardens of Eden whose doors will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be chaste females restraining their glances only for their husbands, and of equal ages … (38:50–52) – The angels will descend on them, (saying:) ‘Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter (41:30–31).

Figure 2.71

‫أ‬

:�

A:

Surface A, ABN18

َّ�� َ ُ َْ‫َ ْ ن ُّ َ َّ َ ً َّ ُ ُ ْ أ‬ � ،�‫� ���ع�د ٍ� �م��ف� ��ت����ح��ة ��ل���ه��م ال� ب� َوا ب‬ ِ‫�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ َ َ َ‫ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ نَ َ �ف‬ �‫�ثِ���ي��َر‬ �‫����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ‫�م��ت ِك‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ ْ َّ ُ‫َ َ ُ ْ �َ َ ت‬ َ ََ �ِ‫ و ِ�ع ن���د ���ه��م ��ق�ا �صِ را � ا �ل����ط�ر�ف‬،� ٍ‫و� ����ش�را ب‬ ٌ َ ْ�َ‫أ‬ .......�‫� ��ت�را ب‬ َ ََ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ ف‬ � � ‫��� � لا ��خ�ا وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ ْ َ‫تَْ�زَنُ َأ‬ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� � � � ‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا �ا �ج � �ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ �‫��������م �و��ع�د و‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ‫نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ َ �� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� ْ� � � � ‫ل‬ � ‫ك‬ ‫ال‬ � �. ‫�� �ر‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ِ‫ح� ن� � ولِ�ي��ا �م ي� ح����ي�ا ةِ ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� � خ‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. – Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255).

Figure 2.72

Surface B, ABN18

95

َّ َ َ ّ ٰ :�‫ب‬ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َّ ٌ َ‫ُ َْ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ ُ‫�ه َ ا �ل� ّ ا �ل���ق�� �م لا ت�� ����خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� َلا � ْ �م �ل�ه‬ ‫و و‬ ‫و حي� يو‬ َ َّ ََ َ ْ‫أ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ .��‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َّ َ َ َ ْ َّ ُ‫�َم� ن �ذ ا ا �ل� � � شْ������َ��فُ �ع���ْ�ن َ�د هُ � لا ��إِ�ذ �� �ه �َ�ْ��ع��ل‬ ‫� َ �ذِ ي� ي ع ِ َ إِ بِ نِ ِ ي م‬ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف ُ ْ َ َ ُ� ُ ن‬ ْ‫َ َ ْ نَ أ‬ � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫�ه‬ ِ‫�ه‬ � ‫��م‬ ��� ‫ا‬ � �� �� ‫م‬ ‫م‬ �‫حي����طو‬ ‫ي‬ ‫و‬ ‫و‬ � �‫ي‬ ‫���م�ا ب�ي��� � ي‬ ِ ِ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫ش‬ ُ‫� ْ���سِ�ّ��ُ�ه‬ ‫�ن‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � � ‫ء‬ �� � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ � ‫�ه‬ ‫ك‬ �� � �� � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫و ع ر ي‬ ِ‫�بِ���ي�ءٍ ِم�� ِع� مِ ِ إِ ب‬ َّ َ ُ ُ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ � فْ ظ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ �‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا �ي ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫َ ُ ْ َ ُّ �ظ‬ .‫و�ه َو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ِي‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ � ‫ة‬ ‫ة‬ �� �� ‫�ز‬ ‫ت‬ �� ‫�ق�را � ����ج� ء �ل�ل�م����خ�د ر� �مر��ي��م ب� ��ن�� ا �ل���م���ق�د ��س‬ ‫ق‬ .‫ا �ل����سي���د �م�ا ����ج�د ���ع��لى ���بر���ه�ا‬ ‫�ة � �� ��ة � ن ت �ة ن ف‬ – … At Sufala Garden in Sitra and half �‫�� ��ص‬ ���‫ب�����س��ي����ح� �س��ف�ا ل� م�� ���س��ر و‬......... of Almutiaa at Katkan village. ‫�ت � ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ .)� ‫��ا‬ ‫(ا �ل���م��طي�����ع� ) ب���ق��ر��ي� ( �ك� ك‬ ‫�ة �ل�خ �ة ق‬ ‫ ا‬... �‫ ����س��ب���ع‬...‫ ���س���ه��م‬.... – … share … seven … al-Khawariyah … ......‫ �مو�����ع�ه‬... �‫�وا ر��ي‬ C: – Reading a section on the grave of the Chaste, Maryam the daughter of the Blessed al-Sayyid Majid.

located …

96

Figure 2.73

Chapter 2

Surface C, ABN18

D: – … seventh of Dhu al-Hijjah, year of …

– One thousand and ninety four

:‫د‬ ‫� � �ة ف‬ ‫�ذ‬ ‫ش‬ ‫ن‬ � � ‫ل‬ � �‫ ا ل���س�ا ب�ع �م�� �������ه�ر �ي� ا ح���� �ج� ي‬............. ‫�ة‬ ................. ���‫����سن‬

‫�ة ت‬ ‫ف‬ ...................���‫ ا ر ب����ع� و���س���عي�� ن� والا �ل‬.............

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.74

97

Surface D, ABN18

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ف‬ �� � ....... ‫ ا �ل����سي���د‬....�‫ ���� �ض�ري‬.....���‫ع���ش�ر والا �ل‬ ‫ح‬ ‫ف‬ .......�� ‫�ع����ب�د ا �لر�ؤ‬ ‫ن‬ ‫غ� ت ف� � �� ة‬ ‫���� ��ة ( ن� �ة‬ – In the grave, Najiba (Najma) has dis- ) �‫����م‬ ‫ح���ف�ر� ا �ل��ل����ح�د *** �ج�ي �ب �ج‬ �‫رب�� ي‬ appeared … the glory. .‫ ا �ل���م������ج�د‬....‫الا و لى‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ف� ت ف� ا �ل ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ف‬ – She went into paradise proudly, … . ‫ ا �ل�ع�� و‬....�� ‫ و‬....*** �‫�����ن�ا � ط�ا �ل���ع‬ ‫���هو� ي� �ج‬ ‫ي‬ And in … forgiveness and happiness. ‫وا �ل��س���ع�د‬ E: – One thousand and … ten … shrine … Al-Sayyid ʿAbd al-Ra⁠ʾuf …

98

Chapter 2

Figure 2.75 Surface E, ABN18

Reference Number: ABN19 Co-ordinates: 26.21078° N 050.55109° E Dimensions: 58 cm (l) × 26 cm (w) × 34 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single solid limestone slab gravestone. Half of a double slab gravestone. Heavily eroded. Part of a shallow carved rectangular design on top surface (E), probably the bottom of a niche design. Three element raised decoration at one end formed of three flattened facetted cubes. Traces of illegible inscription on one surface (B) (Figure 2.76).

99

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.76

ABN19

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No legible inscriptions Reference Number: ABN20 Co-ordinates: 26.21081° N 050.55109° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 68 cm (l) × 26.5–28 cm (w) × 38.5 cm (h) Slab 2: 80 cm (l) × 23 cm (w) × 33 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs. Very eroded in places. Part of a shallow carved rectangular design on top surface (E), probably the bottom of a niche design. Three element raised decoration at one end formed of three flattened facetted cubes. The central one has a carved circle on top. Partly legible inscriptions on two surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful ... – …………

‫أ‬

:�

ٰ ‫ن‬ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ .� ‫ ا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ............................

100

Figure 2.77

Chapter 2

Surface A, ABN20

:�‫ب‬ ‫ ت‬........‫ح لا‬ � .......� ‫و �ذ‬ ‫ن‬ � ........�‫ ا �ل� ي‬......

B: – …………. – … who …

Figure 2.78

Surface B, part 1, ABN20

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.79

101

Surface B, part 2, ABN20

C: – No carving or inscriptions.

‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د‬ �

D: – No carving or inscriptions.

‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د‬

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د‬

Reference Number: ABN21 Co-ordinates: 26.21078° N 050.55111° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 102 cm (l) × 49.5 cm (w) × 29 cm (h) Slab 2: 101 cm (l) × 51 cm (w) × 31 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs. Part of a shallow carved rectangular design on top surface (E) of one slab, probably the bottom of a niche design. Eroded and unidentifiable raised decoration at both ends. Very eroded in places. Illegible inscription on one surface and partially legible inscription on another face.

102

Chapter 2

Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

‫أ‬

‫ق‬

‫آ‬

:�

‫ت‬

‫ت‬ ‫�ة‬ � � .‫�ص�ع� ب� �را ء ���ه�ا‬ ��‫حو�ي� ن����قوش��� �م��ت�ك�ل� �ي‬

Figure 2.80 Surface A, ABN21

B: – … under which rivers flow and will assign you palaces (25:10). – …………

Figure 2.81

Surface B, ABN21

َ :�‫ب‬ َ‫ت‬ َْ‫ت‬ ُ َ ‫�ْ َ ْ أ ْن‬ ‫ن‬ � � � ‫ال‬ � � ‫ �� �ج� ِر ي� مِ �� حتِ������ه�ا � �����ه�ا ر‬....................... ً ُ ‫َ َ ْ َ َّ َ ُق‬ .‫�صورا‬ ��� ‫و يج�����ع�ل �ل�ك‬

103

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – No legible carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.82 Surface C, ABN21

D: – No legible carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.83 Surface D, ABN21

104

Chapter 2

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.84

Surface E, ABN21

Reference Number: ABN22 Co-ordinates: 26.21087° N 050.55112° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 66 cm (l) × 32.5 cm (w) × 31 cm (h) Slab 2: 71 cm (l) × 32.5 cm (w) × 32 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs in generally good condition. Shallow carved pointed niche design on the top surface (E). Three element raised decoration at both ends formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch. Inscriptions on five surfaces, three partly illegible.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Arabic Transcription and Translation:

105

‫أ‬

َّ :� A: ٰ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�َ��م�ا‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ � ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in ���‫ل��ذِ � ي�������ف ِع� �ن�د ا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ َ‫أ‬ the heavens and whatever is on the َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َ ُ ُ َ ّ ُ ْ َ ‫ن‬ ْ ْ ْ َ ‫ش‬ ‫ن‬ � earth. Who is he that can intercede ��‫حي����طو� �����ءٍ �ِم‬ �� ‫�ي� ِ�د‬ ِ�‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ ‫بِ ي‬ َ with Him except by His permission! َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ ّ ْ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫ء‬ �� � �� He knows what happens to them in � � ‫�ه‬ �� ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ � ‫�ه‬ ‫ك‬ �� � �� ِ‫س‬ � � � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫و‬ ‫و‬ ‫ع ر ي‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫ِع� مِ ِ إِ ب‬ this world, and will happen to them َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ in the hereafter and they will never .��‫وال� ر‬ compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, ُ َ ْ� ‫َلَ َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ – and He feels no fatigue in guarding ،‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫وا ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬ and preserving them. And He is the َ ْ ُ ْ ُّ َ َّ َ َّ َ� ‫ّ ن‬ َ ْ َ ّ � ‫�رَاه �� ا �ل ِ�د‬ Most High, the Most Great. There is ���‫ي� ��ق�د ت����بي�� ن� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ � نَ� ا �ل غ‬ ‫لا �إِ ك فِي‬ ‫ي‬ ِ no compulsion in religion. Verily, the ِ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ� �����‫�����ُ�ف� ْ �ا � َّل����ط�ا �غ�ُ � َُ� ْ�ؤ � � ن � �ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ف‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ك‬ Right Path has become distinct from ‫�د‬ ‫�ق‬ ‫و‬ � ‫و‬ ِ ِ ِ‫تِ ي مِ � ب‬ ‫��ف��م�� ي� ر‬ ِ‫ب‬ the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ُْ ُْ َ َ ْ َ ْ in Taghut and believes in Allah, then ‫����ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �بِ� �ا �ل�ع ْر َو�ةِ ا �لوث���ق�ى لا ا ن���ف‬ he has grasped the most trustworٌ َ ٌ َ ُّ َ thy handhold that will never break. .........‫وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي�� ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ‫ع‬ And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (2:255–256).

106

Chapter 2

Figure 2.85

Surface A, part 1, ABN22

Figure 2.86

Surface A, part 2, ABN22

:�‫ب‬ ْ َ‫أ‬ ُ ْ‫�ٌ �َ ٌ تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َع�َ�ل‬ � � .... �� ....................... �� � � ‫ع‬ ِ‫�ه‬ �� ‫�ت‬ �� �� �� ‫�ج ر �ظِ ي م‬ ‫ل ي� م‬ َ‫ْ َ َ ُ أََّ تََ ُ َ تَْ ُ أ‬ ْ َ ُ َ � ‫�� ف� َل‬ � ‫���ة � لا‬ ‫ح�ز ن�وا َو� ب� ����شِ� �روا‬ ‫��خ�ا وا وا‬ ‫ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ‫�ا �ج�� �ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ .�‫���ت�����م �و���ع�د و‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ٌ‫َ ُ ْ َ فَ َ �ةٌ َ�� َ ة‬ �‫ �ل ك‬............................. – … therein for you will be fruits in ......�‫�ثِ� ي��ر‬ �‫����ه� ك‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا ��ا ك‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ plenty … shall be met … (peace) َ‫َُ َ�قَّ ن‬ َََ (43:73). .)‫ (و��س�لا ���م�ا‬..........�‫و�ي��ل� ْو‬ B: – … a great reward … The angels will descend on them, (saying:) ‘Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised (41:30).

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.87

Surface B, part 1, ABN22

Figure 2.88

Surface B, part 2, ABN22

107

108 C: – I gave you … rainwater … – All kind of happiness …

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫� ا � �ز ن‬ ‫�ت‬ .‫كا‬ � ....� ‫ ��م�ا ء ل���م‬.....‫��س�����ق� �ك‬ ...................‫طو��ب�ا‬

Figure 2.89 Surface C, ABN22

D: – …………… – … from al-Mustafa …

:‫د‬ ........................................ .............‫�ص��ط���فى‬ ��‫�م� ن� ا �ل���م‬............

Figure 2.90 Surface D, ABN22

109

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

E: – … al-Sayyid Hashim, forgive … – …………… – If the ladies of this world followed her way … Allah …

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ..........‫ ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا � ����ش��م �ع���فى‬............... .............................................. ‫ن‬

� � ‫�� ن� ����س�ا ء الا ر ض�� �م��س��ل‬ ‫��ك���ه�ا‬ ‫�ف�لو ���س��ل ك‬ ..........‫ �ل�ل�ه‬..........***

Figure 2.91 Surface E, ABN22

Reference Number: ABN23 Co-ordinates: 26.21086° N 050.55117° E Dimensions: 179 cm (l) × 34 cm (w) × 47 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single solid limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.92). Badly eroded. No carving or inscriptions. Next to the exterior wall of the shrine of Shaikh Husayn bin ʿAbd al-Samad.

Figure 2.92 ABN23

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions

110

Chapter 2

Reference Number: ABN24 Co-ordinates: 26.21087° N 050.55117° E Dimensions: 72.5 cm (l) × 31.5 cm (w) × 26 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single solid limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.93). Eroded. No carving or inscriptions. Next to the exterior wall of the shrine of Shaikh Husayn bin ʿAbd al-Samad.

Figure 2.93

ABN24

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: ABN25 Co-ordinates: 26.21095° N 050.55111° E Dimensions: 68 cm (l) × 21.5 cm (w) × 31.5 cm (h) Orientation: West south west (WSW) to East north east (ENE)

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

111

Description: Single solid limestone slab gravestone. Misaligned. One surface and top badly eroded. Eroded and unidentifiable raised decoration at one end. Partly legible inscription on one surface. Rest eroded. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

:� A: َّ ََ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ – … whatever is in the heavens and �� ‫� و���م�ا‬ .................... ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ �‫فِي‬ ِ‫و ت‬ ‫ي‬ whatever is on the earth. Who is he ِ‫ف‬ َّ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ُ َ ْ ُ َ�� ْ‫ش‬ that can intercede with Him. .‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه‬ �‫ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا ا �ل��ذِ �ي� ي‬ ‫ع‬ – His Seat extends over the heavens َ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫ا‬ and the earth, and He feels no fatigue ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا � و ت‬ ‫ع‬ in guarding and preserving them. ُ َ ْ� ‫َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ And He is the Most High, the Most .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬ Great (2:255).

Figure 2.94

Surface A, ABN25

B: – No carving or inscriptions.

:�‫ب‬

‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د‬

112

Figure 2.95

Chapter 2

Surface B, ABN25

C: – No carving or inscriptions. D: – No carving or inscriptions. E: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د‬

:‫د‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د‬ �

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ل ت‬ ‫ت‬ � ‫ك‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�د‬ � � � ‫ب‬ ‫ج‬ � � ��‫ا و‬

Reference Number: ABN26 Co-ordinates: 26.21095° N 050.55112° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 82 cm (l) × 34.5 cm (w) × 40 cm (h) Slab 2: 73 cm (l) × 35 cm (w) × 42 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs in generally good condition. No niche design on surface E. Three element raised decoration at both ends formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch. The raised decoration has not been finished on the reverse of the end surfaces (C and D). One side surface (B) is

113

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

broken, exposing the interior and indicating that both slabs are hollow. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A:

‫أ‬

َ َ‫�ف‬

َ

َ‫َ ْ ُ ن‬

َ

َ

:�

َّ ُ

– Therein they will recline; therein ٍ‫����ه��ة‬ ‫�م��ت ِك‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ they will call for fruits in abundance َ ُ‫َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ َ َ َ َ ��� � � ‫ و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬،� ‫ا‬ � � and drinks; And beside them will � �� � �� � ‫�ش‬ ٍ‫ك ثِ يرةٍ و ر ب‬ be chaste females restraining their َ ْ َ ُ ُّ َ ْ ُ ُ ّ‫َّ ْ أَ�ْ َ ٌ َُ ش‬ � glances only for their husbands, and ٍ‫���ر���ه��م رب�����ه��م �رح���م��ة‬ ِ �‫ ي�ب‬.�‫ا �ل����ط�ر فِ� � ��ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ب‬ of equal ages (38:51–52). Their Lord َّ�� َ َ ‫ّ ��ْ ُ َ ْ َ ن‬ ٌ َ‫�َّ ُ ْ � َ ن‬ � ‫�ِم� �ن�ه ور �ض‬ gives them glad tidings of Mercy ‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�ن‬ ���ِ‫� �ل���ه��م ف‬ ٍ‫� وا ٍ� و�ج � ت‬ ِ َ‫َ أ‬ from Him, and that He is pleased ُ َ َ َ ّ َ ّ ً َ‫�ُّ ٌ ��� � � ن‬ َ ‫ن‬ with them, and of Gardens for them ‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا � � ا �ل��ل�ه ِ�ع����ن�د ه‬ ‫ �خ�ا ِل ِ�د‬،‫م���قِ����ي��م‬ ����ِ‫ي� ف‬ ِ‫إ‬ wherein are everlasting delights. ْ َ‫أ‬ ُ ْ َ َ َُّ َ‫� ٌ �َ ٌ َ َ ن‬ ‫ع‬ � They will dwell therein forever. Verily, .‫ ت����ت���ز ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م‬.‫�� ����ي��م‬ ‫�ج‬ ِ‫� �� ر �ظ‬ with Allah is a great reward (9:21–22). َ The angels will descend on them. ْ َ‫ْ َ َ ُ أَّ تََ ُ َ تَْ ُ أ‬

– (saying:) ‘Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your souls desire and all that you ask for, as hospitality from One, the Forgiving, the Most Merciful (41:30–32).

Figure 2.96

Surface A, ABN26

َ ُ َ � ‫�� ف َل‬ � ‫���ة � لا‬ ‫ح�ز ن�وا َو� ب� ����شِ� �روا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا وا‬ ‫ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ ُُ‫َْ َّ َّ ُ نُ ْ تُ َ ُ نَ نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ� � ،�‫���ت�����م �و���ع�د و‬ ‫�ا ��جل‬ � ‫�����ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ‫ح� ن� � ولِ�ي��ا ك�م‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ َْ َ ْ ُ ََ َ �� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ ْ آ‬ َ ‫�� ا �ل‬ �‫�� �ر� و�ل ك‬ � ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ِ‫ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و �ي� ال� خ‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫َ تَ شْ تَ أَ ن ��ُ ُ ُ ْ ََ ُ ْ َ َ �َ َّ ُ ن‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫���م�ا ����������ه� � �����ف��س ك‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬ ‫ِي‬ َّ ُ‫�ُ �زُ ً ّ ْ �غَ �ف‬ � � ‫ن‬ .‫ح����ي��م‬ ٍ ِ ‫��ن� لا �ِم�� �� و ٍر ر‬

114

Chapter 2

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ there is no deity but he, the Ever ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ Living, the One Who sustains and َ َّ ََ َ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ protects all that exists. Neither slum- ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ ber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him َ � ْ‫ا �لّ� � �َ شْ ��َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ �إِ�ذ‬ belongs whatever is in the heavens .‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫�ذِ ي� ي ع‬ and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! َْ‫َ ْ َُ َ َ ْ نَ أ‬ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ �َ خَ ْف‬ – He knows what happens to them in ................‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا ���ل������ه��م‬ �� ‫�ي���ع��ل ���م�ا ب�ي��� � ي� ِ�د‬ ‫م‬ this world, and will happen to them َ ُ ُ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ � فْ ظ‬ َ َّ َ in the Hereafter … the heavens and ‫� وال� ر�� ولا ي� ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا‬ ِ‫ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ the earth, and He feels no fatigue in َّ‫َ ُ َ ْ َ ُّ ْ َ ُ َ ن‬ ً‫َ ْ ن ُّ �فَ �تَّ َ �ة‬ � ��� � ��‫� ع�د ٍ� �م‬ guarding and preserving them. And . �‫ح‬ ‫ا‬ � ِ‫ �ج �� ت‬.‫و�هو ا �ل���ع�ِ�لي� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255). Eden Gardens, whose doors will be opened (38:50).

Figure 2.97

Surface B, ABN26

� ‫ ت‬:‫�ج �ـ‬ � � ‫ ��س���م�ا *** ا د‬....‫���ه�ل ����ع��ل ���م�ا ا ود ا ل��ل�� �ح�د‬ ‫ع‬ ‫وع‬ ‫م‬ ‫ة‬ ......�‫د ر‬ ‫ف‬ ‫�ة‬ �� ‫ق‬ ‫�خ‬ �‫ت�ا ر ي‬ – Her history is a place of mercy … her �� ‫*** �م����ر���ه�ا‬....‫�����ه�ا �م���ق�ر رح���م� الا‬ ‫ي‬ place is in everlasting paradise. ‫�ج�����ن��ة ا �ل‬ � ‫���خ�ل�د‬ C: – Do you know what this grave includes … It shelters a pearl …

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.98

115

Surface C, ABN26

D: – This is the grave of the chaste, knowledgeable and freewoman who always was a pilgrim at the holy house of God. – And visited the graves of the Prophet and his family. Fatimah bint al-Sayyid ʿAli bin al-Sayyid Husayn bin alSayyid ʿIsa al-Husayni.

:‫د‬ ‫� ا � �ه �ة ا � �� �ة ا �ل �ة‬ �‫���ه��ذا ���� �ض�ري ل����ط�ا ر ل�ع�ا ر ف� ��حر‬ ‫ح‬ ّٰ ‫ت‬ � ‫ا �ل���م��س�ا ���ع��ة‬ ‫ح��ج ب�����ي�� ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل‬ � .‫��ح�را �م‬ �‫ر ب‬ � ‫ة أ‬ ‫ ف��ا ط م��ة‬،‫ال ئ�� م��ة‬ �� �� ‫(و�ز ��ي�ا ر�) � و (��ق��بر) ا �ل���� ب�ن�� و ا‬ ‫ي‬ ‫�����ن� ت� ا �ل����س���د الا ��ج� ���ع��ل � ن ا �ل����س���د � ن‬ ‫ب‬ ���‫ح���سي‬ ‫�� ل ي� ب� ي‬ ‫ي‬ ‫� نب� ا �ل����سي���د ع��ي�� ا �ل‬ � .��‫ح��س�ي� ن‬ ‫سى‬ ‫ي‬

116

Chapter 2

Figure 2.99 Surface D, ABN26

E: – … the grave is a place … Allah. – … invites … pearls … treasure …

Figure 2.100 Surface E, ABN26

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ّٰ �� �� ‫ن‬ .‫ ا �ل��ل�ه‬..................‫ ا � ا �ل���ق��بر �م���ق�ر‬.............

‫ن‬

............ ‫����ز‬ ‫ ك‬.......‫ ا �ل�د ر‬...‫ ��ي�دع‬..........

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

117

Reference Number: ABN27 Co-ordinates: 26.21095° N 050.55118° E Dimensions: 139 cm (l) × 30–32 cm (w) × 43.5 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. No niche design on surface E. Rudimentary three element raised decoration at both ends formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch. Deeply carved with large lettering. Next to shrine of Shaikh Husayn bin ʿAbd al-Samad. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

َّ :� A: َ َ ُّ ّٰ َ ‫ن‬ � � � � � – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا ل��ل�ه لا � ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ب����س��م ا ل��ل�ه ا �لر �ح��م�� ا �لرح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, ٌ َ‫ُ َ �َْ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ��ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ َ ن‬ �‫�هو ا ل‬ none has the right to be worshipped .‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا ت�� ��خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� ولا � ْو�م‬ ‫ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ َ ُ َّ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ �‫�ل�ه � فِي‬ ِ‫و ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ � ْ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ �إِ�ذ‬ Him. .�‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن‬ � �‫ل‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫�ذِ ي� ي ع‬ ‫م‬ – To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows

Figure 2.101 Surface A, ABN27

118 B: – What happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue – In guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in al-Taghut (2:255–256).

Chapter 2

:�‫ب‬

ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش��َ� ْء �ّم� ن‬ � � ‫ل‬ � �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ � ِ ٍ �‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا ���ل������ه��م وا ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ َ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ ّ ْ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ء‬ �� � �� � ‫�ه‬ �� ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ � ‫�ه‬ ‫ك‬ � �� �� ِ‫س‬ � � � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫و‬ ‫و‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ر‬ ِ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫ِع� مِ إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ .‫وال� ر�� ولا ي��ؤ د ه‬ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫فْ ظ‬ � �ِ ‫ لا � ك‬،‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ �‫�راه فِي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ُ�� ْ َ ْ‫ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ُّ ْ ُ نَ ْ غَ ّ ��َ َ ن‬ ‫ا �ل ِ�دي� �ق�د ����بي��� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ �� ا �ل��� �ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫����ف�ر‬ ِ ِ‫ي‬ ُ‫َّ �غ‬ � .� ِ‫بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا و ت‬

Figure 2.102 Surface B, ABN27

C: – Into light. But as for those who disbelieve. – their supporters are al-Taghut. they bring them out (2:257).

َ‫َّ َ َ ف‬

ُّ

:‫�ج��ـ‬

َ

‫�إِل ا �لن� َ ا �ل� � ن‬ .‫�����ُروا‬ ‫ي� ك‬ ِ‫ى و ِر و �ذ‬

ُْ ُ‫أَ ْ َ �ؤُ ُ ُ َّ �غُ ت‬ ُ ‫�خ ُ َن‬ � .‫� و�ي��ا �ه���م ا �ل��ط�ا � و� ي�ر�ج و���ه���م‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ

119

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.103 Surface C, ABN27

D: – Allah is the Protector of those who believe. – He brings them out from darkness (2:257).

ُّ

.‫ا �لن�ور‬

ِ

:‫د‬ َ َ ‫َّ ُ َ ُّ ّ نَ آ‬ � ِ‫ا �ل��ل�ه و � ا �ل��ذ‬ .�ُ‫ي� � �م� ن‬ ‫لِي‬ ُْ َ َُ ُّ‫�خ ُ ُ ّ َ �ظ‬ ‫ن‬ � � � ‫إِل‬ � ‫ل‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫م‬ � � ‫م‬ � � ‫ه‬ �� ��‫ل‬ �� � ‫م‬ � ‫تِ ى‬ � ِ � ‫ي ِر ج‬

120

Chapter 2

Figure 2.104 Surface D, ABN27

E: – Oh grave, you contain a high mountain, be proud that you embedded a great person such as Ahmad. – He is one person but equal to all the people and nobody is similar to him.

Figure 2.105 Surface E, ABN27

���‫ف‬ � � :‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ف‬ ‫��خ�را‬ ،‫��ي�ا ��ق��بر ��ق�د ���� �ض��م ن��� ت� طود ���ع�لا �����ط�ل‬ �‫ف�������في���ك ا ب�و ا �ل���م ك‬ .‫��ا ر�م ا ح���م�د‬ ���‫�هو وا ��ح�د ش‬ � ‫ ج��ا ���ه�ا‬،‫كل ا �لور �ى‬ � �‫�خ���� �ص�ا و�ع� ن‬ �� ‫ن‬ .‫و�ذا ك ����ظي��ره لا �يو����ج�د‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

121

Reference Number: ABN28 Co-ordinates: 26.21095° N 050.55118° E Dimensions: 55 cm (l) × 17–19 cm (w) × 29 cm (h) Orientation: N-S Description: Small single limestone slab gravestone in very eroded condition (Figure 2.106). Traces of illegible inscriptions on one surface.

Figure 2.106 ABN28

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No legible inscriptions Reference Number: ABN29 Co-ordinates: 26.21097° N 050.55114° E Dimensions: 147 cm (l) × 32–33 cm (w) × 41 cm (h) Orientation: N-S Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. No niche design on surface E. Three element raised decoration at both ends formed of two facetted cubes with a central thin raised point. Significant erosion on one end surface (C). Inscriptions on four surfaces.

122

Chapter 2

Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

َّ :� A: ٰ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ sustains and protects all that exists. .�� ‫���م�ا‬ ‫فِي‬ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in َّ َ‫َ �ذ‬ ْ‫ْ َ ُ َّ �إِ�ذ‬ � �� � ‫ل‬ ‫ه‬ � � – … Who is he that... with Him except ‫ ِع� �ن�د ا � نِ� ِ�ه‬......� ِ‫ �م� ن� ا ا �ل��ذ‬................ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ by His permission! He knows what ََ ْ َْ‫َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ أ‬ happens to them in this world, .‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا‬ �� ‫�ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن� � ي� ِ�د‬ ‫م‬

Figure 2.107 Surface A, ABN29

B: – And what will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue – In guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in al-Taghut (2:255–256).

:�‫ب‬

َّ ْ ّ ْ َ‫خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ� ُ نَ ش‬ � ‫���ل�����ه�� لا‬ ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا‬ ���� ‫ح����ط‬ ِ‫َ إ‬ ‫� م و ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ َ ‫َ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُّ ُ َّ َ َ َ أ ْ ض‬ ‫بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ��‫� وال� ر‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ‫ع‬ ُ ُ َُ َ َ .‫ولا ي��ؤ ود ه‬ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م لا � ك‬ �‫�راه �فِي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ُ�� ْ َ ْ‫ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ُّ ْ ُ نَ ْ غَ ّ ��َ َ ن‬ ‫ا �ل ِ�دي� �ق�د ����بي��� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ �� ا �ل��� �ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫����ف�ر‬ ِ ِ‫ي‬ ُ‫َّ �غ‬ � .� ِ‫بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا و ت‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.108 Surface B, ABN29

C: – No carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.109 Surface C, ABN29

123

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ت‬ ‫ن �ق ش‬ ���‫لا �و����ج�د ع��لي�����ه�ا ��� و‬

124 D: – Allah is the Protector of those who believe. – He brings them out from darkness (2:257).

Figure 2.110 Surface D, ABN29

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ َ ْ ُ َ ‫ّ ُ َ ُّ ّ نَ آ‬ � ِ‫ا �ل��ل�ه و � ا �ل��ذ‬ .‫ي� � �م ن��وا‬ ‫لِي‬ ُْ َُ ُّ‫�خ ُ ُ ّ َ �ظ‬ ‫�����ه��م �م� ن‬ � � � ‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ .� ‫ا‬ � � ‫��م‬ ��‫ل‬ � ‫ج‬ ‫ر‬ � ِ ِ‫ت‬ ِ ‫ي‬

125

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

E: – Oh grave, you should boast to the other graves, because you embedded a person who is a haven for everybody. – He is the most honourable person socially and in reputation, he is Jaʿfar bin ʿAbd al-Ra⁠ʾuf.

Figure 2.111

:‫�ه�ـ‬ � ‫� ا�ذ ث‬ �� ‫ا‬ � ‫ي���ه�ا ا �ل�����ق��بر ��ط�ل ���ع��لى‬ ‫ �و�ى ���في���ك‬،‫كل ��ق��بر‬ ‫�� ف‬ ‫ف‬ .��‫��ك�هو‬ ‫كل ا ل‬ � �‫��ك����ه‬ ‫ف‬ � ‫ن‬ �� ‫ ج� ��ع���ف�ر‬،‫ا � ����ش�ر�� ا �ل�ع�ا �ل���مي��� �ق�د را و ج��ا ���ه�ا‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ف‬ ��� ‫���خي��ر‬ ‫ا �ل‬ � .�� ‫��ج�ل �ع����ب�د ا �لر�ؤ‬

Surface E, ABN29

Reference Number: ABN30 Co-ordinates: 26.21099° N 050.55114° E Dimensions: 144.5 cm (l) × 30.5–31 cm (w) × 33 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. No niche design on surface E. Three element raised decoration at both ends formed of two facetted cubes with a central rounded arch that is wider and flatter at one end. Slight erosion. Deeply carved with large lettering used. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – And will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and

ْ ‫ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه‬ َ‫أ‬ َ . �‫وال‬

‫أ‬ : َ ُ َ َ ْ ُ ‫�َ َ خَ ْف‬ ْ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش��َ� ْء �ّم� ن‬ � � � ِ ٍ �‫و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫� لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ � ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا � و ت‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ع‬

126 – The earth and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct (2:255–256).

ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫فْ ظ‬ � �‫ِح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع�ِ�لي‬ ُ ْ ُّ َ َّ َ َّ َ� ‫ّ ن‬ � ‫ا �ل�د‬ ‫ي� ��ق�د ت����بي�� ن� ا �لر� ����ش�د‬ ِ ِ

Chapter 2

ُ ُ ‫ض َ َ َ ُ�ؤ‬ ‫ ولا ي� ود ه‬.��‫ر‬ َ َْ َ ُ َْ ‫ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م لا � ك‬ �‫�راه �فِي‬ ِ‫إ‬ .�َ‫�مِ � ن‬

Figure 2.112 Surface A, ABN30

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ sustains and protects all that exists. .�� ‫���م�ا‬ ‫فِي‬ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in َّ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ ََ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ �‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ – the heavens and whatever is on the �� ِ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا ا �ل��ذ‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َْ‫َ ْ َ ُ َ ُ َّ فِْ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ أ‬ earth. Who is he that can intercede ْ ‫�إِ�ذ‬ ْ َ with Him except by His permission! .‫ي��هِ� ��م‬ �� ‫ي� ش��������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � �نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن� � ي� ِ�د‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ He knows What happens to them in this world (2:255).

Figure 2.113 Surface B, ABN30

127

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – Allah is the Protector of those who believe (2:257). – …………

ْ ُ‫َّ نَ آ َ ن‬ .‫ا �ل��ذِ �ي� � �م��وا‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬

ُّ َ ُ ّ �‫ا �ل��ل�ه و لِي‬

...................

Figure 2.114 Surface C, ABN30

D: – from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves – in al-Taghut (2:257).

:‫د‬

ْ ُ�� ْ َ ْ‫ْ غَ ّ ��َ َ ن‬ ‫ا �ل��� �ف��م�� ي� ك‬ .‫����ف�ر‬ ِ‫ي‬ ُ‫َّ �غ‬ � .� ِ‫بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا و ت‬

128

Chapter 2

Figure 2.115 Surface D, ABN30

E: – Oh grave, you should boast proudly to other places and get the highest honour – Because you embedded a chaste woman, and because of her you are a glorious and honoured place.

Figure 2.116 Surface E, ABN30

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ف‬ �� � ‫�ف‬ �� ‫�ت‬ � � � � � � ‫��ي�ا ق��بر ��ط�ل‬ ‫ ��ع��لى‬،‫كل �خ�ر وا ���س��م �م�� � �� �خ�را‬ ‫�� � ��ُ �ف‬ �� .�‫ا �لب���ق�ا و����ج�ا ور ا ر �ف ا ل���ش�ر‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ة‬ � �‫ف�������في���ك ��ق�د ا ود ���ع� ت‬ ‫ ب�����ه�ا‬،�‫حورا ء ��ط�ا �هر‬ ‫� �� ف‬ ‫د �ع�����ي� ت� �م�����ق�ر ا �ل���م������ج�د وا‬ .��‫ل���ش�ر‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

129

Reference Number: ABN31 Co-ordinates: 26.21099° N 050.55116° E Dimensions: 142 cm (l) × 21.5 cm (w) × 37 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone in good condition. No niche design on surface E. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at both ends. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

َّ :� A: َ َ ُّ ّٰ َ ‫ن‬ � � � � � – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا ل��ل�ه لا � ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ب����س��م ا ل��ل�ه ا �لر �ح��م�� ا �لرح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ ْ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ‫ُ�ه َ ا �ْل�َ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ َأ ��ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ة َ ن‬ ُ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا ت�� ��خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� ولا � ْو�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ ‫أ‬ َّ ََ َ ‫ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in ���‫ل��ذِ � ي�������ف ِع� �ن�د ا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ the heavens and whatever is on the َ ْ ُ َ َْ‫أ‬ ْ ‫ْ َ �َ خ ف‬ earth. Who is he that can intercede .‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا ���ل������ه��م‬ �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter. ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ َّ � � �‫حي����طو‬ – And they will never compass any- ‫����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا ����م�ا‬ ِ�‫ولا ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫ي‬ thing of His Knowledge except that َ َ‫أ‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫َ ْض‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫ا‬ which He wills. His Seat extends ��‫� وال� ر‬ ‫� ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا � و ت‬ ‫ع‬ over the heavens and the earth, and ُ َ ْ� ‫َلَ َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ He feels no fatigue in guarding and ،‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫وا ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬ preserving them. And He is the Most ‫ق ّٰ �ظ‬ High, the Most Great (2:255). Allah, ........‫ ����م ر��سو�ل�ه‬......‫�ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ع‬ The Most Great, and His prophet have spoken the truth.

130

Chapter 2

Figure 2.117 Surface A, ABN31

B: – The angels will descend on them, (saying:) Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your souls desire – And all that you ask for, as hospitality from One, the Forgiving, the Most Merciful (41:30–32). Gardens of Eden whose gates will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be maidens of equal age with modest gaze (38:50–52). Allah, the Most Great, has spoken the truth.

Figure 2.118 Surface B, ABN31

:�‫ب‬ َ ّ َ َ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أ تََ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ � ‫���خ�ا �وا َولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� ْ ‫تَ�ْ�زَنُ َ أ‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ �� �� ‫ك‬ � � ‫ا‬ � �� � � ِ‫ش‬ ‫��ع‬ ‫�ن‬ � �� � �‫ح �وا و� ب رو بِ �ج �ةِ ي� م و و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ُُ َ‫نَْ أ‬ ْ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� � ‫�مْ �� ا �ل‬ � ‫ح� نُ� � ْو�يَ��ا �ؤ ك‬ �‫ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خِ� �ر‬ � ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ �ُ‫َ �َ كُ� ْ � َ َ تَ شْ تَ أ ن ��ُ ُ ك‬ .‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ه� � �����ف��س�م‬ ���ِ‫ول�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ ُ‫ََ ُ ْ � َ َ �َ َّ ُ نَ �ُ �زُ ً ّ ْ �غَ �ف‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ���ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ��ت�د �عو� ��ن� لا �ِم� ن� � �� و ٍر‬ َ َّ�� َ ُ ُ َّ� ً‫�َ ْ ن �ُّ �فَ �تَّ َ �ة‬ �ِ ‫ّر‬ �‫ �ج‬.‫ح����ي��م‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�ن‬ ‫� ��ع�د ٍ� م�� � ����ح� �ل���ه��م‬ ِ‫ت‬ َّ ُ ُ َْ‫ْ أ‬ َ َ‫َ َ ْ ُ ن‬ َ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫ �م��ت ِك‬،�‫ال� ب� َوا ب‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ ُ‫�فَ� َ َ�� َ َ َ َ َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ ‫� و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬ �‫بِ��� �ا كِ����ه��ةٍ ك‬ � ٍ‫�ثِ� ي��ر�ةٍ و� ����ش�را ب‬ َ ٌ َ ْ�‫َّ ْ أ‬ ‫ق ّٰ �ظ‬ .‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬.�‫ا �ل����ط�ر�� � ��ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ف‬

131

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – (Two thirds) and six should be read to her. – One third on the (palm tree)

Figure 2.119 Surface C, ABN31

‫ث ن‬ ‫�ة‬ . �‫ع��لي���ه�ا ( ���لث��ا �) و����س��ت‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ي���ق��را‬

‫�خ‬ ‫�غ‬ ‫… ا �لث��ل� ث‬ .)‫� ع��لى ا �ل��ل (ا �ل ن������ل‬

132 D: – And half of an eighth which – On the people of al-Ukul island.

Figure 2.120 Surface D, ABN31

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫�ذ‬ ‫ن ف ث ن‬ .�� �‫�ص� ا ����م�ا � (ا �لت�����مر) ا �ل‬ � �� ‫و‬ ‫ي‬

‫ة‬

� ‫ع��لى ب�ن�و‬ .‫كل‬ � ‫�ج�ز �ير� الا‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

E: – The chaste, Amirah bint al-Sayyid ʿAbd al-Ra⁠ʾuf died. – Oh grave of ʿAbd al-Ra⁠ʾuf’s daughter be prouder than others – Because you embedded Hawra⁠ʾ … in your soil which without her the earth would shake. – Fourteenth of Rabiʿ al-awwal, year of 10 …

133

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ة‬ ‫ة‬ ‫ت�و������ي� ت� ا �ل���م������خ�د ر� ا ���مي��ر� ب�����ن� ت� ا �ل����سي���د‬ ‫ف‬ .�� ‫�ع����ب�د ا �لر�ؤ‬ ‫أ‬ ‫ف‬ ‫�ة‬ ***‫� �م��ثو�ى ا ب����ن� ا �ل���م ب��رور �ع����ب�د ا �لر�ؤ �� ��ط�ل‬ ‫�ز‬ �� ‫�ف‬ .‫كل ���ع�ا ل ����ج�ا و ا �ل����س��ب �م�� ����خ�را‬ � ‫���ع��لى‬ ‫فع‬ �� ‫ف‬ ‫ث ت‬ ‫ � *** ��ث� ا ك �ل���م�ا د ت‬.......‫ح ا ء‬ � ‫�����في���ك �و� �ور‬ �‫ي‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ض‬ .‫���ه��ذه الا ر�� ��ب�ا �لورا‬ ‫�ة‬ �� � ‫ا �ل ا ��ب‬ .........10 ���‫ع���ش�ر �ش������ه�ر رب�����ي الا ول ����سن‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ر �ع‬

Figure 2.121 Surface E, ABN31

Reference Number: ABN32 Co-ordinates: 26.21098° N 050.55119° E Dimensions: 150 cm (l) × 33 cm (w) × 41 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone in generally good condition. Wellcarved. Some erosion on one side surface (A) and one end surface (D). Shallow carved pointed niche design on top surface (E). Raised decoration cut off at one end and three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at the other end. Inscriptions on five surfaces.

134 Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – The angels will descend on them … Therein you shall have all that your souls desire and all that you ask for … the Forgiving, … (41:30–32) – Therein they will recline; therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks … the Day of Reckoning. Verily, this is our Provision which will never finish (38:51–54).

Chapter 2

‫أ‬

:�

ُ‫تَتَنَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َا َ ة‬ ْ �ُ‫َ �َ ك‬ � ‫ل‬ ��� ..................... ‫���� ل ع��لي���ه���م ا �ل���م�ل ئِ� �ك‬ ‫و م‬ ِ َ‫َ َ تَ شْ ت‬ َ َ ْ ُ َ� َ ْ ُ ُ ُ‫أَ ن �ف‬ ‫ي�ه�ا �م�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫ف‬ �‫�م ول ك‬ �‫ي�ه�ا �م�ا ����������هي� � ��� ��س ك‬ ِ َ َ ُ َّ �ِ ‫ ّر‬........�‫تَ��د �عو ن‬ ..............‫حي�����م‬ ٍ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ � َ‫ُ �تَّ ن‬ ‫ن‬ �‫�ثِ�ي��َر‬ ‫��ه��ةٍ �ك‬ �ِ‫ي�ه�ا بِ���ف� �ا ك‬ ���ِ‫�م� �كِ�ئِ�ي��� ف‬-2 ����ِ‫ي�ه�ا ي��د �عو� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ َ‫َّ َ�ذ‬ َ ‫َ ْ �ْل‬ َ��َ‫َ �ش‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫� � ن� �ه� ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫ا‬ � ‫��س‬ ‫ح‬ � ................. ‫م‬ � ‫ر‬ ‫ي‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ل‬ ٍ‫و ب‬ ِ‫ِ ِ بِ إ‬ َ‫َِ�زْ ُقنَ َ َ ُ نَّ�ف‬ ‫�لر ����ا �م�ا �ل�ه �مِ � ن� ��� �ا ٍد‬

Figure 2.122 Surface A, ABN32

َّ B: َ َ ُّ ّٰ :�‫ب‬ َ ‫ن‬ � � – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه ا �لر �ح��م�� ا �لرح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ َ ُ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫ل‬ � ‫�هو ا‬ � none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� وا و�م ل�ه‬ ‫ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�َ��م�ا‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ � ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in ���‫ �ي���ع��ل ��م�ا ب�ي‬،‫ل��ذِ � ي�������ف ِع� �ن�د ا � نِ� ِ�ه‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ the heavens and whatever is on the َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ earth. Who is he that can intercede .‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا‬ �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– Compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in al-Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (2:255–256).

Figure 2.123 Surface B, ABN32

C: – Big baskets, the weight of each one twenty mann from the income. Tributes to develop it from the income of the Abu Naser palm trees which is located in Sitra. The death of the Late Husaynia Bint Jafar in fifteenth of Rabiʿ al-thani, year of one thousand and ninety.

135

ْ ّ ْ َ‫ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ َ َ َ َّ � � �ِ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���س‬ ���� ‫ح����ط‬ ِ‫َإ‬ ‫ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ ‫ع‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ ُ ُ ‫َ أ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا ي� ود ه‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ك‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ لا � ك‬،‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ �‫�راه �فِي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ُ�� ْ َ ْ‫ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ُّ ْ ُ نَ ْ غَ ّ ��َ َ ن‬ ‫ا �ل ِ�دي� �ق�د ����بي��� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ �� ا �ل��� �ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫����ف�ر‬ ِ ِ‫ي‬ َّ ُ َ َ ْ َ‫ْ ت‬ ُ َ�� َ‫ّ ف‬ ْ ‫�غ‬ َ � � ‫�ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�ط‬ ��‫ل‬ ‫� و�ي�ؤ �مِ � ن� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ����ق ِ�د ا ����س�����م��س�ك‬ ِ‫و ت‬ ِ‫ب‬ ٌ َ ُ ّ َ َ َ َ َ ‫ْ ُ ْ َ ُْثْ قَ َ َ ن‬ �� ��‫�بِ� �ا �ل�عرو�ةِ ا �لو����ى لا ا ���فِ��������ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا وا �ل��ل�ه ����س‬ ‫مِ يع‬ ٌ َ .‫ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ز‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ن‬ ) ‫كل ����ج�ل� (ب�����س����ج‬ � � ‫���بر �ى و‬ ‫����ج�لا � ك‬ � ‫� � ن ا � �ة ا ن‬ ‫� �� ن‬ )� ( ���‫ع���ش�رو� �م����ن�ا ��س�ا ل���م�ا م�� لو��صي‬ ‫ن‬ �� ‫�خ ا ��ج�ا ت‬ �‫� �لت��ع���مي��ره ب‬ � �‫��ح�ا �ص‬ �� ‫ا �ل�ر‬ ‫��خ�ل ا ب�و‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ق‬ ‫�ة ت �ة ن ت � �ة‬ ‫كا �� و��ف�ا‬ � ‫��ن�ا �صر �مو�����ع�ه ب�����س��ي����ح� ���س��ر و‬ �� ‫ح ���م��ة � ن �ة �� ت‬ ‫ا �ل���مر�و‬ ‫ح����سي��������ي� ب� ��ن�� ا �ل����سي���د ج���ع���ف�ر‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ع���ش� �ش ��ه� � ��ي ا �ل����ث�ا � ����سن����ة‬ ��� �� � ��‫����خ�ا �م‬ �‫ي‬ ‫س ف ر ��ة ر رب ��ع‬ ‫�ت��س���ع�� ن� وا �ل��� ��جه‬ . �‫�ر��ي‬ ‫ي‬

136

Chapter 2

Figure 2.124 Surface C, ABN32

D: – Reading … on the grave … – And on … bin Husayn … And should be presented – … the believers …

:‫د‬ ‫ة‬ �� �� � � .‫��ع��لى ا ل���ق��بر و‬........� ‫ا �ل���ق�را ء‬ � �‫ � نب‬....... ‫و���ع��ل‬ .‫ و�����ه�د �ى‬......�‫ح���سي�� ن‬ ‫ى‬ ‫ي‬ ..........�‫ ا �ل���م�ؤ �م����ني�� ن‬............

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

137

Figure 2.125 Surface D, ABN32

E: – Written by Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din al-Bahrani … – … The Great … al-Sayyid Naser bin alSayyid Hashim al-Husayni, God bless them. – Oh grave, you embedded a chaste and pure woman. – We know that her body is hidden in a grave, but in reality, her place is in paradise.

:‫�ه�ـ‬

‫ن �ز ن‬ ‫���ت� �ه الا ��ق� � ن ن‬ ��‫ح���سي��� �ب� ���ع��لي� �ب� ي‬ ‫�ك �ب‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ن‬ � ....‫ ��س‬...�� ‫�را‬ ‫ا ل��ب��ح ي‬ ‫ ا �ل����سي���د ��ن�ا �صر � نب� ا �ل����سي���د‬..‫ د‬...‫ الا ����ج�ل‬.... ‫ف‬ ‫�ه�ا � ����ش��م ا �ل‬ � .‫ح��س�ي� ن�� �ع���� �ع ن����ه���م�ا‬ ‫ي ي‬ ‫�ي�ا ��ق�� ���ف���ك ��ق�د ث� ت‬ ‫� م‬ � ، ‫���خ�د ر�ة‬ � ‫حورا ء‬ ‫و‬ ‫� بر ي‬ ‫ة‬ � .‫��ط�ا �هر� �م� ن� ا �ل�د ��ن��س‬ ‫ث ف‬ ‫ان ن‬ ‫ ��م��ق��ر���ه�ا‬، � ‫كا � وا را ���ه�ا ��ث�ر�ى ����ج�د‬ � � ‫ة‬ �� � �� �‫ب‬ .‫ح���ظي��ر� ا �ل���ق�د ��س‬

‫ن‬ �‫ا �ل�د�ي‬

138

Chapter 2

Figure 2.126 Surface E, ABN32

Reference Number: ABN33 Co-ordinates: 26.21111° N 050.55111° E Dimensions: Not measured Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab gravestone broken into nine fragments. These conjoin to form one hollow incomplete gravestone with inscriptions on two surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

:� A: ُ َّ َ َ َ ُ ّ �‫ ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬........ – … the Most Gracious, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا �ه َو‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Merciful. Allah, none has the right َ َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫�ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ �‫ا‬ to be worshipped but he, the Ever ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه ���م�ا‬ ‫ي‬ َ Living, the One Who sustains and َّ ََ ْ‫أ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�� ا‬ ‫ا‬ protects all that exists. Neither slum.............��‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ ber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth … ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ َ َّ � � �‫حي����طو‬ – And they will never compass any- ‫����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ِ�‫ولا ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫ي‬ thing of His Knowledge except that َ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ which He wills. His Seat extends ‫� وال� ر�� وا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ع‬ over the heavens and the earth, and ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ي� ود ه‬ He feels no fatigue in guarding and .......‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ـ‬ ‫ي‬ ِ preserving them. And He is the Most High... (2:255).

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

139

Figure 2.127 Surface A, ABN33

B: – … Verily, with Allah is a great reward (9:22). – … But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your souls desire and all that you ask for, as hospitality from One, the Forgiving, the Most Merciful (41:30–32).

Figure 2.128 Surface B, ABN33

C: – No carving or inscriptions.

:�‫ب‬ ْ َ‫ن ّ َ �� َ ُ أ‬ ٌ َ� ٌ � � � ‫ه‬ � ‫ا‬ � ‫ع‬ � .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ‫�د‬ � ‫ع‬ ............. ‫�ه‬ � ‫�ج‬ ‫�ل‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫ل‬ � ‫إ‬ ِ ِ‫�� ر �ظ‬ َ َ َ ُ ْ ْ ُ ‫أ‬ ّ ‫ن‬ َ ُ ُ َ َ‫ن‬ ُ ّ ‫�ل‬ ْ ،�‫���ت�����م ت�و���ع�د و‬ ‫�����ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ‫ َو� ب� ����شِ� �روا �ا‬............ ‫�ج‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ َ‫نَْ أ‬ ْ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� � ‫�مْ �� ا �ل‬ � ‫ح� نُ� � ْو�يَ��ا �ؤ �ك‬ �‫ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خِ� �ر‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أَ ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������هي� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ِ ً ُ َ ُ َّ َ َ َُ �ِ ‫ ���ن��زُلا �ِّم� نْ� �غ� ��ف� ور ّر‬،�‫�َ��م�ا ���ت�د �عو ن‬ .‫ح����ي��م‬ ٍ ٍ

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ت‬ ‫ن �ق ش‬ ���‫لا �و����ج�د ع��لي�����ه�ا ��� و‬

140 D: – No carving or inscriptions. E: – No carving or inscriptions.

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫لا ت� ��د ع��ل��ه�ا ن����ق ش‬ �� ‫وج‬ � ‫ي� و‬

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫لا ت� ��ج�د ع��ل����ه�ا ن����ق ش‬ �� ��‫و‬ � ‫ي� و‬

Figure 2.129 Surface C, ABN33

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

141

Reference Number: ABN34 Co-ordinates: 26.21086° N 050.55117° E Dimensions: Not measured Orientation: NA Description: Modern white marble gravestone with laser cut black painted lettering. It is included as the individual commemorated by the gravestone died before 1900 CE, and because around his shrine many of the original carved limestone gravestones are clustered. Arabic Transcription and Translation: – It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah (35:28). – Shaikh Husayn bin ʿAbd al-Samad, Father of Shaikh Al-Baha⁠ʾi.

ََ ُ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ‫�خْ ش‬ �‫� نّ�� َ��م�ا ي‬ � .‫���ى ا �ل��ل�ه �مِ � ن� ِ�ع��ب�ا دِهِ ا �ل�ع�ل�م�ا ء‬ ِ‫إ‬

‫ ا � ش‬، ‫ا �ل�ع�ا �ل�م ا �ل �ا �ن‬ � ‫ل�������ي�� خ‬ ،‫ح��سي�� ن� � نب� �ع��ب�د ا �ل����ص���م�د‬ �‫ر ب ي‬ �‫ئ‬ ‫ا �ل�د ا � ش‬ .�� ‫ل�������ي�� خ ا �لب���ه�ا‬ ‫و‬ ‫ي‬ � ‫ف‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫م‬ ‫ه‬ � 1 � ‫و�ل�د �� �ل ب�����ا‬ – Born in Lebanon, in 1st of Muhharam, .‫ �م�د ي��� ب��ع��لب��ك‬، �‫ �ج�ري‬918 ‫حر�م‬ ‫ي‬ 918 AH, Baʿalbak. He died in 8th of ‫ ��جه‬984 ‫ ر �� الا ول‬8 ��‫ت�و ف�� ف‬ ‫ ا �لب��لا د‬،‫�ري��ة‬ ‫ي ي‬ Rabiʿ al-awwal, 984, al-Bilad al-Qadim. ‫بيع‬ ‫�ق‬ .‫ا �ل�� �د ي�م‬

Figure 2.130 ABN34

142

Chapter 2

Reference Number: ABN35 Co-ordinates: 26.21089° N 050.55139° E Dimensions: 144 cm (l) × 33 cm (w) × 28 cm (h) Orientation: N-S Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.131). Next to shrine of Shaikh Husayn bin ʿAbd al-Samad. The gravestone has been cut to shape but left unfinished. Voids in the stone surface might have precluded further carving. There appear to be chisel marks on the top surface (E) and chisel and saw marks on the side surfaces (A and B). No inscriptions or carving other than rectangular roughed out blocks at each end that would have formed raised decoration if the gravestone was completed.

Figure 2.131 ABN35

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: ABN36 Co-ordinates: 26.21091° N 050.55143° E Dimensions: 154 cm (l) × 37.5 cm (w) × 44 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

143

Description: Single limestone slab gravestone in good condition. Shallow carved pointed niche design on top surface (E). Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at both ends. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Partially excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – The angels will descend on them, (saying:) Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your souls desire (41:30–31). – … will be opened … for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be maidens of equal age with modest gaze (38:50–52). Allah, the Most Great has spoken the truth.

Figure 2.132 Surface A, ABN36

‫أ‬

:�

َ ََ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ َأّ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ ْ َ‫تَْ�زَنُ َأ‬ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� � ‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا �ا �ج�� �ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ،�‫��������م �و���ع�د و‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ‫نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ َ �� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� ْ� � � � ‫ل‬ � ‫ك‬ ‫ال‬ � � �‫�� �ر‬ ِ‫ح� ن� � ولِ�ي��ا �م ي� ا ح����ي�ا ةِ ا ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� � خ‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ �ُ‫َ �َ كُ� ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أ ن ��ُ ُ ك‬ ‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ه� � �����ف��س‬ .‫�م‬ ����ِ‫ول�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ َ َ َ‫�ف‬ ً َ َّ َ ُّ �‫�ثِ���ي��َر‬ �‫����ه��ةٍ ك‬ �ِ‫ بِ��� �ا ك‬...................‫ �م��ف� ��ت����ح��ة‬................ ٍ‫ة‬ ْ َّ ُ‫َ َ ُ ْ �َ َ ت‬ َ ََ �ِ‫� و ِ�ع ن���د ���ه��م ��ق�ا �صِ را � ا �ل����ط�ر�ف‬ ٍ‫و� ����ش�را ب‬ ّٰ ‫ق‬ ٌ َ ْ�َ‫أ‬ ‫�ظ‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ .‫ �� �ص�د � ل��ل�ه ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬.�‫� ��ت�را ب‬

144

Chapter 2

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ َ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ � ْ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ �إِ�ذ‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in .�‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن‬ �‫ل��ذِ ي� ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens. ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ ّ ْ َ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � � � – To them in this world, and will hap- �‫����ءٍ �ِم� ن‬ ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫�ه‬ ِ‫�ه‬ � ‫��م‬ ��� ‫ا‬ � �� �� ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ‫� ي ِ ي� و‬ ِ‫� و ي ِي و� ب‬ ‫ي‬ pen to them in the Hereafter and َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ ْ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ء‬ �� � �� � they will never compass anything of � ‫�ه‬ �� ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ � ‫�ه‬ ‫ك‬ � �� �� ِ‫س‬ � � � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫و ع ر ي‬ ِ‫و ت‬ ِ‫ِع� مِ ِ إِ ب‬ His Knowledge except that which ُ َ ْ ُ َ ُ ُ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ � فْ ظ‬ َ ّ َ � He wills. His Seat extends over the �‫وال� ر�� ولا �ي ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا ل���ع��ل‬ ‫ِي‬ heavens and the earth, and He feels ّٰ ‫ق‬ ُ َ ْ� ‫ا‬ no fatigue in guarding and preserving .......‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه ور��سو�ل�ه‬،‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ل�ع�ظ‬ them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. Allah and His Prophet have spoken the truth … (2:255).

Figure 2.133 Surface B, ABN36

145

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – … should be read … for his soul … And a part on his wife’s grave, the daughter of al-Sayyid Majid. – … Fruit … Planting … from dates crop of palm gardens …

:‫�ج��ـ‬ � ‫�ز‬ �� ‫�ز‬ �� ‫ و����ج� ء ���ع��لى ��ق��بر و�ج�� �ت�ه‬.... ‫ �لرو‬....‫ ي����ق�را‬..... ‫ح‬ ‫�����ن� ت‬ .‫� ا �ل����سي���د �م�ا ����ج�د‬ ‫ب‬ ‫ �م� ن‬......‫ �� �ص��ل�� ا � �ل���غ� ��س‬........... ‫ ث����م‬....... ‫ر‬ ‫ر‬ � ‫ح‬ ‫ت‬ �� ‫ن‬ .........‫��ح�ا �ص�ل ����مر ا �ل������خ�ل‬

Figure 2.134 Surface C, ABN36

:‫د‬ �‫���ه��ذا ���� �ض� ي‬ ‫رح‬ �� .)‫(ا �ل���م���ق�د ��س‬ ‫� �ة‬ ‫ا �ل����س���د ���ع��ل � ن ا �ل����س���د حم‬ – al-Sayyid ʿAli bin Muhammad Abu �‫����م�د ا ب�و ش������ب�ا �ن‬ �‫ي� ب‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ Shabanah al-Husayni ‫ح��س���ن‬ ‫�ل‬ �‫ا � ي ي‬ D: – This is the grave of the late …

.....‫ا �ل���م ب��رور‬

�‫ا �ل���مر‬ ‫حو�م‬

146

Chapter 2

Figure 2.135 Surface D, ABN36

:‫�ه�ـ‬

E: – Written by the humble ʿAli bin Husayn al-Bahrani – Oh grave, you should be equal with the stars in the sky, since you have embedded an innocent man. – You embedded a faithful and virtuous man.

‫ت‬ ‫ن‬ � �‫�����ب�ه الا �ق�ل ع��ل � نب‬ �‫ح��سي�� ن� ا �ب‬ ‫ح‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫�ك‬ .�� ‫�را‬ � � �‫ي‬ ‫ي‬

‫ث ق‬ � ‫ي�ه�ا ا �ل���ق��بر �م��ذ‬ � �� ‫ ا‬،‫�ج�ز ع��لى �م��ط��ل ا �ل��ري�ا ر�ي���ا‬ �‫حوي� ت‬ ‫ع‬ .‫كا‬ ��‫�ز ي‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫كا �م�لا‬ ‫��ا �ض‬ ‫كا � ���س�ه���م�ه‬ � ‫ ����سي���د‬،‫حوي� ت� ن����ق ي���ا‬ � ‫� �لا‬ ‫ا�ش‬ .‫ل���ر�عي���ا‬ ‫ن����ق ش����ه ا �ل����س���د �ص�ا �ل � ن‬ – Engraved by al-Sayyid Salih bin al.‫ب� ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا �ش�����م‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ح‬ Sayyid Hashim.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

147

Figure 2.136 Surface E, ABN36

Reference Number: ABN37 Co-ordinates: 26.21079° N 050.55126° E Dimensions: 171 cm (l) × 35 cm (w) × 44 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone in generally good condition. Shallow carved pointed niche design on upper surface (E). Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at both ends. Inscriptions on five surfaces, with two only partially legible. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Gardens of Eden whose gates will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be maidens of equal age with modest gaze. This is what you are promised on the Day of Reckoning … (38:50–53) – …………

‫أ‬ َ : َ َ َّ�� َ � ُ ْ ‫َ ْ ن ُّ َ ّ َ ً ّ ُ ُ ْ أ‬ � ،�‫� ���ع�د ٍ� �م��ف� ��ت����ح��ة ��ل���ه��م ال� ب� َوا ب‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�ن‬ ِ‫�ج � ت‬ َ َ‫�ف‬ َ َ‫َ َ ْ ُ ن‬ َ َّ‫�ُ �ت‬ ‫م� ِك‬ �ٍ‫����ه�ة‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ َ ُ‫َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ َ َ َ َ ��� � � ‫ و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬،� ‫ا‬ � � �� � ‫ك‬ �� � ‫�ش‬ � ‫ر‬ ‫و‬ ٍ‫ر ب‬ ٍ‫ثِ ي ة‬ َ َ َ‫َّ ْ أْ َ ٌ َ �ذَ َ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ‫ ���ه� ا ���م�ا �و���ع�د و� لِ�ي� ْو�ِم‬،�‫ا �ل����ط�ر�� � ���ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ف‬ ْ َ� ‫ا �ل‬ ‫ح‬ .........� ‫ا‬ �� � � ‫�س‬ ِ‫ِ ب‬ ........................................

148

Chapter 2

Figure 2.137 Surface A, ABN37

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him. – Except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255).

َّ َ َ ُّ ّٰ :�‫ب‬ َ ‫ن‬ � � � � ‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه ا �لر �ح��م�� ا �لرح����ي��م ا ل��ل�ه لا � ل�ـ�ه � لا‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َّ ٌ َ‫ُ َْ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ ُ‫�ه َ ا �ل� ّ ا �ل���ق�� �م لا ت�� ����خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� َلا � ْ �م �ل�ه‬ ‫و و‬ ‫و حي� يو‬ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ َ َ َّ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫���م�ا �ي� ا �ل��س���م�ا َوا‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ ُ َ ْ�� ُ َ�� ْ‫َّ َ ش‬ .‫ا �ل��ذِ �� ي�������ف ِ�ع� �ن�د ه‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ع‬ ْ‫َّ �إِ�ذ‬ َ ْ َْ‫َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ أ‬ ‫ي��هِ� ��م َو���م�ا‬ �� ‫� لا � �نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن� � ي� ِ�د‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫م‬ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ َّ � ‫حي����طو� �����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا‬ ِ�‫���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ ِ‫َ إ‬ ‫بِ ي‬ َ َ َ ‫َ َ َ ُ ْ ُّ ُ َّ َ َ َ أ ْ ض‬ ‫� ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ‫ع‬ ُ َ ْ� ‫َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬

149

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.138 Surface B, ABN37

C: – He spent … At the life and afterlife … – …………

:‫ج‬ �

‫ق‬

..........�‫ ��ب�ا �ل�د ا ري� ن‬......‫ضى‬ ����� ..........................

Figure 2.139 Surface C, ABN37

150 D: – … Muharram, year … – …………

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫ �م� ن م‬..... ............. ���‫��ح�ر�م ����سن‬ � .....................

Figure 2.140 Surface D, ABN37

E:

:‫�ه�ـ‬

‫ت‬ ‫ق‬ ‫�����ب�ه الا ��ل �م��س�عود‬ ‫�ك‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ق‬ ‫�ا �ق�� ط�ل� ت‬ – Oh grave, you should be boasted to ‫ع��لى‬.......*** ��‫� ع��لى ا �لب�� �ا ب�رت�ب‬ ‫ي بر‬ ‫ع‬ other places … and the seven heavens. .‫ا �ل����س��ب ا �ل�ع�لا‬ ‫ع‬ ‫� ن ف‬ ‫ت‬ ‫م‬ � � � – Once you embedded a glorious per- � ‫ و�هو واح�د*** ل��ك��ه‬....‫�ل���م�ا حو�� �ج �د‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ son … but he is better than others. ‫ن‬ ‫ا‬ � . ‫كل ا �ل�ع�ل‬ � ��‫ا �ل���م���ج��د ع‬ ‫ن����ق ش‬ – Engraved by al-Sayyid Hashim. .......‫����ه ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا �ش�����م‬ – Written by the humble Masʿud

151

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.141 Surface E, ABN37

Reference Number: ABN38 Co-ordinates: 26.21080° N 050.55125° E Dimensions: 130 cm (l) × 25 cm (w) × 38 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single narrow limestone slab gravestone with some areas of bad erosion and damage. No niche design on surface E. Raised decoration cut off at both ends. Partial inscriptions on two surfaces.

152 Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read

Chapter 2

‫أ‬ :� ‫�ض‬ ‫ن �� ش‬ � ‫�ق�� ���غي��ر وا‬ � ���‫ا �ل‬ ‫ح‬

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ َ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َّ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in ...........�� ِ‫ا �ل��ذ‬ ‫ي‬ the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that………… ْ‫َّ �إِ�ذ‬ ََ ْ َْ‫َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ أ‬ – Except by His permission! He knows ‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا‬ �� ‫� لا � �نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن� � ي� ِ�د‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫م‬ what happens to them in this world, ْ ُ َ‫خَ ْف‬ and will happen to them in the ...................‫���ل������ه��م‬ Hereafter … (2:255)

Figure 2.142 Surface B, ABN38

C: – No carving or inscriptions. D: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � ‫لا �و�� �ج�د ��� و � � و ��ا ��ب�ا‬

:‫د‬ ‫ض‬ ‫ا �لن����� ش‬ �� ‫�ق�� ���غي��ر وا‬ � ‫ح‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

E: – Engraved by al-Sayyid Hashim – …………

153 :‫�ه�ـ‬ �� ‫ن����ق‬ .‫���ش�ه ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا � ����ش��م‬ .……………………

Figure 2.143 Surface E, ABN38

Reference Number: ABN39 Co-ordinates: 26.21082° N 050.55124° E Dimensions: 184 cm (l) × 40 cm (w) × 25 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone broken into three pieces (Figure 2.144). Very eroded on top but with flat sides suggesting it is unfinished. No inscriptions. Raised decoration cut off at one end and eroded rectangular roughed out block for unfinished raised decoration at the other end.

Figure 2.144 ABN39

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions

154

Chapter 2

Reference Number: ABN40 Co-ordinates: 26.21077° N 050.55125° E Dimensions: 179 cm (l) × 33 cm (w) × 26.5 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Carving very sharp and well-executed. Shallow carved rounded niche design on the upper surface (E). Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plint at both ends, one of which is eroded. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – They will be served by immortal boys, with cups, and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, where from they will get neither any aching of the head, nor any intoxication. And fruit; that they may choose. And the flesh of fowls that they desire. And there will be fair females with wide and lovely eyes, like unto preserved pearls. A reward for what they used to do. No evil vain talk will they hear therein, nor any sinful speech. But only the saying of: Peace! Peace! (56:17–26) – … trays of gold and cups, therein all that inner-selves could desire, and all that eyes could delight in and you will abide therein forever. This is the Paradise which you have been made to inherit because of your deeds which you used to do. Therein for you will be fruits in plenty, of which you will eat (43:71–73). Eat and drink with happiness because of what you used to do (52:19).

‫أ‬

:�

ُّ ٌ‫َُ فُ َ َ ْ ْ َْ ن‬ َ َْ‫��َ َّ ُ نَ أ‬ ‫م‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ك‬ � ، ‫�د‬ � � ‫�خ‬ ‫ل‬ � � � ‫�ي��طو�� ع��لي����هِ� ��م ِو�ل�د ا‬ ٍ‫و �بِ و ب‬ َ‫َأَ َ قَ ََ أْ ّ ن َّ ن َ ُ َ َّ ُ ن‬ �‫ لا �ي������ص�د �عو‬،�ٍ��‫و� ���ب�ا ِر�ي� وك� ��سٍ �ِم�� �م��عِ� ي‬ َ‫َ نْ َ ََ ُ ن فُ نَ َ فَ َ ّ َّ َ�تَ�َ َُّ ن‬ �‫����ه��ةٍ �ِم���م�ا ي‬ ،�‫���خي��ر و‬ �ِ‫ و��ا ك‬،�‫�ع������ه�ا ولا ي��� �و‬ ِ‫�ز‬ َْ َ َ ُ ُ َ ْ َ ّ ّ ٌ ٌ �‫ َو‬،�‫َو �ل��ح��م َ��طيْ��ر �م���م�ا ي� ش�����ت����هو ن‬ ،�‫حور �عِ�� ي�� ن‬ ِ ٍ ِ َ ْ ْ َ ُ‫ُّْ�ؤُ َ نُ ن َ �زَ َ ن‬ َ ْ‫َ أ‬ ‫كا �وا‬ � ‫ ����ج� ا ء بِ����م�ا‬،�ِ‫ك� �م����ث�ا ِل ا �ل�ل �ل ا �ل���م��ك�و‬ ِ‫�ؤ‬ ً ْ‫َ ْ َ ُ نَ َ َ ْ َ ُ نَ � َ َ�غْ ً ََ تَأ‬ ،‫ي���ه�ا �ل�وا ولا �� �ثِي�����م�ا‬ ���ِ‫ لا ي�����س��م�عو� ف‬،�‫�ي���ع��م�لو‬ َّ ً ‫اً َ َا ً َ َا‬ ‫ل‬ َ � � � � � � � ‫�س‬ � ‫�س‬ . ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � َ َ‫�إِ ا قِ ��يل ل َ��م� ل ّ��م�ن �ذ‬ َْ‫َأ‬ � � � � ِ‫ ���ص‬.................. � ٍ‫� و� كوا ب‬ ٍ‫� �� �ح�ا فٍ� ِم�� ����ه� ب‬ ِ‫ب‬ َ‫ْ أَ ُ ُ َََ ُّ ْ أ‬ ْ ْ َ‫َ � َ َ تَ ش ت‬ ‫ت �ذ‬ ُ‫ُ ن‬ �� ‫ن‬ ���ِ‫و ف‬ ���‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ِه����يِ�ه ال� �����ف��س و��ل� ال� ���عي‬ َّ ُ‫أَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ نَ َ ْ َ َْ َّ �ة‬ �� ���� ‫َ � ن����ت��م‬ �� ‫�ل‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ف‬ �‫ و�تِ�ل�ك ا �ج�� �ن� ا �لتِ�ي‬،�‫ي���ه�ا ��خ�ا �ِل�د و‬ ُ ُ َ ُ ُ ُ َ ْ َ‫أُ ثْت ُ َ َ نت ْ تَ ْ َ ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫� ور ������مو���ه�ا بِ����م�ا �ك‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫ �ل ك‬،�‫��������م ����ع��م�لو‬ ِ ُ ْ َُ ْ‫فَ َ �ةٌ َ�� َ ةٌ نْ َ �َ أ ُ نَ ُ ُ َ ش‬ ‫ ك�لوا وا ���رب�وا‬.�‫�ثِ� ي��ر� �مِ ������ه�ا ��ت�ك�لو‬ �‫����ه� ك‬ �ِ‫��ا ك‬ ّٰ ‫ق‬ َ‫َ ن ��ً َ ُ نُ ْ تَ ْ َ ُ ن‬ ‫�هِ���ي�� �ئ�ا بِ����م�ا �ك‬ ‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل���ع���ل‬.�‫���ت�����م ����ع��م�لو‬ ‫ي‬ ‫�ظ‬ .‫ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

155

Figure 2.145 Surface A, ABN40

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ َ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ � ْ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ �إِ�ذ‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in �‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن‬ �‫ل��ذِ ي� ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ the heavens and whatever is on the ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ ّ ْ َ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � � � earth. Who is he that can intercede �‫����ءٍ �ِم� ن‬ ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫�ه‬ ِ‫�ه‬ � ‫��م‬ ��� ‫ا‬ � �� �� ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ‫� ي ِ ي� و‬ ِ‫� و ي ِي و� ب‬ ‫ي‬ َّ with Him except by His permission! ْ He knows what happens to them in .‫ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا‬ ِ‫إ‬ this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except َ ‫َ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُّ ُ َّ َ َ َ أَ ْ ض‬ – That which He wills. His Seat ex- ��‫� وال� ر‬ ‫بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ‫ع‬ tends over the heavens and the earth, ُ َ ْ� ‫َلَ َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ and He feels no fatigue in guarding .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫وا ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬ and preserving them. And He is the َّ�� َ ُ َْ‫َ ْ ن ُّ �فَ َّ َ �ةً َّ ُ ُ ْ أ‬ Most High, the Most Great (2:255). ،�‫� ���ع�د � �م�� ��ت����ح� ��ل���ه��م ال� ب� َوا ب‬ ‫ا‬ ��‫�ج‬ � ‫�ن‬ ِ‫ت‬ ٍ Eden Paradise, whose doors will be َ ��َ َ �َ‫�ُ �تَّ �� نَ � َ َ ْ �ُع نَ � َ �ف‬ opened for them. Therein they will �‫�ثِ� ي��ر‬ �‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا كِ����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ‫م� ِك‬ ���ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د و� ف‬ ���ِ‫�� ئِ� ي��� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ recline, therein they will call for fruits ْ َّ ُ‫َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ َ ََ ‫� و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬ in abundance and drinks, and beside ��‫� ا �ل����ط�ر‬ ٍ‫و� ����ش�را ب‬ ِ‫ف‬ them will be chaste females restrainٌ َ ْ�َ‫أ‬ ‫ق ّٰ �ظ‬ ing their glances and of equal ages .‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬،�‫� ��ت�را ب‬ (38:50–52). Allah, the Most Great has spoken the truth.

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Chapter 2

Figure 2.146 Surface B, ABN40

:‫�ج��ـ‬

C:

�� ‫� � �ز أ ن � ن‬ ‫ة‬ ‫ة‬ �‫كل يو�م �� �ج� � � م�� ك‬ � )� ‫ا �ل�����ق�را � (ا �ل�����ق�را ء‬ �‫��ت�ا ب‬ ٰ ‫�ة‬ �‫ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �ل�ع�ز �ي��ز ب�ج‬ .�‫ �م� ن‬........ �‫� �ل����تي�� ن� ��س�ا �ل���م‬ � ‫ف ق‬ ‫�خ � ت ن ف‬ – One basket from al-Kharajat garden, �‫�� ��ص‬ ���‫ و‬،� ‫�م ن������ه�ا ����ج�ل��ة �ي� ������ف�ل ا �ل�را �� �ج�ا‬ half basket from western garden and �‫ن ف � �ة ف‬ �� ‫�ة ف ق‬ ‫�غ‬ � � � ‫�ص‬ )‫����ج�ل� �� ����ف�ل ا �ل�ر ب�� (و‬ � � ‫ج‬ � � � ‫ل‬ � � �� � ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ another half from the eastern and ‫ي‬ ‫ل��� �ق ا � �ص� ������خ��ة‬ ‫ش‬ � �‫ل‬ al-Sabkha. ‫ا � ر ي� و � �ب‬ – Every day, reading two parts of the Book of God for two baskets …

Figure 2.147 Surface C, ABN40

157

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

D: – The death date of the Late Maymunah bint al-Hajj ʿAli bin Muhammad

– Al-Manami in ninth of Safar, one thousand and hundred and eight

‫ة‬ ‫ا �ل���م ب��رور� �م����ي��مو‬ ‫ن‬ �‫ا �ل��ح�ا ج� ���ع��لي� �ب‬

:‫د‬ ‫ن ت � �ة‬ ‫ح ���م��ة‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ل‬ � ‫ا‬ � � � � ‫ف‬ ‫��م‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ك‬ � � ‫و‬ ‫رو‬ ‫ت‬ �� �‫(�مي�����مو��ن��ة) ب� ��ن�� ا �ل���مر‬ ‫حو�م‬ ‫حم‬ .‫����م�د‬

‫ا �ل� م����ن�ا م ف� � � ��ت�ا ��س �م� ن �ش ��ه� ��ص��ف� ����سن����ة‬ ‫�� ي� ي� يو م‬ ‫� ���� ر � ر‬ ‫ا �لث � �� �ة ا � �ة ع ال � ف � ن ا � � �ة‬ ‫��ا م� �ن� و ل���م�ا ��ي� ب����ع�د ا ل��� م�� �ل�ه���� �ج�ر‬ ‫�ة‬ . �‫ا �ل ن����بو�ب‬ �

Figure 2.148 Surface D, ABN40

E: – Written by ʿAli bin Husayn bin Zayn al-Din, May Allah forgive them

‫ن‬ �‫ا �ل�د�ي‬

:‫�ه�ـ‬

‫���ت� �ه الا ��ق� ���ع��ل � ن � ن ن �ز ن‬ ‫�ك‬ ��‫ح���سي��� �ب� ي‬ �‫ل ي� ب‬ ّٰ ‫�ب‬ ‫ن‬ .‫�ع���فى ا �ل��ل�ه �ع������ه��م‬

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Chapter 2

– May Allah bless a grave embedded a person like the sun, and made the clouds mourning it. – It is difficult that this chastity disappeared in the soil but unfortunately it has disappeared.

‫ن� ا �ل�ّ�لٰ�ه ت� �ب��ة‬ ‫ح ت‬ �� � ‫� ا‬ � ‫�ى ب�����ه�ا‬ ‫ وا ب� ك‬،‫ل���ش��م��س‬ ‫ور‬ ‫و‬ �‫ر‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�غ‬ .‫�ع��يو� ا �ل����م�ا �ِم‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ف‬ ،‫���ع�ز ��ي��ز ���ع��ل� (���ع��لى) ا �ل�ع�����ف�ا �� ت�وا ر ب�����ه�ا‬ ‫ي‬ �� � �‫� �� � ن ف‬ .‫وب�ا لر �غ��م كو�����ه�ا � ا لر �غ�ا �م‬ ‫ي‬

– Engraved by al-Sayyid Naser bin alSayyid … al-Husayni, God Bless them, in 1110.

‫�ة‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ا �ل‬ � .1110 ���‫ ����سن‬،‫ح��س�ي� ن�� �ع���� �ع ن����ه���م�ا‬ ‫ي ي‬



‫ن �ق‬

‫��� �����ش�ه ا �ل����س���د الا ��ج� �ن�ا �ص � ن‬ ......‫ا‬........‫ب� ا �ل����س��ي�ـ‬ ‫�� ل ر‬ ‫ي‬

Figure 2.149 Surface E, ABN40

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

159

Reference Number: ABN41 Co-ordinates: 26.21080° N 050.55122° E Dimensions: 121 cm (l) × 33 cm (w) × 37.5 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Some erosion on top surface (E). Shallow carved rounded niche design on top surface (E). Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at both ends. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Verily! The pious will be in a place of Security. Among Gardens and springs; dressed in fine silk and also in thick silk, facing each other and we shall marry them to female fair ones with wide, lovely eyes. They will call therein for every kind of fruit in peace and security; they will never taste death therein (44:51–56). – The Angels will descend on them, (saying:) Fear not, nor grieve; but receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your souls desire, and all that you ask for (41:30–31).

‫أ‬

:�

َ‫أ‬ َ ْ َّ َّ�� َ َ �‫� ن� ا �ل� ُ��م��تّ���قِ� ي�� نَ� �� �َم�����ق�ا �م � � مِ�� ي�� ن� �� �ج‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�ن‬ � ٍ‫ت‬ ٍ ‫ٍ فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ََْ‫َ �ُ ُ ن ََْ ُ نَ ن ُ ن ُ �� َ ْ �ت‬ �ٍ‫وعي��وٍ� ي��ل�ب���سو� �مِ �� ����س���د سٍ و�إِ ����س� ب��ر ق‬ ُ َ‫ُّ �تَ��َ نَ َ ذَ َ َ �زَ َّ ْ ن‬ ُ ‫ح �عِ�� �� ن‬ � � ‫�م� ��ق�ا �بِ�لي��� ك‬ �ٍ ‫��� �ِل�ك و و�ج����ا ���ه��م بِ و ٍر ي‬ ِ َ‫َ ْ ُ نَ َ ُ ّ فَ َ آ �� نَ َ َ �ذُ ُق ن‬ �‫��ي�د �ع � ������ه�ا � ك‬ �ِ‫��ل ��ا ك‬ �‫����ه��ةٍ � �مِ � نِ� ي��� لا ���ي� و�و‬ ِ ِ‫� و فِي� ب‬ َ‫َ ْ َ ْ ت‬ .� ����ِ‫ف‬ ‫ي���ه�ا ا �ل���مو‬ َ ّ َ َ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أ تََ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ � ‫���خ�ا �وا َولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� ْ ‫تَ�ْ�زَنُ َ أ‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ �� �� ‫ك‬ � � ‫ا‬ � �� � �‫ح �وا و� ب شِ رو بِ� �ج �ن��ةِ �ي� ��م و��ع و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ُُ َ‫نَْ أ‬ ْ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� � ‫�مْ �� ا �ل‬ � ‫ح� نُ� � ْو�يَ��ا �ؤ ك‬ �‫ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خِ� �ر‬ � ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أ ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������هي� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ِ َ‫َ �َ َّ ُ ن‬ .�‫���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬

160

Chapter 2

Figure 2.150 Surface A, ABN41

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�َ��م�ا‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ � ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes ُ َ ْ�� ُ َ�� ْ‫َّ َ ش‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in .‫ا �ل��ذِ �� ي�������ف ِ�ع� �ن�د ه‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ع‬ the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him ََ ْ َْ‫َّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ َ َ ْ نَ أ‬ – Except by His permission! He knows ‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا‬ �� ‫� لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ���م�ا ب�ي��� � ي� ِ�د‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫م‬ what happens to them in this world, ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ َّ � and will happen to them in the ‫حي����طو� �����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا ����م�ا‬ ِ�‫���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫ي‬ Hereafter and they will never com- َ َ َ‫أ‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا َ ا َ ْ ض‬ pass anything of His Knowledge ex- ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫� ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا � و ت‬ ‫ع‬ cept that which He wills. His Seat ُ َ ْ� ‫َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ extends over the heavens and the .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬ earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255).

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

161

Figure 2.151 Surface B, ABN41

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫�ر � ن� �م���ق�د ���م�ا ���ع��ل ���غ��ره �م� ن‬ ‫ى ي‬ � ‫ب�����س��ي��ح ا �ل��ب��ح ي‬ ‫�خ ا ��ج�ا ت‬ .‫� الى‬ �� ‫ا �ل�ر‬ ّٰ ‫ث‬ ‫ض‬ ‫أن‬ �‫� � ��ير‬ .....‫� ا �ل��ل�ه الا ر�� و�م� ن� ع��لي�����ه�ا ج��ا ر��ي�ا‬ ‫(��� ن‬ .....)��‫�م‬ ‫ي‬ ّٰ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�خ‬ – ……chosen……God paradise … sev- ........ ���‫ ����سن‬..... �‫ ���س�ا ب‬....‫ �ج�����ن� ا �ل��ل�ه‬.....‫ا �����ت�ا ره‬...... ‫ع‬ enth … year …

C: – At al-Bahrain land should be given the priority from the other income until – God inherited the earth and what­ ever on it … (Mani) …

Figure 2.152 Surface C, ABN41

162

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ � ‫ف‬ ‫ة‬ ‫ا ����ج�ر� (ا �لوا�� ��ظ�) �ل��ل����ق�ا ر �ي� ���ع��لى ��ق��بر ا �ل����سي���د‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ف‬ ‫�ع����ب�د ا �لرء و�� (�ع����ب�د ا �لر�ؤ و��) � نب� ا �ل����سي���د‬ ‫�خ‬ � ‫كل �يو�م ت�لا و�ة �م���س��ة ا ����ج��زا ء‬ � �‫ح���سي�� ن� �م� ن‬ ّٰ �� ‫� ن‬ .‫��ت�ا ب� ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل���م���ج�����ي�د‬ �‫م�� ك‬ ‫ة �ز ن‬ ‫�) ��ج�لا ت‬ ‫�� ى�لا ث‬ ‫� (ث�لا ث‬ – Three big baskets from … at Hillat � ‫����بي��ر� �يو‬ �‫� ك‬ �� ‫�ل ك�ل‬ ‫�ذ‬ ‫ف‬ al-Sayf, and two baskets for al-Hujja ‫�� ن‬ ��‫ ب��ح�ل��ة ا �ل����سي��� ��ل� �ت‬......‫�يو�م����ئ� �م� ن� ا ل‬ from Sihat Albalad garden … buried �‫و ج ي‬ ‫ف‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫��ل��� �ة‬ .‫ح������ج� ب�����س��ي����ح� ا �ل����ب�ل�د ��ب�ا وا ل د �ي�� ن���ا‬ �‫ل‬ in Awal. D: – Fare of reading five parts of the Glorious Book of God everyday on the grave of al-Sayyid ʿAbd al-Ra⁠ʾuf bin al-Sayyid Husayn.

Figure 2.153 Surface D, ABN41

E: – Written by ʿAli bin Abdullah bin ʿAbd al-Samad, May Allah forgive them.

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫�ل ن‬ ‫ا‬ ‫��ا �ي� ع��ل� � نب� �ع��ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه � نب� �ع��ب�د ا �ل����ص���م�د‬ ‫�ه‬ ‫م‬ � ‫س‬ �� ‫ر�� �ج‬ ‫ي‬ .‫�ع���فى �ع ن����ه���م‬

163

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– The grave of ʿAbd al-Ra⁠ʾuf is pleasant since he went to Allah with an innocent heart. – Because he was good outward and inward, he has got a high status. – ………… – Engraved by the skilled, al-Sayyid Naser bin Hashim, May Allah forgive them.

‫ف‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ط�ا ب� ث�ر �ى �ع��ب�د ر �ؤ و�� ا �لور �ى*** �م� ن� ��د‬ ‫ّٰ �ق‬ .‫ا �تى ا �ل��ل�ه ب��� �ل� ب� ��س�لي�����م‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�ظ‬ ‫�ق‬ � ‫�م� ن� �ا �هر ب�ر(�) و�م� ن� ب�ا ط� ن�*** �م�� �ع�د �ص�د‬ ‫�ق‬ .‫�ر�م‬ ‫و�م�� �ا �م ك ي‬ ‫ن����ق ش����ه ا �ل‬ � ‫ح��بر ا �ل���م�ا �هر ا �ل����سي���د ن�ا �صر � نب� ا �ل����سي���د‬ .‫�ه�ا �ش�����م �ع���فى �ع ن����ه���م‬

Figure 2.154 Surface E, ABN41

164

Chapter 2

Reference Number: ABN42 Co-ordinates: 26.21079° N 050.55122° E Dimensions: 127.5 cm (l) × 18 cm (w) × 49.5 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone lying on its side (Figure 2.155). No inscriptions or carving except for raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and central rounded arch at both ends. The position and the absence of carving or inscriptions suggests the gravestone was cut to shape, partly worked on, and then abandoned for an unknown reason. Partially excavated to expose position.

Figure 2.155 ABN42

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: ABN43 Co-ordinates: 26.21083° N 050.55120° E Dimensions: 88 cm (l) × 35 cm (w) × 29 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single small limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.156). Badly eroded. No carving or inscriptions.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

165

Figure 2.156 ABN43

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: ABN44 Co-ordinates: 26.21079° N 050.55126° E Dimensions: 107 cm (l) × 35 cm (w) × 21 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.157). Significant erosion on one side surface. Next to and given the same co-ordinates as ABN37. Lying on side or upside down. No inscriptions.

Figure 2.157 ABN44

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions

166

Chapter 2

Reference Number: ABN45 Co-ordinates: 26.21074° N 050.55118° E Dimensions: 227 cm (l) × 57 cm (w) × 45 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Very large. Raised decoration at both ends, three elements formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at one end and a single rounded arch on a rectangular plinth at the other end. Lacks any carving on the top surface (E). Reasonable condition, but with some general erosion. Inscriptions on four surfaces. Excavated to expose complete gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – No fear shall be on you this day. who believed in Our Ayat and were Muslims, enter Paradise, you and your wives, in happiness (43:68–70).

– Peace be upon you, for you preserved in patience. Excellent indeed is the final home (13:24). Whatsoever is on the earth will perish. And the Face of your Lord full of Majesty and Honour will remain forever (55:26–27).

Figure 2.158 Surface A, ABN45

‫أ‬

:�

َ ُ‫�ْلَ ْ َ ََل أ ن ��ُ ْ تَ�ْ�زَنُ� نَ �َّ � نَ آ �َ ن‬ ‫ ا ل��ذِ ي� � م��وا‬،�‫ا ي�و�م وا � � �ت��م ح و‬ ُ ُ ْ َ ْ ُ ُ ََ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ �ة‬ �‫ ا د ����خ�لوا ا �ج�� �ن‬،�‫كا ن�وا �م��س�ِل� مِ�� ي�� ن‬ �‫و‬ ُ ُ َ‫َأَ �زْ َ ُ ْ ت ْ َُ ن‬ .�‫�م ��ح ب��ر و‬ �‫و� وا ج� ك‬ َ ْ�� ُ� َ ْ ‫َ اَ ٌ �َ��ع�َ�لْ كُ َ َ َ ْ�ُ ْ ف�َ ن‬ � �‫����س�ل �م ي‬ ‫�م بِ����م�ا �ص ب��ر��ت��م ِ�����ع��م ع��� ب�ق�ى‬ َ ّ َ ْ َ‫َّ ُ ُّ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ �َ ن َْق‬ � .‫ا �ل�د ا ِر‬ ‫ َوي�ب���ى َو����ج�هُ رب�ِ�ك‬،�ٍ ‫كل �م� ن� ع��لي�����ه�ا ��ف�ا‬ ْ ُ‫�ذ‬ َ ْ ‫�َ َا َ ْال‬ .‫�را �ِم‬ ‫و ا ���ل�ج�ل ِل و ك‬ ِ‫�إ‬ َ َ‫آ‬ ‫�بِ� ي�ا تِ����ن�ا‬ َ ْ ُ�� ‫�أ ن‬ ‫� �ت��م‬

167

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and His pleasure and of Gardens for them. They will dwell therein – forever. Indeed, Allah has with Him a great reward (9:21–22). They shall enter them and also those who are righteous from among their fathers, and their wives and their children and angels (13:23).

:� ٰ ْ ُ ّ‫َُ ش‬ ‫� ب���س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �ل ��ح��م� ن‬ � � ‫ا‬ � ‫ح‬ ، � � ‫ل‬ ‫ي‬ � �� ‫���ُر���ه��م‬ ‫م‬ �� ‫ر � ر‬ ‫ب‬ ِ ‫يب‬ َ ُ َ ّ َّ�� َ َ ‫َ ّ ُ َ ْ ّ ��ْ ُ َ ْ َ ن‬ ْ ُ � ‫رب�����ه��م �رح���م��ةٍ �ِم� �ن�ه ور �ض‬ ‫� ��ل���ه��م‬ ٍ‫� وا ٍ� و�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ َ َ‫ن‬ َ�� ٌ ُّ ٌ َ‫َ ن‬ .‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م ��خ�ا �ِل ِ�د�ي� ف‬ ����ِ‫ف‬ َ َ ‫َ ُ أَ ْ ٌ َ ٌ َ ْ ُ ُ َن‬ ّ َّ‫أ َ ً ن‬ ‫ ي��د خ��لو�����ه�ا‬.‫� ���ب�د ا � � ا �ل��ل�هَ ِ�ع����ن�د ه � ����ج�ر �ع �ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫إ‬ َ ْ � ‫َ �َ نْ َ َ َ � نْ �آَ ْ َ �أ �زْ َ ا‬ ‫و م�� ����ص��ل��ح مِ �� ب�ا ئِ����هِ� ��م و و جِ����هِ� ��م‬ ُ‫َ �ذُ َّّ ْ َ َ اَ َ ة‬ . ��� ‫و ِري�ا تِ����هِ� ��م وا �ل���م�ل ئِ� �ك‬

Figure 2.159 Surface B, ABN45

C: – My worshipper! No fear shall be on you (43:68). – Enter unto them from every gate (13:23).

ُ ُ َْ َ

ٌ‫َ َ �خَ ف‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬

َ

.‫�م‬ �‫���ي�ا ِ�ع����ب�ا ِد لا � ْو�� ���ع��لي� ك‬

َ ُّ ّ

ْ َ َ َ‫َ ْ ُ ُ ن‬

.� � �‫���ي�د خ��لو� ع��لي����هِ� ��م �ِم� ن‬ ٍ‫ك ِل ���ب�ا ب‬

Figure 2.160 Surface C, ABN45

168 D: – … Muhammad bin al-Saʿid Saʿid bin Maʿali. – He died in nineteenth of – Safar, year of seven hundred and fifty-four.

Chapter 2

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫����م�د � ن ا �ل��س�ع� �ي�د ��س�ع� �ي�د � ن‬ ‫ حم‬...... .�‫ب� �م���ع�ا ل‬ �‫ب‬ �� �� ‫ي‬

ٰ

�� � ‫ح���م��ة ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ��ت�ا ��س‬ �‫ت�و ف‬ .‫ع���ش�ر �ش������ه�ر‬ ‫ر‬ ‫الى‬ � ‫ي‬ ‫ع‬

‫�خ‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ �� . �‫�ص��ف�ر ����سن��� ا ر���ب و �م���سي�� ن� و����س��ب �م�ا ��ي‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ع‬

Figure 2.161 Surface D, ABN45

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫د‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � � � ‫لا و�� �ج�د ��� و � و ��ا ��ب�ا‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

169

Figure 2.162 Surface E, ABN45

Reference Number: ABN46 Co-ordinates: 26.21070° N 050.55127° E Dimensions: 127.5 cm (l) × 25.5 cm (w) × 47 cm (h) Orientation: N-S Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Found lying on its side in centre of collapsed shrine (Figure 2.163). No inscriptions and a section is split off the top. Series of cup marks on one side surface comprising at least 19 smaller and three larger ones. It is possible that these were made to play the mancala type game. Another identification of a Mancala game board carved onto a gravestone is provided by NOA3. Roughed out rectangular blocks for unfinished raised decoration at both ends. Excavated to expose whole gravestone.

170

Chapter 2

Figure 2.163 ABN46

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: ABN47 Co-ordinates: 26.21060° N 050.55135° E Dimensions: 160.5 cm (l) × 37.5 cm (w) × 57 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Elaborate shallow carved rounded niche design with the top of the niche separated by a horizontal bar and the rounded end demarcated with a carved double line. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at both ends. Generally good condition but with some patches of damage. Surface C has been crudely repaired. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Found within a small collapsed mosque that was excavated.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Gardens of Eden whose gates will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be maidens of equal age with modest gaze (38:50–52) … Allah.

– The angels will descend on them, (saying:) Fear not, nor grieve; but receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the (41:30–31) …

171

‫أ‬

:�

َّ�� َ ُ َْ‫َ ْ ن ُّ َ َّ َ ً َّ ُ ُ ْ أ‬ � ،�‫� ���ع�د ٍ� �م��ف� ��ت����ح��ة ��ل���ه��م ال� ب� َوا ب‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�ن‬ ِ‫�ج � ت‬ َ َ َ‫ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ نَ َ �ف‬ �‫�ثِ���ي��َر‬ �‫����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ‫�م��ت ِك‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ ْ َّ ُ‫َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ َ َ ‫ و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬،� ‫َو� ����ش�را‬ .....،��‫� ا �ل����ط�ر‬ ٍ‫ب‬ ِ‫ف‬ ّٰ .‫ا �ل��ل�ه‬ َ ََ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ ْ َ‫تَْ�زَنُ َأ‬ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� � ،�‫��������م �و���ع�د و‬ ‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا �ا �ج�� �ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ‫نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ ‫ُّ نْ َ َ ْ آ‬ ََ� ْ � � � � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ك‬ ........ �‫ح� ن� � و�ي��ا �م � ا ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و � ال‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬

Figure 2.164 Surface A, ABN47

:�‫ب‬ B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most َّ ٰ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ none has the right to be worshipped َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫ل‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� وا �و�م ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ sustains and protects all that exists. َ َّ ََ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�َ��م�ا‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ � ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in ُ َ ْ�� ُ َ�� ْ‫َّ َ ش‬ the heavens and whatever is on the .‫ا �ل��ذِ �� ي�������ف ِ�ع� �ن�د ه‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ع‬ earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him

172 – Except … except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255). May peace of Allah be upon Muhammad and his family.

Figure 2.165 Surface B, ABN47

Chapter 2

َّ ُ َ‫خَ ْف‬ ْ َ َّ ْ َ ‫ن‬ ‫ � لا‬....................‫ ���ل������ه��م‬..............���‫ ب�ي‬.......‫� لا‬ ِ‫إ‬ ِ‫إ‬ َ ‫َ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُّ ُ َّ َ َ َ أَ ْ ض‬ ‫بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ��‫� وال� ر‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ‫ع‬ ْ ْ ُ ُ َ َ ُ ْ ُ ُ َُ َ ُ َ ُ ّ ��‫ح��ف�� ظ����ه���م�ا َ �ه َ ا �ل���ع‬ �ِ ‫َولا ي��ؤ ود ه‬ � ‫ا‬ � ‫ل‬ .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ل‬ ‫و‬ � ‫و‬ ِ‫ِي� �ظ‬ ‫م آ‬ ٰ ‫و�� �ص��ل ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ���ع��ل ح‬ .‫����م�د و� �ل�ه‬ ‫ى‬ ‫ى‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ق�� ض‬ �� ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ) ‫ ا ب�����ي (رب�����ي‬...)���‫ (����س��ي‬...‫ ��خ��م��س‬........�� �‫�ب‬ �� ‫ع ع‬ ‫�� ن‬ .�� ‫ا �ل� �ث�ا‬ ‫ي‬ ‫�ت ن أ‬ ‫ف‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ – In the year of one thousand and sixty- ‫ا �ل����سن��� ا �ل��س�ا ب����ع� وا �ل����س� ي��� و� �ل��� ���ع��لى‬ � ‫�ه ة‬ seven of Hijra … ......‫ ��ق��مر‬....)�‫��ج�ر‬ �� ( ّٰ �� ‫� � � �� ة‬ – Ten parts of the Book of God the ‫��ت�ا ب� ا �ل��ل�ه‬ �‫ع���ش�ر� ا ����ج��زا ء �م� ن� ك‬ � ‫كل يو م‬ Powerful everyday, on the … ..........‫ا �ل�ع�ز ��ي��ز ���ع��لى ا �ل�ـ‬ C: – Received … five … (years) … Rabiʿ al-thani.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

173

Figure 2.166 Surface C, ABN47

D: – This shrine of … Al … al-Bahir … San. – … The holy, Haji. – Total … From … income / crop …

:‫د‬ �� � � � � ‫�ه‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫��ذا‬ ...‫ ل����ب�ا ر‬......‫ ل�ـ‬......... ‫���ه ���� �ض�ري ل���م� �ن�د ر ج‬ � ‫ن ح‬ .� ‫���س�ا‬ �� .��‫ ا �ل���م���ق�د ��س ��ح�ا �ج‬....‫ا �ل�ع�ـ‬.....‫و�ل��ت������ج�ا‬ ‫ي‬ ‫��م‬ .................‫ ��ح�ا �ص�ل‬.....�‫ �م� ن‬......‫��ج��مو‬

174

Chapter 2

Figure 2.167 Surface D, ABN47

E: – Written by the humble ʿAbd Muhammad bin Ahmad … Al-Asbaʿi – The far part … three hundred from … with crop … Al … eighth.

:‫�ه�ـ‬

‫��م�د � ن‬ ‫���ت�� الا ق�� �ع� �د حم‬ .�‫ الا ��ص��ب�ع‬......‫ب� ا ح�م�د‬ ‫ل �ب‬ ‫�ك ب‬ ‫ي‬

‫ن‬ ‫ �م‬.......�‫ ث��لث�����م�ا ي��ة �م� ن‬.......�‫ا �ل��س��طر ا �ل�د ا �ي‬ ‫ع‬ ‫�غ�لا ت‬ .�‫ ا �لث�����م� ن‬....‫ الا‬.......�

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

175

‫ن‬ ‫ف‬ ‫�ث‬ ‫�ل��س�ا ن� ا �ل‬ � ‫ و�م� و�ى‬،�‫ح�ا ل ا ����ص��ح �م� ن� �ل��س�ا �ي‬ ‫ف ف‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫ا �لر�م��س‬ � ‫كا �� �ي� ا �ل ب��ي���ا‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ف‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ف‬ � ‫ ��� �ا ر� ن���ا الا‬،‫��ا ر �ى‬ �‫�م ��س ك‬ �‫كا ك‬ �� ‫�ل���ق�د‬ – One day we were like you until we �‫ح��ب‬ �‫�م��ث��ل ك‬ ‫�غ ن‬ died and left our lovers, friends and .�� ‫وا �ل���م��ا‬ ‫ي‬ places. – Nobody can explain my situation more than my grave.

Figure 2.168 Surface E, ABN47

176

Chapter 2

Reference Number: ABN48 Co-ordinates: 26.21080° N 050.55132° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 98 cm (l) × 48 cm (w) × 54 cm (h) Slab 2: 98 cm (l) × 47 cm (w) × 35 cm (h) Orientation: N-S Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs (Figure 2.169). Damaged three element raised decoration formed of, seemingly, two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at both ends. Illegible inscription on one surface. Traces of shallow carved rectangular niche decoration with a unique demarcated domed end on upper surface (E). Excavated to expose whole gravestone.

Figure 2.169 ABN48

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No legible inscriptions Reference Number: ABN49 Co-ordinates: 26.21080° N 050.55127° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 93 cm (l) × 29 cm (w) × 49 cm (h) Slab 2: 94 cm (l) × 28 cm (w) × 45 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

177

Description: Gravestone formed of double limestone slabs. Well preserved inscriptions on five surfaces but with some small areas of damage. Ornate shallow carved pointed niche decoration with elaborate vegetal pattern terminal carved into the upper surface (E). Damaged three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded or pointed arch at both ends. The rear of the central arch on the end surfaces (C and D) has inscriptions on it. A roll of brown plastic containing the powdered remains of herbs or a plant-based charm or medicine was found 50 cm below ground surface in the northern vicinity of the gravestone (Chapter 3). Excavated to expose whole gravestone. This also uncovered the rougher integral plinth of the gravestone that was intended to be below ground. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – The gardens of Eden, which they shall enter and also those who acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring (13:23) … immortal boys will go around will wait upon them with cups, and jugs, and a glass of flowing wine. Wherefrom they will get neither any aching of the head … – And with fruit that they may choose. And with the flesh of fowls that they desire. And there will be fair females with wide, lovely eyes. Like unto preserved pearls. A reward for what they used to do. No evil vain talk will they hear therein, nor any sinful speech. But only the saying of Salam, Salam. And those on the Right Hand – how will be those on the Right Hand? They will be among thorn less lotetrees. And among banana-trees with fruits piled one above another. And in shade long-extended. And by water flowing constantly (56:17).

‫أ‬

:�

ْ‫َ ��َّ تُ َ ْ ن َ ْ خُ ُ َن َ َ َ نْ َ َ َ ن‬ �� ِ‫�ج�� �ن�ا � ���ع�د ٍ� ي��د ��لو�����ه�ا و�م�� ����ص��ل��ح �م‬ َ ْ َّّ ُ‫�آَ ْ َ �أ �زْ َ ا � ْ َ �ذ‬ ............‫����هِ� ��م و ري�ا تِ����هِ� ��م‬ ِ‫ب�ا ئِ����هِ� ��م و و ج‬ ِ َ ُّ ٌ‫َُ فُ َ َ ْ ْ َْ ن‬ َ ْ ‫��َ َّ ُ نَ أ‬ ‫م‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ك‬ � ‫�د‬ � � ‫�خ‬ ‫ل‬ � � � ‫�ي��طو�� ع��لي����هِ� ��م ِو�ل�د ا‬ ٍ‫و �بِ و ب‬ َ‫َأَ َ قَ ََ أْ ّ ن َّ ن َ ُ َ َّ ُ ن‬ �‫و� ���ب�ا ِر�ي� وك� ��سٍ �ِم�� �م��عِ� ي��ٍ� لا �ي������ص�د �عو‬ ََ َ ْ َ ..........‫�ع ن������ه�ا ولا‬ َّ ّ ْ َ َْ َ‫َ فَ َ ّ َّ َ�تََ َُّ ن‬ �‫����ه� �م���م�ا ي‬ � ‫���خي��ر و� َو �ل��ح��ِم ��طي��ر �ِم���م�ا‬ ِ ٍ‫و��ا كِ� �ة‬ ٍ ُُْ َ ُ َ َ‫َ شْ تَ ُ ن‬ َ ْ‫� ٌ ٌ َ أ‬ ‫ّ ْ َ ْ نُ ن‬ �ِ‫حور �عِ�� ي�� ن�ك� �م����ث�ا ِل ا �ل�ل�ؤ �ل�ؤِ ا �ل���م��ك�و‬ ‫ي����������هو� و‬ َ َ‫َ �زَ َ َ نُ َ ْ َ ُ نَ َ َ ْ َ ُ ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫كا �وا �ي���ع��م�لو� لا ي�����س��م�عو� ف‬ � ‫����ج� ا ء بِ����م�ا‬ َّ ً ْ‫َ ْ ً َ َأ‬ ً ََ ً ََ ً ‫�ل�غ�وا َولا ت�� �ثِي�����م�ا � لا قِ�����ي�لا ��س�لا ���م�ا ��س�لا ���م�ا‬ ِ‫إ‬ َْ ُ َ ْ َ‫َأ‬ َْ ُ َ ْ َ‫َ أ‬ ‫��ح�ا � ا �ل����� �� ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�ص‬ ‫و� �ص‬ � � ‫��ح�ا ب� ا �لي��� مِ�� ي��� ���م�ا‬ �‫ب ي مِ ي ِ� فِي‬ ِ َّ ْ ُ ْ َّ ّ ُ ‫�خْ ُ َ َ ْ َّ ن‬ ‫��سِ� �د ر م‬ ‫� ودٍ َو�� ظِ� �ل �م���م�د و ٍد‬ ‫� ودٍ و��ط��ل��حٍ �م�����ض‬ ‫����ض‬ ٍ ٍ ُ ْ َّ َ َ .� ‫و���م�ا ء ����م��س ك‬ ٍ‫�و ب‬

178

Chapter 2

Figure 2.170 Surface A, ABN49

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, – The Most Great (2:255). Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and His being pleased, and of Gardens (Paradise) for them wherein are everlasting delights (9:21). The angels will descend on them, (saying:) ‘Fear not, nor grieve; but receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends (41:30–31).

َّ َ َ ّ ٰ :�‫ب‬ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا ر ��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ح����ي��م ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َّ ٌ َ‫ُ َْ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ ُ‫�ه َ ا �ل� ّ ا �ل���ق�� �م لا ت�� ����خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� َلا � ْ �م �ل�ه‬ ‫و و‬ ‫و حي� يو‬ َ َ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش��َ� ْء �ّم� ن‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫�ه‬ ِ‫�ه‬ � ‫��م‬ ��� ‫ا‬ � �� �� ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ‫� ي ِ ي� و‬ � ِ ٍ �‫� و ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ ْ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � ‫ا‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ء‬ �� � �� � ‫�ه‬ �� ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ � ‫�ه‬ ‫ك‬ � �� �� ِ‫س‬ � � � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫و ع ر ي‬ ِ‫و ت‬ ِ‫ِع� مِ ِ إِ ب‬ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫وال� ر�� ولا �ي ود ه‬ .�‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل‬ ‫ِي‬

ّ‫َُ ش‬ ‫�ظ‬ ُ‫���ُ ُ���ه�� ْ َ ُّ���ُ�ه�� �َ ْح�َ��م� �ّم���ْ�ن�ه‬ ِ ٍ‫ ي�ب� ِ ر م رب � م بِ ر �ة‬.‫ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬ َ ‫َ ْ ن‬ ٌ ُّ ٌ َ‫� ��َّ �َّ ُ ْ � َ ن‬ ‫ور �ض‬ .‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م‬ ‫� َوا ٍ� َو�ج � �ن�ا‬ ���ِ‫� �ل���ه��م ف‬ ٍ‫ت‬ ِ َ ّ َ ََ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نُ ْ ُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ ْ ‫تَ�َُْ أ‬ ،�‫���ت�����م ت�و���ع�د و‬ ‫ح�ز ن�وا َو� ب� ����شِ� �روا �ا �ج�� �ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ َ َ‫ن‬ ْ ‫�ْ نُ أ ْ َ �ؤُُك‬ � .‫�م‬ � ‫ح�� � ولِ�ي��ا‬

179

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.171 Surface B, ABN49

C: – ………… – This is the grave of the late … Shaikh ʿAbd Allah – bin Naser bin Husayn Bin Muqallad.

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ...................

‫ل��������� خ‬ ‫ ا � ش‬........ ��‫ح �م ا �ل���م‬ �‫�ه��ذا ض��ري‬ ‫برور‬ ‫ح ا �ل���مر�و‬ �‫ي‬ .‫�ع��ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه‬ ‫ح��س�� ن � ن �ق‬ ‫ن ن‬ ‫ن‬ .......‫ب� �م�� �ل�د‬ �‫�ب� �ا �صر �ب� � ي‬

Figure 2.172 Surface C, ABN49

180 D: – … this is...the savant … – … these will be the nearest to Allah, in the Gardens of Delight, a multitude of those will be from the first generation. – And a few of those will be from the later generations, they will be on thrones woven with gold and precious stones, reclining thereon face to face (56:11–16).

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ .......‫ ا �ل���ع�ا �ل�م‬....‫ ���ه��ذا‬.....

َّ�� َ َُّ َ‫أُ َْ َ ْ ُ ق‬ ‫ن‬ � � � ِ‫ فِي� �ج � �ن�ا ت‬،�‫ � و�لئِ��ك ا �ل���م����رب�و‬............. َ َّ َ‫ثُ�َّ�ةٌ �ّ نَ ْال أ َّ � ن‬ .���‫ � ل� ِم�� � ولي‬،‫ا �لن� ِ�ع����ي��م‬ ِ ِ َ� ُ ْ َّ ُ ُ َ َ َ‫َ َق ٌ ّ نَ ْ آ ن‬ ‫ ���ع��لى ����س�رر �مو �ض‬،�‫و��ِ�ل����ي�ل �ِم�� ال� �خِ�ر�ي‬ ،ٍ‫� و��ن��ة‬ ِ ٍ َ‫�ُ �تَّ �� نَ َع�َ�لْ َ �ُ �تَ��َ � ن‬ .���‫�� ئِ� ي��� ي�����ه�ا م� ��ق�ا � لي‬ ‫م� ِك‬ ِِ‫ب‬

Figure 2.173 Surface D, ABN49

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

E: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Verily! We have sent it down in the night of al-Qadr. And what will make you know what the night of al-Qadr is? The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees. Peace! All that night until the appearance of dawn (97:1–5). – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May the peace of Allah be upon Prophet Muhammad, ʿAli, al-batul, The Grandsons, al-Sajad, al-Baqir, alSadiq, al-Kadhim, al-Rida, al-Taqi, al-Naqi, al-Askari and al-Mahdi Muhammad.

181

ّٰ :‫�ه�ـ‬ ُ َ��ْ َ‫�َّ أَ ن�ز‬ ‫ن‬ � � � � � � ‫ه‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫ح‬ � � ‫ا‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ ، � � ‫م‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�ه‬ ‫ح‬ ‫ي‬ � � ‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل‬ ‫�ن‬ ‫�ن‬ �� �� ‫م‬ �‫فِي‬ ِ‫ر �َ ر �� إ‬ ْ َ�� ْ ُ‫َْ َ ْ ��َ ْ َ َ أ ْ َ َ َ َْ َ�ة‬ ‫�د‬ ‫�ل����ي�ل��ةِ ا �ل���ق�د ِر و���م�ا � د را ك ���م�ا �ل����ي�ل� ا �ل���ق ِر‬ َْ‫أ‬ َُّ‫شَ ْ تَ��َ �ز‬ ْ ّ ٌ ْ َ�� ْ َ�� ْ ُ‫َْ َ�ة‬ ‫�ل����ي�ل� ا �ل���ق�د ِر ��خي��ر �ِم� ن� � �ل��فِ� �������ه�ر � �ن� ل‬ ٍ ْ ُ ُّ َ ُ‫ْ َ َ َ ة‬ ّ ‫ي��َ�ه�ا �� ��إِ�ذ ن� َرّ����هِ� ��م �م� ن‬ � � ‫ا �ل���م� ا‬ � ‫��� ا �ل‬ ��� ِ‫ف‬ ‫ب‬ �ِ ‫لَئِ ك و روح‬ ِ ِ ِ‫ب‬ ْ َ‫ُ ّ أ ْ َ َ ٌ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ ْ �ف‬ .‫كل � ���م�ر ����س�لا �م ِ�ه� ���حت�ى �م����ط��لِ ا �ل�� ������ج�ر‬ � ‫ي‬ ‫ع‬ ِ ٍ ِ

ٰ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل���ل���ه��م �� �ص�ل‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�ت‬ ‫م‬ �� � ���‫���ع��لى ح���م�د ا �ل� � ب�ن�ي� و���ع��لي� وا �ل ب��� ول ا �ل����سب������طي‬ �� �‫ا �ل��س����ج�ا د ا �ل� �ب�ا �ق ا �ل��� �ص�ا د ق ا �ل ك‬ ‫��ا �ظ��م‬ ‫و �� ر و � � و‬ �� ‫و‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ت‬ ��‫وا �لر‬ �‫ضى وا �ل���� وا �ل���� وا �ل����ع��س ك‬ �‫�ر�ي‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ ‫� ا � ت �ة‬ ‫�ز ن م‬ � ‫وا �ل����م���ه�د �� �� �ص�ا‬ ‫ ح���م�د ل���ع��ر‬،� ‫ح� ب� ا �ل ���م�ا‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ا �ل�� ة‬ .�‫��خي��ر‬ ‫� ة‬ �� � ‫���ة ���قف� ا‬ ‫���ه��ذه ا �ل‬ – This blessed room is waqf for the ‫ل����ش��ي�� خ‬ ‫ح������ج�ر� ا �ل���م��ب�ا رك و‬ � great Shaikh, ʿAbd Allah bin Naser ‫� ن‬ �� � ‫���خ�� الا‬ �‫الا ف‬ � ‫ع���ظ��م �ع����ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه � نب� ��ن�ا �ص‬ ‫م‬ �‫ب‬ ‫ر‬ bin Husayn bin Muqallad. �� ‫ح���س�� ن � ن‬ .‫ب� �م���ق�ل�د‬ �‫� ي‬

Figure 2.174 Surface E, part 1, ABN49

182

Chapter 2

Figure 2.175 Surface E, part 2, ABN49

Reference Number: ABN50 Co-ordinates: 26.21085° N 050.55127° E Dimensions: 140 cm (l) × 30 cm (w) × 40 cm (h) Orientation: N-S Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Significant erosion in places. No niche design on surface E. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a narrow, rounded arch at both ends. Excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Very deteriorated. It cannot be read. – …

‫أ‬ :� ‫آ‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ن������ ش‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء ��ت�ه‬ ‫كل لا ي����م ك‬ � �‫�ق��� �م����ت‬

B: :�‫ب‬ َ َ ٌ‫ُ َ َْ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذُ ُ نَ�ة‬ � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � ‫ �ه ا‬............. – He is the Ever Living, the One Who ‫ح� ا ل�� ي��و�م ا �� �خ� ه ���سِ���� وا‬ ‫و ي‬ َ sustains and protects all that exists. َّ ََ َ ُ َّ ٌ ْ َ‫ن‬ ْ‫أ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes ��‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ �‫�و�م �ل�ه � فِي‬ ِ‫و ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue – … and believes in Allah, … And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Allah is the Protector of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light (2:255–257). God … has spoken the truth.

Figure 2.176 Surface B, ABN50

183

َّ َ َ َ ْ َّ ُ‫�َم� ن �ذ ا ا �ل� � � شْ������َ��فُ �ع���ْ�ن َ�د هُ � لا ��إِ�ذ �� �ه �َ�ْ��ع��ل‬ ‫� َ �ذِ ي� ي ع ِ َ إِ بِ نِ ِ ي م‬ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف ُ ْ َ َ ُ� ُ ن‬ ْ‫َ َ ْ نَ أ‬ � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫�ه‬ ِ‫�ه‬ � ‫��م‬ ��� ‫ا‬ � �� �� ‫م‬ ‫م‬ �‫حي����طو‬ ‫ي‬ ‫و‬ ‫و‬ � �‫ي‬ ِ ‫���م�ا ب�ي��� � ي‬ ِ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫ش‬ ُ‫� ْ���سِ�ّ��ُ�ه‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�بِ���ي�ءٍ �ِم�� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه �إِ لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���سِ�ع كر ي‬ َّ ُ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫ا‬ .‫� وال� ر�� ولا ي��ؤ ود ه‬ ِ‫ا � و ت‬ ٌ َ ُّ َ َ َ‫ّ ف‬ ُْ ��‫ وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي‬.........‫ َو�ي�ؤ �مِ � ن� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ������ق ِ�د‬............ ‫ع‬ ُْ ْ ُ‫َ ٌ ّ ُ َ ُّ َّ نَ آ َ ن‬ ُ ‫�خ‬ َ‫���ُ�ه��م �ّم� ن‬ � � ِ � ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه و لِي� ا �ل��ذِ �ي� � �م��وا ي� ِر ج‬،‫ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ّٰ ‫ق‬ ُُّ َ َُ ُّ‫�ظ‬ ‫ا‬ ...........‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه‬.‫� �إِلى ا �لن�ور‬ � ‫��م‬ ِ‫ا �ل�� �ل� ت‬ ِ

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫ث‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ )....‫����م�ا ����ي� ا ���س���ه��م �م�� �صر���م� (ا ��ل�ه�ـ‬ .‫و�ج�وب�ا ر ���ه�ا‬ ‫�ة‬ �‫�مو�ق���ع���ه�ا ف�� ظ�����ه� ��� ن�م� ي‬ � – Located behind Mani, one part is for ....... �‫�ص ����ج��ز ء �ل����ي�ل‬ �‫���خ‬ �‫ر ي‬ ‫ي‬ the night … ‫�ة‬ ‫���بر �ى ب�و�ز ن� ا �ل��ب��ح‬ – Big basket by Bahraini weight. ........�‫�ر�ي ن‬ ‫����ج�ل� ك‬ C: – Eight shares from … garden

184

Chapter 2

Figure 2.177 Surface C, ABN50

D: – Very deteriorated. It cannot be read. E: – … Muhammad, seventeenth of Rajab, year of one thousand, one hundred and two. – Oh grave … neighbour – … chastity, your neighbour has the neighbourhood rights. – … the late … Bint...the late...

:‫د‬ ‫آ‬ ‫ق‬ �� ‫ن‬ ‫ش‬ �� � ‫�� ن� �را ء ��ت�ه‬ ‫كل لا ي����م ك‬ � � ‫م‬ � � � ‫ا �ل ��ق��� �ت‬

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ش‬ ‫م‬ �� � ‫ح‬ � � � ‫ال‬ � �‫ ���م�د ا �ح�د ���س�ا ب�ع ع���ش�ر ������ه�ر ر �� ��ج� ب‬...... ‫�ة ف‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ .���‫����سن��� ا �لث��ا ن����ي� وا �ل���م����ئ� وا �ل‬ � .‫ �ج�وا ر‬.........*** ......‫ ���ه�ا‬...)‫��ي�ا �ق��بر (��س‬

‫ف‬ � ‫ ا �ل�ع�����ف�ا �� و���س�ره *** �� �ا ا �� �ا‬.......... ‫�� ج ر ك ف رع‬ ‫ح ق� ا ���ل‬ � )�‫(��س��ق�����ي� ت‬ .‫��ج�ا ر‬ �‫ا �ل���مر‬.......�‫ ب�����ن� ت‬......‫حو���م��ة‬ �‫ ا �ل���مر‬....... ............‫حو�م‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

185

Figure 2.178 Surface E, ABN50

4

Abu Saiba (ABS)

Location: Abu Saiba village cemetery Reference Number: ABS1 Co-ordinates: 26.21770° N 050.50523° E Dimensions: 151 cm (l) × 30 cm (w) × 48 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone enclosed in a glass display case inside a modern cement block shrine structure that was still in the process of construction in 2015. According to local informants the gravestone was found whilst digging new graves along with a pre-Islamic Tylos upright limestone stelae (41 cm [l] × 29 cm [w] × 11.5 cm [depth]). The stele is missing its upper figure, assuming one was present, and has two carved columns represented at the side of an upright central rectangular block (cf. Boucharlat and Salles 1989: 130–131; Lombard 1999: 212–215 for parallels). The stele has been transferred to the archaeological store in the Bahrain National Museum. The gravestone has three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch on a rectangular plinth at both ends. Inscriptions on five surfaces.

186 Arabic Transcription and Translation:

Chapter 2

‫أ‬

َّ :� A: ٰ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�َ��م�ا‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ � ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in ���‫ل��ذِ � ي�������ف ِع� �ن�د ا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ the heavens and whatever is on the َْ‫أ‬ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ �َ خَ ْف‬ earth. .‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا ���ل������ه��م‬ �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ – Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in al-Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is AllHearer, All-Knower (2:255–256).

Figure 2.179 Surface A, ABS1

ْ َ َ َّ ّ ْ َ‫َ َ ُ� ُ نَ ش‬ ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ���ِ‫حي����طو� �ب‬ ِ�‫ولا ي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ي‬ َ َ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ع‬ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ي� ود ه‬ ‫ لا‬،‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ّ َ‫�َاهَ � ا � ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ا � ُّ�ْ ُ � نَ ا �ْ غ‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ �� ‫�د‬ � ‫�د‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�ك‬ �� ‫�ش‬ ‫�ب‬ ‫�ق‬ ‫ل‬ � �‫ي‬ ‫�� ي� ر‬ � ِ ِ �‫إِ ر فِي‬ ِ ‫مِ � ي‬ ُ‫�َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ َ َ‫ّ ف‬ ُْ � ‫��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫� َو�ي�ؤ �مِ � ن� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ������ق ِ�د‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا ت‬ َ َ َ ْ ُْ ََ َ َ ُْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ‫ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �بِ� �ا �ل�ع ْر َو�ةِ ا �لوث���ق�ى لا ا ن���فِ��������ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ٌ َ ٌ َ ُّ َ .‫وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي�� ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ‫ع‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

187

B:

:�‫ب‬

– Cannot be read because it is covered with glass. C:

‫ا �لن����� ش‬ �‫�ق��� � غم����طى �ب�ز ����ج�ا ج� ��ح�ا �ج�� ب‬ :‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ن � ة‬ ‫ل����ش���� خ‬ ‫ل����ش���� خ حم‬ �� � ‫����م�د � ن ا‬ �� � ‫ح �م ا‬ � ‫كا � و��ف�ا � ا �ل���مٰر�و‬ �‫ب� ي‬ �‫ي‬ ّ .‫���ع��ل� رح���م�ه ا �ل��ل�ه �م� ن� ب����ع�د‬ ‫ي‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫م‬ � � � ‫ا‬ � � �� – The seventh day of Muharram, year ......... ���‫��س‬ �‫ا �ل�يو م ل���س�ا ب‬ ‫م�� �ح�ر م‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ف‬ … forty … and thousand .���‫ وا �ل‬......)�‫(الا ر ب����عي�� ن‬ – Death of Shaikh Muhammad bin Shaikh ʿAli was …

Figure 2.180 Surface C, ABS1

D: – Reading one part every day on the grave of Shaikh Muhammad, and alFatiha, …

:‫د‬ ‫ل����ش���� خ‬ �� � ‫ا �ل�����ق� ا �ة (ا �ل�����ق� ا ء �ة) ���ع��ل ��ق�� (ا �ل���م���ع�ا) ا‬ ‫ى بر‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ر‬ �‫ي‬ ّٰ �� ‫� � � �ز � ن‬ ‫حم‬ .‫��ت�ا ب� ا �ل��ل�ه‬ �‫كل يو�م �� �ج��زا (�� �ج� ء) م�� ك‬ � ‫����م�د‬ ‫ة �ف ت �ة‬ ............................، �‫و��سور� ا �ل�� �ا ��ح‬

188

Chapter 2

Figure 2.181 Surface D, ABS1

E: – The one, who engraved it, is entreating … mercy. – His worshipper and his slave, al-Sayyid Naser. – The one, who wrote it, is entreating the mercy of his glorious god. – His worshipper and his needy, ʿAbd al-Nabi bin Ahmad – That home of the Hereafter, We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the pious (28:83).

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ ح���م��ة‬...‫اه‬... � � ‫نا �ق �����ش�ه‬ � ‫ر‬ ‫ير�ج و‬

� .‫��ه ا �ل����سي���د �ن�ا �صر‬ ‫�ع����ب�د ه و�م���م�لوك‬ ‫�ة‬

‫كا ت����ب�ه ي�ر�ج�وا رح���م� ر �ب�ه الا ��م‬ .‫��ج�د‬ � �

‫�ع� �ب�د ه ف������ق�� ه �ع� �د ا �ل�����ن� � ن‬ .‫ب� ا ح���م�د‬ �‫�� و ير �ب بي‬

َ َ‫ْ َ َّ ُ ْ آ �� َةُ نَْ َ ُ َ َّ ن‬ �‫�� � � ج‬ � ِ‫� ��ع���ل���ه�ا �ِل�ل��ذ‬ ‫ي� لا‬ ‫تِ��ل�ك ا �ل�د ا ر ال� خِ ر‬ َ ًّ ُ ُ َ ُ ُ ْ‫ْأ‬ ً َ َ‫َ ف‬ ‫ي�ِر��ي�د و ن� ���ع�لوا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� َولا �����س�ا د ا‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ َ‫َ ا �ْ َ � َ �ةُ � ْلُ�تّ�� ن‬ .���‫و ل�ع�ا قِ����ب� ِل��م� � قِ� ي‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– Allah and also His angels send their Blessings and Mercy on the Prophet. O you who believe! Ask Allah to bless him, and you should greet him with the Islamic way of greeting (33:56). So whosoever does good equal to the weight of a small ant shall see it (99:7).

Figure 2.182 Surface E, part 1, ABS1

Figure 2.183 Surface E, part 2, ABS1

189

َ ّ َّ�� َ َ َ‫نَّ َّ َ َ َ َ َ َ�� ُ ُ َ ُّ ن‬ ‫�� �ت�ه �ي������ص�لو� ���ع��لى ا �ل� ��ن�� ���ي�ا‬ ‫� � ا �ل��ل�ه و�م�لا ئِ� ك‬ ِ‫إ‬ ِ ‫ُ َ بِي‬ ً ْ ‫أَ ُّ َ َّ � نَ آ َ نُ َ ُّ َ َْ َ َ ّ ت‬ .‫� ي�����ه�ا ا �ل��ذِ ي� � �م��وا ����ص�لوا ع��ل����يِ�ه و��س�ِل�موا ���س�ِ�لي�����م�ا‬ َُ َ ً ْ َ�� َّ َ‫�َ َ َ ْ َ ْ ْ��َ َ �ذ‬ .‫��ف��م� ن� �ي���ع��م�ل �مِ ��ث��ق�ا ل ر� ��خي��را ���ي�ره‬ ٍ‫ة‬

190

Chapter 2

Figure 2.184 Surface E, part 3, ABS1

5

Askar (ASK)

Location: Mosque containing a shrine, and associated village cemetery, all no longer in use. Reference Number: ASK1 Co-ordinates: 26.05656° N 050.61818° E Dimensions: Two slabs measured as one unit – 153 cm (l) × 16 cm (w) × 49 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs housed within a damaged shrine inside a vandalised mosque complex. The gravestone was set against a hollow cement superstructure ridged on top and filled with rubble. Partially legible inscriptions were found on one visible surface. Arabic Transcription and Translation: – … The great Shaikh … – … the Shaikhs … Shams al-Din – … (one thousand and sixty-six) …

‫ ا � ش‬.............................‫ل�������ي�� خ الا ج��ل‬

� ‫ ا �ل� ش �خ‬.........‫ن‬ ‫ش‬ ...........�‫ ������م��س ا �ل�د�ي‬.......�‫��م����ا ي‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ (����س� ت‬.............................)���‫� و����س��تي�� ن� والا �ل‬

191

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.185 ASK1

Reference Number: ASK2 Co-ordinates: 26.05639° N 050.61821° E Dimensions: 160 cm (l) × 57 cm (w) × 26 cm maximum surviving height Orientation: NW-SE Description: Partly destroyed gypsum gravestone in cemetery south of mosque and shrine. Scrolling vegetal decoration on four surfaces and partially legible inscription on one surface. The gypsum panels had been constructed around a stone rubble core. Excavated to expose the sides of the gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: – … There is no God but Allah …

ّٰ

.........‫ لا ا �ل�ه الا ا �ل��ل�ه‬............

Figure 2.186 ASK2

6

Barbar (BAR)

Location: Private house. The gravestone was formerly in the village cemetery in Barbar but was removed for safe keeping by its current custodian who now stores it in his sitting room (majlis).

192

Chapter 2

Reference Number: BAR1 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: 76 cm (l) × 29 cm (w) × 36 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab from a double slab gravestone. Generally good condition. Shallow carved rectangular panel on upper surface (E) which was probably part of a niche design. Raised decoration has been cut off one end. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

A: ْ ُ َ ‫ ّ ُ َ ٌ َ ٌ ّ ُ َ ُّ َّ نَ آ‬: َ� � ِ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه و � ا �ل��ذ‬،‫وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي�� ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ – And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. ‫ي� � �م ن��وا‬ ‫لِي‬ ‫ع‬ Allah is the Protector of those who ُ ُْ ُ َ ُ ُ َ ُ ‫�خ‬ ّ ّ ‫�ذ‬ ‫ ا �ل� � ن‬، �‫���ُ�ه��م �ّم� نَ ا � �ظل�� �ل���م�ا � �إِل ا �لن‬ � � believe. He brings them out from ......�‫ي‬ ‫تِ ى و ِر و‬ � ِ � ‫ي ِر ج‬ darkness into light. Those … َّ‫أَ ْ َ ُ َّ ُ ْ َ ��َ ُ نَ ن‬ ‫� �ص‬ – Those are the dwellers of the Fire. ����ِ‫��ح�ا ب� ا �ل����ن�ا ر ���ه��م ف‬ � ِ‫ �إ‬.�‫ي���ه�ا ��خ�ا �ِل�د و‬ – And they will abide therein forever. ُ َ� َ‫َّ ن‬ َّ ُ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ Verily, those who say: Our … Allah ‫ ل��ل�ه‬... ‫ا �ل��ذِ �ي� ��ق�ا �لو‬ (2:255–256).

Figure 2.187 Surface A, BAR1

193

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

B: – On the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills … extends over …

– Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Allah, then has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break (2:255–256).

: �‫ب‬ َّ ُ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َّ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ ‫�ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا ا �ل��ذِ �ي� ي� ش��������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ع‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ َ َ َْ‫�إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ َ َ ْ نَ أ‬ ْ ‫ْ َ� خ ف‬ �� ‫� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ���م�ا ب�ي��� � ي� ِ�د‬ ‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا ���ل������ه��م‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫م‬ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ َ َّ � ‫حي����طو� �����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ِ�‫ولا ي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫بِ ي‬ َ َ ... �ِ‫و���س‬ ‫ع‬ ُ‫تَّ َ َّ نَ ُّ ْ ُ نَ ْ غَ ّ �َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ � ‫����بي��� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ �� ا �ل��� ��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ � ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا و ت‬ ِ‫ي‬ ُ ْ ْ ْ ُ َ َ�� َ‫َُ ْ�ؤ ن ّ ف‬ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ ‫ْ َ ثق‬ ‫ت‬ ‫و�ي �مِ �� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ����ق ِ�د ا ����س�����م��س�ك �بِ� �ا �ل�عرو�ةِ ا �لو����ى‬ ََ َ َ ‫َ ن‬ .‫����ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫لا ا ���ف‬

Figure 2.188 Surface B, BAR1

C: – … Alhaj, two parts every day. – From The Holy Quran … all from Um Al-Suli Garden which is located at Jid Alhaj.

: ‫ج‬ �

‫ف‬ � ‫ ا �ل��ح�ا ج‬... ‫ ا �ل�����ق�را‬.... .‫كل �يو�م‬ � �‫�ج�ز ئ�ي�� ن� �ي‬ �

‫�ة أ‬ � �‫ �م� ن‬... ‫كا �م�ل �صر���م� � �م‬ ‫ب�����س��ي����ح��ة ج��د ا �ل‬ . ‫��ح�ا ج‬ �

ّٰ �� ‫� ن‬ �‫م�� ك‬ ‫��ت�ا ب� ا �ل��ل�ه‬ ‫ا � ص ل ا �ل ا �ق����ع��ة‬ ‫ل��� و ي� و‬

194

Chapter 2

Figure 2.189 Surface C, BAR1

D: – This part is lost.

:‫د‬ ‫�م��ف����قود‬

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫كا ت����ب�ه ي�ر�ج�و رح���م��ة ر �ب�ه الا ��م‬ ‫��ج�د �ع����ب�د ه‬ � � ‫�ع��ب�د ا �ل���� ب�ن�� � نب� ا ح���م�د‬ ‫ي‬ ‫�ف ا�ذ‬ – (The remainder is an incomplete poem ... ‫ و��ب�ل ب����ث�را ك ا �ل�ع�� و‬... which cannot be translated) ‫�ذ‬ � � �� � �‫� ��ذ‬ ‫�خ ��ق�د ر ك ا �ل� ك‬ ‫ ل�ك ا ل� كر وا ل� �ت�ا ري‬... ‫�ر‬ E: – The writer is seeking the mercy of his God, Abdalnabi Bin Ahmed.

195

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.190 Surface E, BAR1

7

Beit al-Quran (BEIT)

Location: On display in the lobby of the private Beit al-Quran Museum in Manama. The original location of the gravestone is not known. Reference Number: BEIT1 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: 139 cm (l) × 28 cm (w) × 45 cm (h) Orientation: NA

196

Chapter 2

Description: Single limestone slab gravestone in good condition. Shallow carved pointed niche design on upper surface (E). Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central narrow rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at both ends. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter. – And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in al-Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold (2:255–256).

Figure 2.191 Surface A, BEIT1

‫أ‬ َّ :� َ َ ٰ ّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َ ُ�� ْ‫ُ َ َْ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأ‬ ُ‫��خ��ذُ هُ ���سِ�نَ����ةٌ َلاَ نَ� ْ �ٌم �لّ�ه‬ �� ‫�هو ا �ل�ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا‬ ‫و و‬ ‫ي‬ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ َ ّ َ َ ‫�َ��م�ا � ا �ل��س���م�ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ �‫فِي‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ َ ّ َ ْ َ‫ا �َّ � شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل �إِ�ذ � َ ْ ُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ �َ خَ ْف‬ .‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا ���ل������ه��م‬ �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ ْ َ َ َّ ّ ْ َ‫َ َ ُ� ُ نَ ش‬ ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ���ِ‫حي����طو� �ب‬ ِ�‫ولا ي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ي‬ َ َ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ع‬ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ي� ود ه‬ ‫ لا‬،‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ّ َ‫�َاهَ � ا � ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ا � ُّ�ْ ُ � نَ ا �ْ غ‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ �� ‫�د‬ � ‫�د‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�ك‬ �� ‫�ش‬ ‫�ب‬ ‫�ق‬ ‫ل‬ � �‫ي‬ ‫�� ي� ر‬ � ِ ِ �‫إِ ر فِي‬ ِ ‫مِ � ي‬ ُ‫�َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ َ َ‫ّ ف‬ ُْ � ‫��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫� َو�ي�ؤ �مِ � ن� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ������ق ِ�د‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا ت‬ َ ُْ َ َ ْ َ ْ .�‫ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �� �ا �ل�ع ْرو‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ‫ة‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

197

B:

:�‫ب‬

– That will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer All-Knower (2:255–256). Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and that He is pleased with them, and of Gardens for them wherein are everlasting delights. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward (9:21–22). Therein they will recline; therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks; And beside them will be chaste – females (virgins) restraining their glances only for their husbands, and of equal ages. This it is what you are promised for the Day of Reckoning (38:51–53). The Angels will descend on them, saying: Fear not, nor grieve; but receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your souls desire (41:30–31).

Figure 2.192 Surface B, BEIT1

C: – this is the shrine of Shaikh Yusuf bin Shaikh

ٌ

َ ٌ

َ ّ

ََ َ َ

َ

ُ َ .‫����ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي�� ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ����ِ‫ا �لوث����قى لا ا ن���ف‬ ‫ع‬

‫َُ شّ ُ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ �َ ْح�َ �ّ ��ْ ُ َ �ضْ َ ن‬ �ٍ ‫� وا‬ ‫���ر���ه��م رب�����ه��م بِ ر ��م��ةٍ ِم� �ن�ه و ِر‬ ِ �‫ي�ب‬ َ�� ٌ ُّ ٌ َ‫َ َ ��َّ َّ ُ ْ َ ن‬ َ‫� � � ن‬ � ‫�د‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�خ‬ ����ِ‫� ��ل���ه��م ف‬ ‫ل‬ �‫ ِ ِ ي‬،‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م‬ ٍ‫و�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ َ َ َ ْ ‫َ أ ً نَّ ّ َ �� َ ُ أ‬ ٌ َ� ٌ � ‫ع‬ � .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ‫�ج‬ ����ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا �إِ � ا �ل��ل�ه ِ�ع� �ن�د ه � �� ر �ظ‬ َ َ َ‫ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ نَ َ �ف‬ �‫�ثِ���ي��َر‬ �‫����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ‫�م��ت ِك‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ ‫ َ �ع ن�� َ�د ُ���ه�� ْم ���ق�ا �ص ا ت‬،� ‫َ � ��َ��ش� َ ا‬ .� ‫ر‬ ِ ‫و ر بٍ و‬ َ‫َّ ْ أَ�ْ َ ٌ َ �ذَ َ تُ َ ُ ن‬ َ ْ ‫ ���ه� ا ���م�ا �و���ع�د و� لِ�ي�و�ِم‬،�‫ا �ل����ط�ر�� � ��ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ف‬ ََّ ْ ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أ‬ َ� ‫ا �ل‬ ‫ح‬ ‫ا‬ �� � � ‫�س‬ ‫��� � لا‬ ‫ � �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬،� ِ‫ِ ب‬ َ‫تََ ُ َ تَْ ُ أ‬ َ َ ُ ْ ْ ُ ّ ‫ن‬ َ ُ �� َ ‫�� ف َ ��زَ ن‬ ّ ‫�ل‬ ْ � ‫�����ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫���ت�����م‬ ‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا بِ�ا �ج‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ‫تُ َ ُ نَ نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ ْ� َ ‫حَ�َ�ي�ا � ا �ل ُّ�د نْ� َ�ي�ا‬ � � ،�‫�و���ع�د و‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ك‬ ‫ا‬ � �‫ح� ن� � ولِ�ي��ا م فِي� �� ةِ �� و فِي‬ َ ْ ُ‫ْالآ ��� َ� َ �َ كُ ْ � َ َ تَ شْ تَ أ ن ��ُ ُ ك‬ .‫�م‬ ���ِ‫�م ف‬ � ‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������هي� � �����ف��س‬ � ‫� خِ� �ر ول‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ

:‫��ـ‬ ‫ل����ش���� خ � ����سف� � ن‬ �� � ‫�ج���ه��ذا ���� �ض� ي� ا �ل��ف�� د ��س ا‬ �‫ب‬ �‫رح ر و ي‬ ‫ي� يو‬ ‫ض‬ �� � ‫ا‬ .���‫ل����ش��ي�� خ ا �ل���مر‬ ‫ي‬ �

198 – ʿAli bin Kinbar, his death was in one thousand and eighty-nine.

Chapter 2

‫ ن� ت ف��ا ��ت�ه ف� ا �ل����سن����ة‬، ‫�ن��� �ا‬ � ‫���ع��ل� � نب� �ك �ب ر و‬ ‫كا � و‬ �‫ي‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ي �ة‬ ���‫ا �لت��ا ��س���ع� وا �لث�����م�ا ن�ي�� ن� وا �ل‬

Figure 2.193 Surface C, BEIT1

D: – Reading a one part of the Book of God the Powerful every day. – Proceeds of Um……palm garden located at Al-Bilad.

:‫د‬ ّٰ �� ‫ق � �ة � � �ز � ن‬ ‫ا‬ . ‫��ت�ا ب� ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل�ع�ز ��ي��ز‬ �‫كل يو�م �� �ج� ء م�� ك‬ � � �‫�ر ئ‬

‫ ا �ل ا ق�����ع��ة �����س������ح��ة‬............. � ‫��ح�ا ص� ص ���م��ة �أ‬ ‫م‬ ‫ب �ل � ر‬ ‫ب ي‬ ‫و‬

.‫ا �ل����ب�لا د‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

199

Figure 2.194 Surface D, BEIT1

E: – Engraved by al-Sayyid ʿAlawi, son of the good and the pious al-Sayyid Salih. – Oh grave, you embedded a full moon with a high rank, and famous person. – You should thank Allah because He gave you a unique thing that He did not give to others

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن����ق �����ش�ه ا �ل����سي���د ���ع�لو�� � نب� ا �ل����سي���د ا �ل���� �ص�ا �ل‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ح‬ ‫ق‬ . ‫ا �لت���� ا �ل����سي���د �� �ص�ا �ل‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ح‬ �‫��ي�ا ض��ر ي‬ ‫حو� ت� ��ب�د ر ا �ل ك‬ � ‫��ح�ا‬ ‫����م�ا ل *** و����سن���ا �م‬ ‫ي‬ .�‫ا �ل���ع��لى و���عي�� ن� ا �ل���م���ع�ا ل‬ ‫ي‬ ّٰ ‫ف‬ ‫ح� ��ي� ث� ولا ك ���م�ا �ل�م*** � �ل�ه �م� ن‬ �� � ‫��ا ح���م�د ا �ل��ل�ه‬ � ‫يو‬ ‫ن‬ .�‫��سوا ك د ا � و���ع�ا ل‬ ‫ي‬

200

Chapter 2

– Written by the humble ʿAbd Allah bin ʿAli al-Biladi al-Bahrani.

‫�ل ن‬ �� ‫�ت ال‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫ق‬ ‫��ج�ا �ي� �ع����ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه � نب� ���ع���ل‬ �� ‫�ك����ب�ه ا ل‬ ‫ي‬ ‫� ن‬ .�� ‫ا �ل����ب�لا د �� ا �ل��ب��حرا‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬

Figure 2.195 Surface E, BEIT1

8

Bilad al-Qadim (BAQ)

Location: The road outside the Nasrudin Mosque. The cemetery, if one originally existed, has disappeared under modern development. Reference Number: BAQ1 Co-ordinates: 26.20597° N 050.54979° E Dimensions: 124 cm (l) × 26 cm (w) × 48 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab gravestone with some erosion, modern cement on top, and staining on one side surface (Figure 2.196). The gravestone appears unfinished. It has been cut to size and has no carving or inscriptions other than three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central narrow rounded or pointed arch at both ends. Recorded next to the original foundations of the Nasrudin mosque which has been recently rebuilt. The gravestone has been moved from its primary position as the original plaster base setting for the gravestone is next to its current location.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

201

Figure 2.196 BAQ1

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions 9

Daih (DAI)

Location: Daih village cemetery. The cemetery contains a mosque but it is not known if it was originally a shrine that developed into a mosque. Reference Number: DAI1 Co-ordinates: 26.22513° N 050.53376° E Dimensions: 92 cm (l) × 25.5 cm (w) × 31.5 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single hollow limestone slab gravestone not in original position. Eroded. Inscriptions on three surfaces. Decorated on top surface (E) with a shallow carved rectangular panel which is not a niche with an engraved circle and two connected triangles above it. Red paint/pigment on the lettering at one end. Found buried under leaves and rubbish in a clump of trees. Now kept in a glass case made by the local community for its display in the cemetery.

202 Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Chapter 2

‫أ‬ :� ّٰ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ..................‫ح����ي��م‬

Figure 2.197 Surface A, DAI1

:�‫ب‬ َ ُُ ‫نَْ أ‬ ْ َ �� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� � ‫�مْ �� ا �ل‬ � ‫ح� نُ� � ْو�يَ��ا �ؤ ك‬ – We are your protectors in this world �‫�� �ر‬ ِ‫ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خ‬ � ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ and in the other world, your souls can ْ �ُ‫َ �َ كُ� ْ � َ َ تَ شْ تَ أ ن ��ُ ُ ك‬ find in it what they desire … (41:31) .‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ه� � �����ف��س�م‬ ���ِ‫ول�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ ّٰ ................‫ ا �ل��ل�ه‬............. B:

Figure 2.198 Surface B, DAI1

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – … and 650 … God …

203

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ّٰ ‫�خ‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ت‬ ........‫ ا �ل��ل�ه‬......... �‫ و �م���سي��� و����س�����م�ا ��ي‬..........

Figure 2.199 Surface C, DAI1

D: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫د‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Figure 2.200 Surface D, DAI1

204

Chapter 2

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.201

10

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Surface E, DAI1

Hoora (HOO)

Location: Large urban cemetery for the Shiʿa population of Manama Reference Number: HOO1 Co-ordinates: 26.23116° N 050.58330° E Dimensions: 134 cm (l) × 28 cm (w) × 47 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.202). Some erosion. Cut to size and left unfinished possibly because the stone surface is pitted. Roughed out rectangular blocks for unfinished raised decoration at both ends. No inscriptions. Partially excavated to expose the whole gravestone.

205

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.202 HOO1

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: HOO2 Co-ordinates: 26.23128° N 050.58313° E Dimensions: 84 cm (l) × 44.5 cm (w) × 10 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Unusually shaped flat single limestone slab gravestone with rounded sides and shoulders leading to a narrower upper section culminating in two carved points on top. Eroded, and with partial inscription in Farsi on one surface. Possibly gravestone is of Iranian origin. Fixed flat onto the ground surface with plaster. Arabic Transcription and Translation: – In 1210. – He is the Ever Living. – And … The Most Merciful … The … – The eternal houses.

‫ف‬ ‫�ة‬ .1210 ���‫�� ����سن‬ ‫ي‬ ‫�ذ‬

‫�ه ا �ل�ح ا �ل� � لا ����م ت‬ .� ‫و ي� ي� ي و‬

.........‫ ا �ل�ـ‬....�‫ ا �لر��ح��م� ن‬.....‫و‬

‫�ة‬ ‫(��ت�ا ا �ب�د �آ ش��������ا ن ���ه�ا) ت� �ج ���م��ة (ا �ل���� ت‬ ) �‫� الا ب��د ��ي‬ �‫ي‬ ‫ر‬ � ‫بيو‬

206

Chapter 2

Figure 2.203 HOO2

Reference Number: HOO3 Co-ordinates: 26.23106° N 050.58335° E Dimensions: 130 cm (l) × 24 cm (w) × 37 cm (h) Orientation: N-S Description: Narrow single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.204). Eroded and roughly cut into shape with rectangular block for unfinished raised decoration at one end. No inscriptions. It seems this gravestone is an early stage roughout that was used as a grave marker but never finished for an unknown reason. Excavated to expose whole gravestone.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

207

Figure 2.204 HOO3

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: HOO4 Co-ordinates: 26.23107° N 050.58332° E Dimensions: 138 cm (l) × 28.5 cm (w) × 47 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone found lying on its side (Figure 2.205). Eroded and roughly cut to size and left unfinished. Roughed out raised decoration formed of what appear to be two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch. At one end a facetted cube can be seen clearly emerging from the stone where it has been left partially unfinished. No inscriptions. Two large cup marks, one carved on the upper surface (E) and another on one side surface, that appear to be intentional but for an unknown purpose.

Figure 2.205 HOO4

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions

208

Chapter 2

Reference Number: HOO5 Co-ordinates: 26.23124° N 050.58547° E Dimensions: 163 cm (l) × 28.5 cm (w) × 34 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Well carved but with significant erosion in places. Partial shallow carved rectangular panel design on top surface (E), probably a niche. Raised decoration cut or broken off both ends. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Found tilted to the west. Excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A:

ُ َْ‫َ ْ ن ُّ �فَ َّ َ �ةً َّ ُ ُ ْ أ‬

‫أ‬

:�

َّ َ

�� � – Gardens of Eden, whose doors will ،�‫� ���ع�د � �م�� ��ت����ح� ��ل���ه��م ال� ب� َوا ب‬ ِ‫�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ ٍ be opened for them. Therein they َ َ‫�ف‬ َ َ‫َ َ ْ ُ ن‬ َ َّ‫�ُ �ت‬ will recline, therein they will call for ٍ‫����ه��ة‬ ‫م� ِك‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ fruits in abundance and drinks. And َ ُ‫َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ َ َ َ َ ��� � � ‫ و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬،� ‫ا‬ � beside them will be chaste females � � �� � ‫ك‬ �� � ‫�ش‬ ‫ر‬ ‫و‬ ‫ي‬ ٍ‫ر ب‬ ٍ‫ثِ ة‬ َ restraining their glances and of equal َ ْ َ ُ ُّ َ ْ ُ ّ‫َّ ْ أ�ْ َ ٌ َُ ش‬ � ages (38:50–52). Their Lord gives ٍ‫���ُر���ه��م رب�����ه��م �رح���م��ة‬ ِ �‫ ي�ب‬.�‫ا �ل����ط�ر فِ� � ��ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ب‬ them glad tidings of mercy from Him, َّ�� َ َ ‫ّ ��ْ ُ َ ْ َ ن‬ ٌ َ‫�َّ ُ ْ َ ن‬ � ‫�ِم� �ن�ه ور �ض‬ and of His pleasure, and of Gardens ‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م‬ ����ِ‫� �ل���ه��م ف‬ ٍ‫� وا ٍ� و�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ ِ َ for them wherein are everlasting de- ُ َ َ َّ‫َ َ أ ً ن‬ َ ّ َ �� ‫ ��خ�ا �ل�د � ن‬،‫�ُّم�� � �ي��ٌم‬ lights. They will abide therein forever. ‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا � � ا �ل��ل�ه ِ�ع����ن�د ه‬ ����ِ‫ي� ف‬ �� ِ‫�ق‬ ِِ ِ‫إ‬ Verily, with Allah there is a great reَ ْ َ‫أ‬ ٌ �ٌ � ward (9:21–22). ‫ع‬ � .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫� �� �جر �ظ‬ – The angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of the paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask. An entertainment from the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (41:30–32). Year 1107.

َ ََ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ ْ َ‫تَْ�زَنُ َأ‬ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� � ،�‫��������م �و���ع�د و‬ ‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا �ا �ج�� �ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ‫نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� ْ � � � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ك‬ � � �ِ‫ح� ن� � و�ي��ا �م ي� ا ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خ‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫رة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أَ ن‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ه� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ َّ ُ‫َ �َ َّ ُ نَ �ُ ُ ً ّ ْ �غَ �ف‬ ‫ ����سن����ة‬. ‫ح� �ي‬ ‫ ��ن��ز لا �ِم� ن� � �� و ٍر ر ِ� �� ��ٍم‬،�‫���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬ .1107

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

209

Figure 2.206 Surface A, HOO5

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge – Except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in al-Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold (2:255–256).

َّ َ َ ّ ٰ :�‫ب‬ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َ ُ�� ْ‫ُ َ َْ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأ‬ ُ‫��خ��ذُ هُ ���سِ�نَ����ةٌ َلاَ نَ� ْ �ٌم �لّ�ه‬ �� ‫�هو ا �ل�ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا‬ ‫و و‬ ‫ي‬ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ َ ّ َ َ ‫�َ��م�ا � ا �ل��س���م�ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ �‫فِي‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ َ ّ َ ْ َ‫ا �َّ � شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل �إِ�ذ � َ ْ ُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ َ‫� ُ نَ ش‬ ْ � �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ ٍ‫حي����طو� �بِ���ي�ء‬ ِ ‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ ْ ّْ .‫�ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ء‬ �� � �� ‫�ه‬ �� ‫ا‬ ‫ك‬ � �� � ‫� لا بِ����م�ا‬ ِ‫س‬ � � � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ � ‫و ع ر ي‬ ِ‫و ت‬ ِ‫إ‬ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ � �‫وال� ر�� ولا �ي ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع�ِ�لي‬ ُ ْ ُّ َ َّ َ َّ َ� ‫ّ ن‬ َ ْ َ ُ َْ � ‫�رَاه �� ا �ل ِ�د‬ � ‫ي� ��ق�د ت����بي�� ن� ا �لر� ����ش�د‬ ‫ لا �إِ ك فِي‬،‫ا ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ِ ْ َ ْ َ َ� ّ َ‫َ ْ غ‬ َ ‫�����ُ�ف� ْ �ا � ّل����ط�ا �غ�ُ � َوُ� ْ�ؤ � � ن‬ ‫ك‬ � ‫�مِ � ن� ا �ل�� ��ف��م� ن‬ � ِ‫و تِ ي م‬ ِ‫� � ي ر ب‬ ِ‫ي‬ ْ ُ َ َ�� َ‫ّ ف‬ َ َ ْ ْ َ .�‫�د ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �� �ا �ل�ع ْرو‬ ِ ‫�بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ����ق‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ‫ة‬

210

Figure 2.207 Surface B, HOO5

C: – Every Tenth, eighty mann take from this … – At Abu Mandah field …

Figure 2.208 Surface C, HOO5

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ً ‫كل ���ع�ا �ش��ر ث����م�ا ن�و ن� �م����ن�ا �م� ن� ���ه��ذا‬ � ............. ‫(ي�ا ����خ��ذ ) �ع� ن (ا �ل‬ .)‫ د‬....‫��ح��م‬ � ‫ا � � �� �ة‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ث‬ � ‫ه‬ ‫ه‬ � )‫�صور‬ ��‫ب�����س��ي�� بو م� �ن�د ��ع��بر ����مر ( ����مر ) ( م�ع‬ ‫ح‬ ‫�خ‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ � � � ............��‫ ا ل���� ����ي�ل م‬...‫�م� ن� ���س���ه�ا �م‬

211

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

D: – ………… – … the late … bint Shaikh …

:‫د‬ ............................ �� � ‫ �����ن� ت� ا‬.........‫ح ���م��ة‬ ............... ‫ل����ش��ي�� خ‬ ‫ب‬ ‫ ا �ل���مر�و‬..........



Figure 2.209 Surface D, HOO5

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ ا �ل����سي���د‬.....‫ن����ق �����ش�ه ا �ل����سي���د ��ن�ا �صر � نب� ا �ل��ح��بر‬ ........‫�ه�ا � ����ش��م‬ � �‫ ا �ل ك‬...‫ا ب�و‬.....‫ ا �ل����ث�ر�ى‬....... – … Soil … Abu … al-Karam it appeared … ....‫�ر�م*** ��ق�د ��ب�د ا‬ ʿAbd … (al-Samad) .)‫��ص���م�د‬ ��‫ (ا �ل‬.....‫�ع����ب�د‬ E: – Engraved by al-Sayyid Naser bin alHabr…. al-Sayyid Hashim …

Figure 2.210 Surface E, HOO5

212

Chapter 2

Reference Number: HOO6 Co-ordinates: 26.23070° N 050.58462° E Dimensions: 130 cm (l) × 33 cm (w) × 30 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single small limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.211). Very badly eroded. No carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.211 HOO6

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: HOO7 Co-ordinates: 26.22981° N 050.58467° E Dimensions: 120 cm (l) × 61 cm (w) × 6 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Flat slab gravestone, possibly made of sandstone (Figure 2.212). Some erosion. Described as of a type bought already inscribed with the name etc. in Iran and the date of death was then added, when required, in Bahrain. Inscription on one surface.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

213

Figure 2.212 HOO7

Arabic Transcription and Translation: – I went to the Generous God taking with me only the good works and sweet heart. – Taking food with you is the worst if you are going to the Generous God. – The late, ʿAbd al-Hasan Jawad.

ُ‫� ت‬ � ‫ن‬ �‫� ���ع��لى ا �ل ك‬ ‫و��ف�د‬ ��‫�ر��ي��م ب����غي��ر �زا ٍد*** �م‬ �� ‫ا �ل‬ � ‫ح����سن���ا‬ ‫� وا �ل���ق�ل� ب� ا �ل��س�ل����ي��م‬ ِ‫ت‬ ُ ‫ن ف‬ ُ ٌ � ‫ش‬ ‫كا � ا �لو�ود‬ � ‫كل ����*** ا�ذا‬ � ��‫و��ح��م�ل ا �ل�زا ِد ا ���ق��ب‬ ٍ‫ئ‬ ‫ح‬ �‫���ع��لى ا �ل ك‬ ‫�ر��ي��م‬ ‫��ح�ا ج �ع����ب�د ا �ل‬ ‫ح � ا �ل‬ � �‫ا �ل‬ � ..................‫ح����س ن� �ج�وا د‬ � ‫��مر و م‬

214

Chapter 2

Reference Number: HOO8 Co-ordinates: 26.23061° N 050.58352° E Dimensions: 149 cm (l) × 31 cm (w) × 45 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone found lying on its side (Figure 2.213). The side that was exposed above the ground surface is eroded. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central thin slab at both ends. Shallow carved rectangular panel on top surface (E) has been started. No chisel marks evident. No inscriptions. Gravestone was possibly left unfinished as the stone surface was found to be pitted after cutting. Excavated to expose the whole gravestone.

Figure 2.213 HOO8

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: HOO9 Co-ordinates: 26.23160° N 050.58337° E Dimensions: 80 cm (l) × 30.5 cm (w) × 8 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Oval flat slab gravestone, possibly made of sandstone (Figure 2.214). Very eroded. Inscribed on one surface.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

215

Figure 2.214 HOO9

Arabic Transcription and Translation: Inscriptions are illegible Reference Number: HOO10 Co-ordinates: 26.23140° N 050.58487° E Dimensions: 157 cm (l) × 30 cm (w) × 50 cm (h) Orientation: N-S Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.215). Rather than being due to erosion, the bad surface but relatively sharp lines of the different surfaces suggests it was never finished as the limestone was found to be of too poor quality to take inscriptions once the initial shape had been cut. No inscriptions or carving other than rectangular roughed out blocks at each end that would have formed raised decoration if the gravestone was completed.

Figure 2.215 HOO10

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions

216

Chapter 2

Reference Number: HOO11 Co-ordinates: 26.23141° N 050.58489° E Dimensions: 160 cm (l) × 30.5 cm (w) × 56 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.216). It is heavily eroded on one side, but as with HOO10, the relatively sharp lines of the opposite surface suggest it was never finished as the limestone was found to be of too poor quality to take inscriptions once the initial shape had been cut. No inscriptions or carving other than rectangular roughed out blocks at each end that would have formed raised decoration if the gravestone was completed.

Figure 2.216 HOO11

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

217

Reference Number: HOO12 Co-ordinates: 26.23139° N 050.58508° E Dimensions: 170 cm (l) × 25 cm (w) × 46 cm (h) Orientation: NE-SW Description: Single limestone slab gravestone found lying on its side (Figure 2.217). Rather than being due to erosion processes, as with HOO10 and HOO11, the relatively sharp lines of the exposed surfaces suggest it was never finished as the limestone was found to be of too poor quality to take inscriptions once the initial shape had been cut. No inscriptions or carving other than roughed out rounded off downward sloping blocks at each end that would have formed raised decoration if the gravestone was completed.

Figure 2.217 HOO12

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions

218 11

Chapter 2

Hunaniyah (HUN)

Location: Urban cemetery for Riffa and also used for burial by the Al-Khalifa Royal Family of Bahrain Reference Number: HUN1 Co-ordinates: 26.12262° N 050.55739° E Dimensions: (of total grave) 263 cm (l) × 143 cm (w) × 84 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Relatively recent cement tomb with a laser engraved single upright marble slab gravestone. Inscription on one surface. Arabic Transcription and Translation: – Shaikh Salman bin Ahmad al-Khalifa. – The second ruler of the al-Khalifa family. – Died in 1236 AH.

‫ل����ش���� خ ��س�ل��م�ا ن � ن ا ح���م�د �آ �ل�خ �� �ة‬ �� . �‫� ��لي���ف‬ �‫� � ب‬ ‫ا� ي‬

� ‫�� �� ن‬ �‫ا �لح�ا ك�م ا �ل� �ث�ا �ي‬ ‫�ة‬ .‫�ه�ـ‬1236 ���‫ا �ل���م��تو�فى ����سن‬

‫ا ���س� �ة �آ �ل�خ �� �ة‬ . �‫� ��لي���ف‬ ‫ر‬

Figure 2.218 HUN1

‫ف‬ �‫�ي‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

12

219

Jebelat Habshi (JBH)

Location: Jebelat Habshi village cemetery Reference Number: JBH1 Co-ordinates: 26.21646° N 050.53079° E Dimensions: 83.5 cm (l) × 24 cm (w) × 39.5 cm (h) Orientation: NE-SW Description: Single hollow limestone slab gravestone. Half of a double slab gravestone. Eroded unidentifiable three element raised decoration at one end. Inscriptions on two surfaces. The letter carving is quite crude and part of a side surface (A) is cut by a vertical intentionally chiselled semi-circular channel. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

:�

A:

َّ ُ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َّ َ‫َ �ذ‬ ْ َ‫أ‬ �� ‫ش‬ �� ‫ن‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫ه‬ � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ – The earth. Who is he that can in- ‫ل��ذِ � ي�������ف ِع� �ن�د ا‬ ��‫ال� ر ضِ� م‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ع‬ tercede with Him except with His � ْ‫�إِ�ذ‬ .‫� نِ� ِ�ه‬ permission. ِ‫ب‬ َْ‫َ ْ َ َ َ ْ أ‬ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َ – He knows what happens to them in ‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا‬ �� ‫�ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن� �ي� ِ�د‬ ‫م‬ this world and what will happen to َ‫ُ� ُ ن‬ them in the hereafter. And they will .�‫حي����طو‬ ِ�‫ي‬ never compass (2:255).

Figure 2.219 Surface A, JBH1

220

Chapter 2

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, ُ ُّ َ‫ُ َ �َْ ُّ ْ �ق‬ �‫�هو ا ل‬ none has the right to be worshipped .‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م‬ ‫ي‬ but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. َّ ُ�� ْ‫َ تَأ‬ َ ُ َّ ٌ ْ َ‫� �ذُ ُ نَ�ةٌ َ َ ن‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � � ‫ل‬ ‫ه‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � �� – Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes � ‫ا‬ ‫�ه‬ � �� �� ‫لا‬ � ِ‫س‬ � � � ‫��م‬ ‫�خ‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و وم ل‬ �‫فِي‬ ِ‫و ت‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in ََ the heavens and whatever in (2:255). .�� ‫و���م�ا‬ ‫فِي‬

Figure 2.220 Surface B, JBH1

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – No carving or inscriptions.

221

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ �� ‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� � و‬ � ‫كا ��ب�ا‬

Figure 2.221 Surface C, JBH1

222 D: – No carving or inscriptions.

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Figure 2.222 Surfaces D and E, JBH1

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.222

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

223

Reference Number: JBH2 Co-ordinates: 26.21656° N 050.53088° E Dimensions: 150 cm (l) × 31 cm (w) × 50 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.223). No inscriptions. Some erosion on top surface (E) and side surfaces (A and B). Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at both ends. The gravestone has been cut to size and left unfinished.

Figure 2.223 JBH2

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: JBH3 Co-ordinates: 26.21658° N 050.53093° E Dimensions: 142 cm (l) × 30.5 cm (w) × 54.5 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.224). No inscriptions. Eroded and cement covered three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at both ends. The gravestone has been cut to size and left unfinished.

224

Chapter 2

Figure 2.224 JBH3

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: JBH4 Co-ordinates: 26.21659° N 050.53098° E Dimensions: 75 cm (l) × 25 cm (w) × 48.5 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single hollow limestone slab gravestone, broken in two. Half of a double slab gravestone. Unidentifiable eroded raised decoration at one end. Some erosion on the upper surfaces and has a hole drilled in surface C. Partial inscriptions on three surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – … opened … Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance … (38:50–51) – Receive the glad tidings of the paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask (41:30–31).

‫أ‬ َ َ‫ �ف �ت �ة ُ �تَّ �� نَ َ َ ْ ُ ن‬: � ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫ �م� ِك‬...... �‫ �م�� � ����ح‬....... ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ� ي��� ف‬ َ ��َ َ �َ‫�ف‬ .........�‫�ثِ� ي��ر‬ �‫بِ��� �ا كِ����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ٍ‫ة‬ ْ َ‫أ‬ َْ‫�َْ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ نَ ن‬ ُ‫ح� ن‬ � ،�‫��������م �و���ع�د و‬ ‫َو� ب� ����شِ� �ُ وا �ا �جل‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ل‬ � ‫ك‬ � � � ‫�ن‬ � � �‫ر بِ �ةِ تِي‬ ُ ُُ‫أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ ْ ‫آ‬ ْ ّ َ‫ن‬ َ ��� ََ� ْ َ � � � ‫ل‬ � � � �ِ‫� و�ي��ا ك�م ي� ا ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خ‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫رة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أَ ن‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ه� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ َ‫َ �َ َّ ُ ن‬ .�‫���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

225

Figure 2.225 Surface A, JBH4

B: – The One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede. – … Except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255).

:�‫ب‬ ْ ُ�� ‫ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأ‬ َ ُ َّ ٌ ْ َ‫� �ذُ ُ نَ�ةٌ َ َ ن‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ه‬ � � � �� ‫ا‬ ‫�ه‬ � �� �� ‫ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا‬ � ِ‫س‬ � � � ‫��م‬ ‫�خ‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ل‬ ‫م‬ �‫فِي‬ ‫و و‬ َّ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ ََ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ �‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ �‫� و���م�ا �فِي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا ا �ل��ذِ �ي‬ ِ‫ت‬ ُ َ�� ْ‫َ ش‬ . ‫������ف‬ �‫ي‬ ‫ع‬ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ ُ‫� ْ���سِ�ّ��ُ�ه‬ ‫ء‬ �� � ‫ا‬ ‫ك‬ � �� � ‫ � لا بِ����م�ا‬.................. � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ ‫و ع ر ي‬ ِ‫إ‬ َّ َ ُ ُ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ � فْ ظ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا ي� ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا‬ ِ‫ا � و ت‬ ُ َ ْ� ‫َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬

226

Figure 2.226 Surface B, JBH4

C: – … Muhammed bin Hassan, engraved by Abdalhussain Alsyed.

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬ �� ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫م‬ � ‫ح‬ � �‫ ���م�د �ب‬......... .....‫كا‬ � ...)‫ح���سي��� ( ج���ع���ف�ر‬ ‫(ن����ق �� ن �ف‬ .............‫���ش�ه) ��� ���س�ه‬

Figure 2.227 Surface C, JBH4

227

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

D: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫د‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Figure 2.228 Surfaces D and E, JBH4

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.228

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � � � ‫لا و�� �ج�د ��� و � و ��ا ��ب�ا‬

228

Chapter 2

Reference Number: JBH5 Co-ordinates: 26.21655° N 050.53094° E Dimensions: Hollow fragment 51 cm (l) × 31.5 cm (w) × 31 cm (h). Inscribed fragment 35 cm (l) × 21 cm (w) × 22 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Group of four fragments of limestone gravestone (Figure 2.229). The largest fragment is hollow. One small fragment has a partial inscription.

Figure 2.229 JBH5

Arabic Transcription and Translation: Original Surface Unknown – ……… – … in this world and … (2:255).

.......................

‫أ‬

...............‫ي���ه��م و‬ �� ‫ ب�ي�� ن� � ي��د‬.........

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

229

Figure 2.230 Partial inscription, JBH5

Reference Number: JBH6 Co-ordinates: 26.21654° N 050.53095° E Dimensions: 102 cm (l) × 23 cm (w) × 30 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Very eroded. Remnants of unidentifiable raised decoration at both ends. Partial inscription on one surface.

230

Chapter 2

Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – ………… – … their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear … (32:16).

‫أ‬

ً َ

:� ...................................

ُ َّ َ َ ُ ْ َ

َ َْ

َ

� ‫ْ �خ‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ن‬ .......‫���� �ض�ا � �ِ ���ي�د �عو� رب�����ه��م� ْو��ف�ا‬ ِ‫ع�� ا ل���م�� ج‬...... ‫ع‬

ِ

Figure 2.231 Surface A, JBH6

B: – No carving or inscriptions. C: – No carving or inscriptions. D: – No carving or inscriptions. E: – No carving or inscriptions.

:�‫ب‬

‫ن �ق ش ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � ��‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� و‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ن �ق ش ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � ��‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� و‬

:‫د‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� �‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� و‬ � :‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� �‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� و‬ �

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

231

Reference Number: JBH7 Co-ordinates: 26.21664° N 050.53097° E Dimensions: 163 cm (l) × 26 cm (w) × 57 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central thin rounded flat slab all set on a rectangular plinth at both ends. The raised decoration is partially broken off at one end and the back of the raised decoration on one end surface (D) has traces of what appears to be rosette carving. Badly eroded in places where above ground. Full inscriptions on two surfaces, and partial inscriptions on two other surfaces. Excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

:� A: – ……….. ُ‫�ت �� ن �ذ ن تت فَّ ُ ُ ْ َ �آ َ ة‬.…………… – … the pious. Those whose lives the ��� ‫ ا �ل� �ي� ��و��ا ���ه��م ا �ل���م�ل ئِ� �ك‬،���‫ ا �ل���م� ��قي‬....…… angels take while they are in a pious ْ ُ ُ‫َ ّ نَ َ �قُ �ُ نَ �َ��ع�َ�لْ ك‬ ْ ُ‫�َ��َّ �ةَ َ ُ ن‬ state saying … on you … paradise, be- ‫���ت�����م‬ ‫ ا ��جل� �ن� بِ����م�ا �ك‬......‫�م‬ � �‫ ي‬.......�‫طيِ����بِي��� ي��� ولو‬ cause of that which you used to do َ‫تَ ْ َ ُ ن‬ (16:31–32). .�‫����ع��م�لو‬

Figure 2.232 Surface A, JBH7

232 B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. – His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, and then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is AllHearer, All-Knower (2:255–256). God Almighty has spoken the truth.

Figure 2.233 Surfaces B and E, JBH7

Chapter 2

َّ َ َ ّ ٰ :�‫ب‬ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َّ ٌ َ‫ُ َْ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ ُ‫�ه َ ا �ل� ّ ا �ل���ق�� �م لا ت�� ����خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� َلا � ْ �م �ل�ه‬ ‫و و‬ ‫و حي� يو‬ َ َ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش��َ� ْء �ّم� ن‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫�ه‬ ِ‫�ه‬ � ‫��م‬ ��� ‫ا‬ � �� �� ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ‫� ي ِ ي� و‬ � ِ ٍ �‫� و ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ ْ َ َ َّ .‫ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ َ َ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ع‬ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ي� ود ه‬ ‫ لا‬،‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ّ َ‫�َاهَ � ا � ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ا � ُّ�ْ ُ � نَ ا �ْ غ‬ � �� � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ � ‫�د‬ ‫�د‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�ك‬ �� ‫�ش‬ ‫�ب‬ ‫�ق‬ ‫ل‬ � �‫ي‬ ‫�� ي� ر‬ � ِ ِ �‫إِ ر فِي‬ ِ ‫مِ � ي‬ ُ‫�َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ َ َ‫ّ ف‬ ُْ � ‫��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫� َو�ي�ؤ �مِ � ن� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ������ق ِ�د‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا و ت‬ َ َ َ ْ ُْ ََ َ َ ُْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ‫ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �بِ� �ا �ل�ع ْر َو�ةِ ا �لوث���ق�ى لا ا ن���فِ��������ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ّٰ ‫ق‬ ٌ َ ٌ َ ُّ َ ‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل���ع���ل‬،‫وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي��ع ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ‫ي‬ ‫�ظ‬ .‫ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬

233

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� � و‬

Figure 2.234 Surface C, JBH7

234 D: – This is the grave of the late, the forgiven, Shaikh ʿAli bin Shaikh Ahmad – bin ʿAbd al-Salam, died in the fifteenth of Rajab, 1098.

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫ل����ش���� خ‬ �� � ‫ح �م ا �ل���م�� ا‬ � � � ‫ا‬ ‫��ذا‬ ‫ل‬ � � � � �� ��� ‫ض‬ ‫ه‬ ‫��م‬ � ‫ريح ر و‬ �‫برور ي‬ �� � ‫� ن ا‬ .‫ل����ش��ي�� خ ا ح���م�د‬ �‫ب‬ � ‫ف‬ ‫ت‬ �� ‫ن‬ ‫ش‬ �� � ‫�ب� �ع����ب�د ا �ل��س�لا �م و�و ي� ��خ�ا �م��س �ع���ش�ر �������ه�ر‬ ‫�ة‬ .1098 ���‫ر �����ج� ب� ����سن‬

� �‫��ع��لي‬

Figure 2.235 Surface D, JBH7

E: – Written by al-Sayyid … See Figure 2.233

:‫�ه�ـ‬

‫ت‬

..................‫�����ب�ه ا �ل����سي���د‬ ‫�ك‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

235

Reference Number: JBH8 Co-ordinates: 26.21653° N 050.53095° E Dimensions: 116.5 cm (l) × 23 cm (w) × 42 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single hollow limestone slab gravestone. Very eroded on top and on some other areas. Partially legible inscriptions on four surfaces. Unidentifiable raised decoration at both ends. Excavated to expose complete gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

:�

A:

َ َّ َ‫َ ْ ن ُّ �ف‬ َّ�� َ ُ َ َْ‫� �ةً َّ ُ ُ ْ أ‬ � – Eden Paradise, whose doors will be �‫� ���ع�د � �م�� ��ت�� �ح� ��ل���ه��م ال� ب�وا ب‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�ن‬ ِ‫�ج � ت‬ ٍ opened for them … (38:50)

– Grieve not, but receive the glad tidings of the paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask … (41:30–31) God Almighty … has spoken the truth.

Figure 2.236 Surfaces A and E, JBH8

................

َ‫ََ تَْ�زَنُ َأَ ْ �� ُ �ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ � ‫ولا‬ ،�‫��������م �و���ع�د و‬ ‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا �ا �ج�� �ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ‫نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ َ �� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� ْ� � � � ‫ل‬ � ‫ك‬ ‫ال‬ � �‫�� �ر‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ِ‫ح� ن� � ولِ�ي��ا �م ي� ح����ي�ا ةِ ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� � خ‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أَ ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������هي� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ِ ّٰ ‫ق‬ َ‫َ �َ َّ ُ ن‬ ‫�ظ‬ .‫ ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬......‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه‬......�‫���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬

236

Chapter 2

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ َ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes ُ َ�� ْ‫َّ َ ش‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in . ‫������ف‬ �‫ا �ل��ذِ �ي� ي‬ ‫ع‬ the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede ََ ْ َْ‫� ��ْ َ ُ َّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ َ َ ْ نَ أ‬ � – With Him except by His permission! ‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا‬ �� ‫ِع� �ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ���م�ا ب�ي��� � ي� ِ�د‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫م‬ He knows what happens to them in ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ َّ � this world, and will happen to them ‫حي����طو� �����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا ����م�ا‬ ِ�‫���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫ي‬ َ in the Hereafter and they will never َ َ ‫أ‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا َ ا َ ْ ض‬ compass anything of His Knowledge ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫� ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا � و ت‬ ‫ع‬ except that which He wills. His Seat ُ َ ْ� ‫َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ extends over the heavens and the .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬ earth and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255).

Figure 2.237 Surface B, JBH8

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – … from crop … from … at land …

Figure 2.238 Surface C, JBH8

237

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ..... �‫ ب�����س��ي����ح‬............��‫ �م‬.......‫ �م�� ��ح�ا �ص�ل‬............

238 D: – ………… – … The holy … Shaikh … bin Naser …

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ .……………………… � ‫ � ن‬.... ‫ل����ش���� خ‬ �� �� .........‫ب� �ن�ا �صر‬ ‫ا � ي‬.......‫ ا �ل���م���ق�د ��س‬.......



Figure 2.239 Surface D, JBH8

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.236

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

239

Reference Number: JBH9 Co-ordinates: 26.21651° N 050.53094° E Dimensions: 66 cm (l) × 22 cm (w) × 34.5 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single hollow limestone slab gravestone. Very eroded. Probably once one part of a double slab gravestone. Unidentifiable raised decoration at one end. Partial inscriptions on two surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – No carving or inscriptions.

‫أ‬

:�

‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� � و‬

Figure 2.240 Surface A, JBH9

B: – ………… – … Allah …

:�‫ب‬ ............................. ّٰ .............‫ ا �ل��ل�ه‬.........

240

Chapter 2

Figure 2.241 Surface B, JBH9

:‫�ج��ـ‬

C:

‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� � و‬

– No carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.242 Surfaces C and E, JBH9

241

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

D: – ………… – … The late Shaikh ʿAli bin ʿAbd al-Husayn.

‫ن‬ �‫�ب‬

� �‫��ع��لي‬

‫ل����ش���� خ‬ �� � ‫ا‬ �‫ي‬

:‫د‬ ...................…… �‫ ا �ل���مر‬............ ‫حو�م‬ ‫�ع��ب�د ا �ل‬ � .�‫ح���سي�� ن‬

Figure 2.243 Surface E, JBH9

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.242

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � � � ‫لا و�� �ج�د ��� و � و ��ا ��ب�ا‬

242

Chapter 2

Reference Number: JBH10 Co-ordinates: 26.21650° N 050.53093° E Dimensions: 155 cm (l) × 31.5 cm (w) × 55.5 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Shallow carved rounded niche design on upper surface (E). Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central thin flat rounded slab all set on a rectangular plinth at both ends. Well-carved inscriptions on five surfaces. The roughly carved base that was designed to be below the ground surface can be seen. In generally good condition but with some patches of erosion. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – The angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of the paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask. An entertainment from the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (41:30–32). Eden Paradise, whose doors will be opened for them, Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance – And drinks. And beside them will be chaste females restraining their glances and of equal ages. This is what you are promised for the day of Reckoning. Verily, this is our provision which will never finish (38:50– 54). Eat and drink comfortably for that which you used to do. They will recline on thrones arranged in ranks. And shall marry them to … (52:19–20).

‫أ‬

:�

َ ََ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� ْ ‫تَ�ْ�زَنُ َ أ‬ � � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ،�‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �رو �ا �ج � �ن��ةِ ل�� �ك�������م و��ع�د و‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ َ َ‫نَْ أ‬ ْ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� � � �‫�مْ �ي� ا �لح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خِ� �ر‬ �‫ح� نُ� � ْولِ�ي��ا �ؤ ك‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أ ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������هي� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ِ َّ ُ‫َ �َ َّ ُ نَ �ُ �زُ ً ّ ْ �غَ �ف‬ ‫ �����ن�ا ت‬.‫ح� �ي��م‬ � ‫ ��ن� لا �ِم� ن� � �� و ٍر ر ِ� �� ٍ �ج‬،�‫���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬ َ َ‫ن ُّ �فَ �تَّ َ �ةً َّ ُ ُ ْ أَْ َ ُ ُ �تَّ �� ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫ �م� ِك‬،�‫���ع�د � �م�� � ����ح� ��ل���ه��م ال� ب�وا ب‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ� ي��� ف‬ َ َ‫َ ْ ُ نَ َ �ف‬ .ٍ‫����ه��ة‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫���ي�د �عو� ف‬ َ ُ‫َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ َ َ َ َ ��� � � ‫ و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬،� ‫ا‬ � � �� � �� � ‫�ش‬ � ٍ‫ك ثِ يرةٍ و ر ب‬ َ‫َّ ْ أَ�ْ َ ٌ َ �ذَ َ تُ َ ُ ن‬ َ ْ � ‫ ���ه� ا ���م�ا �و���ع�د و� لِي�و�ِم‬،�‫ا �ل����ط�ر�� � ��ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ف‬ ْ َ��َّ‫نَّ َ �ذَ َِ�زْ ُق ��َ َ َ ُ ن‬ َ� ‫ا �ل‬ ‫ح‬ .‫ � � ���ه� ا �لر �� �ن�ا ���م�ا �ل�ه �مِ � ن� ����ف�ا ٍد‬،� ‫ا‬ �� � � ‫�س‬ ِ‫ِ بِ إ‬ ُ َ ً َ َُ ْ َ ُ ُ َ‫�نتُ ْ �تَ�ْ َ لُ نَ �ُ �تَّ �� ن‬ ‫ك�لوا وا �ش��رب�وا �هنِ���ي�����ئ�ا بِ����م�ا �ك�������م ��ع��م�و� م� ِك‬ ���‫�� ئِ� ي‬ ُ َ ْ َّ َ‫َ َ ُ ُ َّ ْ �فُ �َ َ �ز‬ ................‫�ص� و��ف��ةٍ و و�ج� ن���ا ���ه��م‬ ��‫���ع��لى ����س�رر �م‬ ٍ

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

243

Figure 2.244 Surfaces A and E, JBH10

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. – His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever … (2:255–256).

َّ َ َ ُّ ّٰ :�‫ب‬ َ ‫ن‬ � � � � � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ ا ل��ل�ه ا � ل�ـ�ه � ا‬،‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه ا لر �ح��م�� ا لرح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َّ ٌ َ‫ُ َْ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ ُ‫�ه َ ا �ل� ّ ا �ل���ق�� �م لا ت�� ����خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� َلا � ْ �م �ل�ه‬ ‫و و‬ ‫و حي� يو‬ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش��َ� ْء �ّم� ن‬ � � ‫ل‬ � �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ � ِ ٍ �‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا ���ل������ه��م وا ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ ْ َ َ َّ .‫ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ َ َ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا � و ت‬ ‫ع‬ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ي� ود ه‬ ‫ لا‬،‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ّ َ‫�َاهَ � ا � ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ا � ُّ�ْ ُ � نَ ا �ْ غ‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ �� � ‫�د‬ ‫�د‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�ك‬ �� ‫�ش‬ ‫�ب‬ ‫�ق‬ ‫ل‬ � � �‫ي‬ � �� ‫ي ر‬ � ِ ِ ‫إِ ر فِي‬ ِ ‫مِ � ي‬ ُ‫�َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ َ َ‫ّ ف‬ ُْ � ‫��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫� َو�ي�ؤ �مِ � ن� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ������ق ِ�د‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا ت‬ َ َ َ ْ ُْ ََ َ َ ُْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ‫ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �بِ� �ا �ل�ع ْر َو�ةِ ا �لوث���ق�ى لا ا ن���فِ��������ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ٌ َ ٌ َ ُّ َ .‫وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي�� ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ‫ع‬

244

Chapter 2

Figure 2.245 Surface B, JBH10

C: – Accomplishment of the Quran…… followed by sixteen muhammadiyyah from the income … . Baskets … – Twenty shares … completeness … is ten shares … Ten shares from zakat …

– Engraved by Muhammad Saʿid …

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫آ‬ �‫ ت����ت��ل �ل ك‬.....�‫�قرا ء ت�����ه�ا �خ�����ت��م ا �ل�����ق�ر� ن‬ �‫��ل ����س� ت‬ ‫ى‬ ‫ع���ش� حم �ة‬ ‫ت‬ �� ‫ا‬ ......� ‫ ����ج�ل‬.....‫��م�د ��ي� �م� ن� ��ح�ا �ص�ل‬ ‫� ر‬ ‫�� ة أ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫�ش‬ ....‫ �ه� �ع���ش�ر� � ���س�ه���م�ا‬....‫ ����م�ا �م‬....‫ع���ر� ن� ���س�ه���م�ا‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ ‫� �� ة‬ ‫كا ت‬ ...‫كا‬ � .....� � ‫ع���ش�ر� ا ���س�ه���م�ا �م� ن� ���س���ه�ا �م ا �ل�ز‬ ‫ف‬ .)�‫(�م� ن�) (ب�ت�����ع‬ ‫ن����ق �����ش�ه الا ��ق� حم‬ ......‫����م�د ��س�ع����ي�د‬ ‫ل‬

Figure 2.246 Surface C, JBH10

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

245

:‫د‬ ‫ح ���م��ة ح ك �ة‬ ‫�ة‬ � � � ‫ا‬ ‫��ذا‬ ‫ل‬ � � � � �� ��� ‫ض‬ ‫ه‬ ‫��م‬ � �‫�ي�����م� (ح�لي�����م� ) ب�����ن� ت‬ ‫ريح ر و‬ ‫أ‬ ‫ل����ش���� خ � ح���م�د � ن‬ �� � ‫ل����ش���� خ ���ع�� � ن ا‬ �� � ‫ا �ل���م�� ا‬ .....�‫ب‬ �‫برور ي� لي� ب� ي‬ �� � ‫ ف� ��ث�ا �ن‬....................... – … in twelfth of Jumada al-awwal in ‫ع���ش�ر �ج ���م�ا د �ى الا و لى‬ �‫ي� ي‬ D: – This is the shrine of the late Hakima (possibly Halima) bint Shaikh ʿAli bin Shaikh Ahmad bin … one thousand and one hundred.

‫ف‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ .���‫�م� ن� ا �ل����سن��� ا �ل���م�ا ��ي� والا �ل‬

Figure 2.247 Surface D, JBH10

E: – Written by Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din al-Bahrani, may Allah forgive them.

:‫�ه�ـ‬

‫ن‬ ‫ن �ز ن‬ ‫���ت� �ه الا ���ق� � ن ن‬ �‫ح���سي��� �ب� ���ع��لي� �ب� ي�� ا �ل�د�ي‬ ‫�ك �ب‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ا �ل� ��ح ن ف‬ .‫�را �� �ع���� �ع ن����ه���م�ا‬ ‫�ب ي ي‬

246

Chapter 2

‫ف‬ �‫ �صور ك‬......... ‫�����ي� �يوا ري�����ه�ا ا �ل����ث�ر�ى*** لا‬ ‫���غ�د ت‬ .�‫� ي���س��كب�����ه�ا د ����م ا �ل��س����ح�ا ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫��س���ع�د ت‬ ‫� د ن� �ي�ا د � ن ا ت� ت‬ – She has got the happiness of the ‫� *** رب�����ه�ا ���ح�تى‬ ‫�� و ي� و‬ – … Oh how the soil embedded her until the cloud cried on her.

world and the afterlife, and she went to Allah until Allah showed her …

– Engraved by al-Sayyid Naser Bin alSayyid Hashim, May Allah forgive them.

.........‫ا را ���ه�ا‬

�‫ن����ق �����ش�ه ا �ل����سي���د ��ن�ا �صر � نب� ا �ل����سي���د ا �ل���مر‬ ‫حو�م‬ ّٰ .‫الا ����ج�ل �ه�ا � ����ش��م �ع���فى ا �ل��ل�ه �ع ن����ه���م�ا‬

See Figure 2.244 Reference Number: JBH11 Co-ordinates: 26.21654° N 050.53101° E Dimensions: 127 cm (l) × 30 cm (w) × 41 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Shallow carved pointed niche design on upper surface (E). Eroded unidentifiable probably three element raised decoration at both ends. Double rosettes carved at each end on upper surface (E). Inscriptions on five surfaces. Excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – The heavens and the earth. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255). And those who kept duty to their Lord will be led to Paradise in groups, until, – When they reach it, and its gates are opened and its keepers say to them: peace be upon you, you have done well, so enter here to abide therein (39:73).

‫أ‬

:�

َ ُ ُ ْ � ُ ُ ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ‬ َ َ َّ ‫ح��ف�� ظ�����ه���م�ا‬ ِ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا ي� ود ه‬ ِ‫ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ َ َّ َ‫َ ُ َ ْ َ ُّ ْ َ ُ َ قَ َّ ن‬ � ِ‫ و���سِ���ي� ا �ل��ذ‬.‫و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ي� ا ت����ق ْوا‬ �‫ِي‬ َ‫َ َّ ُ ْ َ َْ َّ �زُ َ ً َ تَّ إِ�ذ‬ ‫ر�����ه��م �إِلى ا ��جل‬ .‫�����ن��ةِ ���م�را ���ح�ى � ا‬ ‫ب‬ َ‫أ‬ َ َ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ ُ ُ ْ ‫َف‬ �َ ْ ‫ج��ا �ؤ و���ه�ا و���تِ�����ح� ت� � ب� َوا ب�����ه�ا و��ق�ا ل ��ل���ه��م‬ َ ُ ُ ْ َ‫�خَ�زَنَتُ َ َ َ ٌ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ُْ ْ ف‬ ‫�م ِط ب��ت�����م ��ا د خ��لو���ه�ا‬ �‫� ������ه�ا ����س�لا �م ���ع��لي� ك‬ َ َ‫� � � ن‬ .�‫ي‬ ‫�� �خ�ا ِل ِ�د‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

247

Figure 2.248 Surface A, JBH11

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on – The earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over (2:255).

Figure 2.249 Surface B, JBH11

َّ َ َ ُّ ّٰ :�‫ب‬ َ ‫ن‬ � � � � � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ ل��ل�ه ا ل�ـ�ه ا‬،‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه لر �ح��م�� لرح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َّ ٌ َ‫ُ َْ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ ُ‫�ه َ ا �ل� ّ ا �ل���ق�� �م لا ت�� ����خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� َلا � ْ �م �ل�ه‬ ‫و و‬ ‫و حي� يو‬ َّ ََ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � َ ‫ا‬ .�� ‫� و���م�ا‬ ِ‫���م�ا فِي� ا � و ت‬ ‫فِي‬ َّ ُ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َّ َ‫َ �ذ‬ ْ َ‫أ‬ �� ‫ش‬ �� ‫ن‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫ه‬ � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ع‬ ‫�د‬ � � ��� � � ‫م‬ � ‫�ف‬ ‫�ن‬ ‫ا‬ � �ِ‫ال� ر ض‬ ِ ‫ل��ذِ ي� ي ع‬ ِ‫إ‬ َْ‫�إِ�ذْ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ أ‬ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ َ ْف‬ �� ‫� �نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن� � ي� ِ�د‬ ‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا خ���ل������ه��م‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫م‬ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ َ َّ � ‫حي����طو� �����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ِ�‫ولا ي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫بِ ي‬ ُ ُّ ْ ُ‫َ ���سِ� َ ك‬ .‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه‬ ‫و ع‬

248 C:

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ق‬ ‫ر����م�ه‬ ‫ا �ل���م�عت������ �ص��م‬ ‫ح����س ن � ن حم‬ .‫����م�د‬ �‫�ع����ب�د ا �ل���م��� � ب‬ ‫ن����ق �����ش�ه ا �ل ا ث� ق � �ب�ه ا �ل���ع��ل ��س�ل���م�ا ن � ن‬ – Engraved by the one who trusts in his �‫ب� ���ع��ل‬ � �‫و � ب ر‬ �‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ Great God, Salman bin ʿAli, 1007. – Written by the one who trusts in his God, ʿAbd al-Husayn bin Muhammad.

‫الا و��ح�د‬

‫ب�ر��ب�ه‬

.1007

Figure 2.250 Surface C, JBH11

:‫د‬ � ‫كا ن ا‬ ‫ح� �ع� �ب�د ا �ل��س�لا �م � ن‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ � � ‫ن‬ � ‫م‬ � �� � �‫ب‬ �� ‫�بور‬ �‫ر ج‬ � .‫�ن�ا �صر‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ا �ل‬ � – The Truthful, the Beacon, was in ‫ح ق� ا �ل���م����ن�ا ر ا �ل���ع�ا �مر (��ب�ا �ر) �لث��ا �م����ن�ه �م� ن� �ش������ه�ر‬ D: – The death of the Blissful, ʿAbd alSalam bin Naser, eighth of Rabiʿ,

– After one thousand and three of the Prophet’s migration.

. ‫رب�����ي‬ ‫ع‬

‫ف‬ ‫� �ة‬ ‫ث � �ة‬ �� ‫ن �ه‬ ‫الا ��خ�ر ب����ع�د ا �ل��لا �ث� والا �ل��� �م�� �� �ج�ر‬ .‫ا �ل���� ب�ن�� ا �ل����ط�ا �هر‬ ‫ي‬

249

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.251 Surface D, JBH11

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ش‬ � ‫ل‬ � � � � � �‫�������ق��� ا ل���������� �ض�ا ء ��ع��لى ا ح���� �ج�ر *** ا ل���مو‬ �� ‫� �ت‬ ‫م‬ ‫ح� و�م ا �ل���ق�د ر‬ ‫ت‬ �� – And the grave is a lesson … followed ‫ ي��ب���ع���ه�ا‬.......***‫وا �ل���ق��بر �م� ن� ا ��ح�د �ى ا �ل���ع��بر‬ by the history. � .‫الا �ث�ر‬ E: – The destiny engraved on stone. Death is the inevitable fate.

Figure 2.252 Surface E, JBH11

Reference Number: JBH12 Co-ordinates: 26.21634° N 050.52946° E Dimensions: 151 cm (l) × 30 cm (w) × 56 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE

250

Chapter 2

Description: Single hollow limestone slab gravestone. Found lying on its side and excavated to expose inscriptions on four surfaces, but too fragile to move to record the buried surface (B). Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central thin rounded slab all set on a rectangular plinth at each end. Shallow carved pointed niche design on upper surface (E). Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – The angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of the paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask (41:30–31). – Eden Paradise, whose doors will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be chaste females restraining their glances and of equal ages. This is what you are promised for the day of Reckoning. Verily, this is our provision which will never finish (38:50–54). God Almighty has spoken the truth.

‫أ‬

:�

َ ََ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� ْ ‫تَ�ْ�زَنُ َ أ‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ � �� �� ‫ك‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ � �� � � ِ‫ش‬ ‫��ع‬ ‫�ن‬ � �� � ‫م‬ �‫و و‬ �‫ح �وا و� ب رو بِ �ج �ةِ تِي‬ ُُ‫نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� ْ � � � ‫ل‬ � � � �ِ‫�م ي� ا ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خ‬ �‫ح� ن� � ولِ�ي��ا ك‬ ِ‫رة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أَ ن‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ه� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ َ‫َ �َ َّ ُ ن‬ .�‫���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬ َّ�� َ ُ َْ‫َ ْ ن ُّ َ َّ َ ً َّ ُ ُ ْ أ‬ � ،�‫� ���ع�د ٍ� �م��ف� ��ت����ح��ة ��ل���ه��م ال� ب� َوا ب‬ ِ‫�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ َ َ َ‫ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ نَ َ �ف‬ �‫�ثِ���ي��َر‬ �‫����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ‫�م��ت ِك‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ ْ َّ ُ‫َ َ ُ ْ �َ َ ت‬ َ ََ �ِ‫ و ِ�ع ن���د ���ه��م ��ق�ا �صِ را � ا �ل����ط�ر�ف‬،� ٍ‫و� ����ش�را ب‬ ْ َ َ ٌ َ ْ�َ‫أ‬ َُ ُ َ� ‫ ���ه��ذ ا �َ��م�ا ت�و���ع�د و نَ� �يَ� ْو�م ا �ل‬،� ‫ح‬ ،� ‫ا‬ �� � � ‫�س‬ ‫� ��ت�را ب‬ ِ‫لِ ِ ِ ب‬ َ َّ َ َ َ ‫نَّ َ �ذَ َ ْ ُق‬ ّٰ ‫ق‬ ‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه‬.‫� � ���ه� ا �لرِ�ز �����ن�ا ���م�ا �ل�هُ �مِ � ن� ن������ف�ا ٍد‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫�ظ‬ ‫ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

251

Figure 2.253 Surface A, JBH12

B: – Not able to read. C: – … This is … al-Bahrayn … Al … – ……………

:�‫ب‬ ………………………………………………

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ن‬ � � � ....‫ الا‬.......�‫ ا ل��ب��حري‬.......‫ ���ه��ذا‬.……… .........................

Figure 2.254 Surface C, JBH12

D: – This is the grave of the late Hajj Mubarak Bin Ismaʿil. – Died after one thousand and two.

:‫د‬ ‫ح �م ا �ل��ح�ا �م� �ب�ا ك � ن‬ � � � ‫ا‬ ‫��ذا‬ ‫ل‬ � � � � �� ��� ‫ض‬ ‫ه‬ ‫��م‬ � ‫ي‬ �‫ج� �� ر ب‬ ‫رح ر و‬ .)‫ا ���س��م�عي���ل (ا ��س���م�ا �عي���ل‬ ‫ت ف‬ ‫ن �ة ث�� ن ال � ف‬ .���‫�و �� ب����ع�د ����س��� ا � �ني��� و ا ل‬ ‫ي‬

252

Chapter 2

Figure 2.255 Surface D, JBH12

E: – Written by the least, the one who stands in need of the Only Owner of the Day of Reckoning, Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din. – Be aware that the grave is the place of bodies but the souls go to the Generous.

:‫�ه�ـ‬

‫���ت� �ه الا ���ق� ا �ل��ف������ق�� �ل���م�ل�ك � �م ا �ل�د � ن � ن‬ ‫ير‬ �‫ي‬ ‫يو‬ ���‫ح���سي‬ ‫�ك �ب‬ ‫ل‬ ‫� ن ���ع��ل � ن �ز � ن ا �ل�د � ن‬ .�‫ي‬ �‫ب� ي� ب� ي‬

‫�ص ا ن� ا �ل����ث� �ى �م�����ق� ا ��جل‬ ‫���سو�م*** و�م���� �صي��ر‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ح‬ �‫الا رو �ع����ن�د ا �ل ك‬ .‫�ر��ي��م‬ ‫اح‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– You are really blessed and a lover of ʿAli, so in the afterlife you will live in happiness. – Engraved by al-Sayyid Naser bin alSayyid Hashim al-Husayni.

253

� �� � ‫ا ن� ت‬ �‫ح���ق�ا �م����ب�ا ر ك و�موا ل*** �ل���ع��ل� �ف�اث�ب�� ت‬ � ‫ي‬ � .‫��غ�د ا ب�ا �لن��ع����ي��م‬ ‫ن����ق �����ش�ه ا �ل����سي���د ��ن�ا �صر � نب� ا �ل����سي���د ا �ل�����ف�ا �خ�ر ����سي���د‬ ‫�ه�ا � ����ش��م ا �ل‬ � .��‫ح��س�ي� ن‬ ‫ي‬

Figure 2.256 Surface E, JBH12

Reference Number: JBH13 Co-ordinates: 26.21656° N 050.53002° E Dimensions: 104 cm (l) × 44 cm (w) × 23 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single hollow limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.257). No inscriptions. Excavated to move it from an upside-down position to check for inscriptions.

Figure 2.257 JBH13

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions

254 13

Chapter 2

Jidhafs (JID)

Location: Jidhafs village cemetery Reference Number: JID1 Co-ordinates: 26.22020° N 050.53889° E Dimensions: 122 cm (l) × 27 cm (w) × 25.5 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs measured as one unit because of its poor condition. Very eroded with traces of cement between the two slabs. Partial inscriptions on two surfaces. Excavated to expose gravestone as almost completely buried and tilted on its side. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious,…………

‫أ‬

:�

ّٰ ...................................... �‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن‬ .........

ُ َ ْ ُ َ�� ْ َ

َّ َ‫�ذ‬

َ

ْ َ‫أ‬

َ

‫���م�ا � ال� � �م� ن ا ا �ل� � � ش‬ – Whatever is on the earth. Who is he ‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه‬ ‫�ذِ ي� ي‬ � �ِ‫فِي� ر ض‬ ‫ع‬ َ that can intercede with Him except َ ْ ‫أ‬ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ‫َّ �إِ�ذ‬ ْ ُ ‫ْ َ �َ خَ ف‬ by His permission! He knows what ‫���ل������ه��م‬ ‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا‬ �� ‫� لا � �نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن� � ي� ِ�د‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫م‬ happens to them in this world, and ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ َ َّ � will happen to them in the Hereafter ‫حي����طو� �����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ِ�‫ولا ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫ي‬ َ and they will never compass anything َ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫َ أْض‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ا‬ of His Knowledge except that which ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ع‬ He wills. His Seat extends over the َ ُ ُ‫َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ � فْ ظ‬ heavens and the earth. And He feels .‫ي� ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا‬ no fatigue in guarding and preserving them (2:255).

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

255

Figure 2.258 Surface A, part 1, JID1

Figure 2.259 Surface A, part 2, JID1

B: – No carving or inscriptions.

:�‫ب‬

‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د‬

256

Chapter 2

C: – ………… – Month of Jumada II, year 903.

:‫�ج��ـ‬ .....................

‫�ة‬ .903 ���‫�ش������ه�ر �ج ���م�ا د �ى الا و لى �ل����سن‬

Figure 2.260 Surface C, JID1

D: – No carving or inscriptions. E: – No carving or inscriptions. 14

Jidhafs al-Imam (JAI)

Location: Jidhafs village cemetery Reference Number: JAI1 Co-ordinates: 26.21914° N 050.53564° E Dimensions: 162 cm (l) × 23.5 cm (w) × 54 cm (h)

:‫د‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ل ت‬ ‫ت‬ � ‫ك‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�د‬ � � � ‫ب‬ ‫ج‬ ‫ا‬ � � ��‫و‬

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � ‫ك‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�د‬ � � �‫لا و�� �ج �ب‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

257

Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single solid limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.261). No inscriptions. Three element raised decoration formed of two badly carved and mis-shapen facetted cubes and a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at both ends. The sides are roughly cut and carved with possible chisel marks at one end. The gravestone was possibly left unfinished because of the poor surface quality of the side surfaces. Excavated to expose whole gravestone.

Figure 2.261 JAI1

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: JAI2 Co-ordinates: 26.21891° N 050.53574° E Dimensions: 155 cm (l) × 28.5 cm (w) × 37 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.262). Very badly eroded. No inscriptions. Unidentifiable raised decoration at one end represented by an eroded mis-shapen lump. The gravestone appears to have been re-used or re-appropriated fairly recently, as indicated by the erection of a rectangular boundary around it made from a single course of unmortared cement blocks set upright.

258

Chapter 2

Figure 2.262 JAI2

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: JAI3 Co-ordinates: 26.21879° N 050.53586° E Dimensions: 136 cm (l) × 30 cm (w) × 48.5 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Very eroded on top and parts of upper surface. Remains of three element unidentifiable raised decoration at one end. Partial inscriptions on four surfaces. Excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – ………… – Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and His being pleased, and of Gardens for them wherein are everlasting delights. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward (9:21–22). Enter …

‫أ‬

:� ....................…………………

‫َُ شّ ُ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ �َ ْح�َ �ّ ��ْ ُ َ �ضْ َ ن‬ �ٍ ‫� وا‬ ‫���ر���ه��م رب�����ه��م بِ ر ��م��ةٍ ِم� �ن�ه و ِر‬ ِ �‫ي�ب‬ َ�� ٌ ُّ ٌ َ‫َ َ ��َّ َّ ُ ْ َ ن‬ َ‫� � � ن‬ � ‫�د‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�خ‬ ����ِ‫� ��ل���ه��م ف‬ ‫ل‬ �‫ ِ ِ ي‬،‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م‬ ٍ‫و�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ ْ َ‫َ أَ َ ً نَّ ّ َ �� َ ُ أ‬ ٌ َ� ٌ � � .‫�� ���ي��م‬ ����ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا �إِ � ا �ل��ل�ه ِ�ع� �ن�د ه � �� �ج�ر ع �ظ‬ �� ........‫ا د ��خ�لوا‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

259

Figure 2.263 Surfaces A and E, JAI3

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter. – And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255). God’s blessings and peace be upon Muhammad and his family.

Figure 2.264 Surface B, JAI3

َّ َ َ ُّ ّٰ :�‫ب‬ َ ‫ن‬ � � � � � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه ا لر �ح��م�� ا لرح����ي��م ا ل��ل�ه ا � ل�ـ�ه � ا‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َّ ٌ َ‫ُ َْ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ ُ‫�ه َ ا �ل� ّ ا �ل���ق�� �م لا ت�� ����خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� َلا � ْ �م �ل�ه‬ ‫و و‬ ‫و حي� يو‬ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ �َ خَ ْف‬ .‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا ���ل������ه��م‬ �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ ْ َ َ َّ ّ ْ َ‫َ َ ُ� ُ نَ ش‬ ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ���ِ‫حي����طو� �ب‬ ِ�‫ولا ي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ي‬ َ َ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا � و ت‬ ‫ع‬ ُ َ ْ� ‫َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ ‫ و�� �ص�ل‬.‫ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ‫م آ‬ ٰ ‫ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ���ع��ل ح‬ .�‫����م�د و� �ل�ه ا �ل����ط�ا �هر�ي ن‬ ‫ى‬

260

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬ �� �� .‫��خ��م��س �ع���ش�ر‬........�‫���ه��ذا ���� �ض�ري‬ ‫ح‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ – … Ramadan, year one thousand, �‫���� �ض�ا � ����سن��� ��س�ا د ���س� والا ر ب����عي�� ن‬ ��‫ ر�م‬...... ‫ف‬ forty-six. .���‫وا �ل‬ C: – This is the grave … Fifteen.

Figure 2.265 Surface C, JAI3

:‫د‬ �‫���ه��ذا ���� �ض� ي‬ ‫رح‬ ‫����م�د � ن‬ ‫ل����ش���� خ حم‬ �� � ‫�ب�ه ا �ل�����ف� د ا‬ – His God, Shaikh Muhammad bin ‫ ا ب�و‬....‫ب� �ع����ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه‬ ‫ي‬ �‫ر‬ ‫ر‬ � ʿAbd Allah … Abu … .....‫ر‬ D: – This grave of the late …

.....�‫ ل‬....) ‫(ا �ل���م����ن�د ر ج‬......‫ا �ل���م����ن�د ر‬ ‫� ي‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

261

Figure 2.266 Surface D, JAI3

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � ‫ك‬ � � ‫لا و�� �ج�د ��ا ��ب�ا‬

See Figure 2.263 15

Karranah (KAR)

Location: Karranah village cemetery. Gravestones are only found in one part of the cemetery; the other part of the cemetery is separated as it is bisected by a road where it was around the al-Rabi mosque/shrine. This part of the cemetery is the only one recorded with a pre-Islamic site beneath it. Rescue excavations during 2010–2012 found clay tub burials of Late Dilmun date (c. 1000–400 BC; cf. Lombard 1988: 80 for examples). The al-Rabi mosque/shrine has been extensively rebuilt (Chapter 3) and the graves that surrounded it have now gone, being replaced by recent housing development. Reference Number: KAR1 Co-ordinates: 26.22647° N 050.51442° E

262

Chapter 2

Dimensions: Not measured Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Grave covered in concrete (Figure 2.267). Probable inscribed gravestone underneath.

Figure 2.267 KAR1

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No Inscriptions Reference Number: KAR2 Co-ordinates: 26.22675° N 050.51525° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 62 cm (l) × 27 cm (w) × 40 cm (h) Slab 2: 72 cm (l) × 27 cm (w) × 40 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs (Figure 2.268). Eroded unidentifiable raised decoration at one end and partially identifiable 3-element raised decoration at the other end comprising one facetted cube and two unidentifiable elements on a rectangular plinth. No inscriptions but traces of shallow carved

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

263

pointed niche design on top surface (E). The gravestone had been bedded into the ground with stones. This gravestone, alongside KAR3, was set within the remains of small mosque on a low mound. Small stones marked the former walls and mihrab (180 cm × 90 cm) of the mosque which covered an area of c.8m (l) × 6m (w). The mihrab contained KAR4. Excavated to expose the whole gravestone.

Figure 2.268 KAR2

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: KAR3 Co-ordinates: 26.22676° N 050.51526° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 72 cm (l) × 27 cm (w) × 31 cm (h) Slab 2: 59 cm (l) × 27 cm (w) × 31 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs. Eroded unidentifiable raised decoration at both ends. Badly eroded on top and upper parts of all the side and end surfaces where they were above the ground surface. Inscriptions on four surfaces and bottom half of shallow carved rectangular panel design, probably a niche, on upper surface (E). Traces of red paint/pigment on the lettering on two surfaces. Excavated to expose whole gravestone.

264 Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge – Except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255).

Chapter 2

‫أ‬

:�

َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ أ‬ �� ‫�ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن� � ي� ِ�د‬ ‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا‬ ‫م‬ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫ُ ُ نَ ش‬ ‫ن‬ � .‫حي����طو� �����ءٍ �ِم�� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه‬ ِ�‫ي‬ ‫بِ ي‬ َ َ َّ َ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫� لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ � ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ع‬ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ � �‫وال� ر�� ولا ي� ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع�ِ�لي‬ ُ َْ ‫ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬

Figure 2.269 Surfaces A and E, KAR3

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ ْ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ‫ُ�ه َ ا �ْل�َ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ َأ ��ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ة َ ن‬ ُ none has the right to be worshipped .‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا ت�� ��خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� ولا � ْو�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ ََ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ – Whatever is in the heavens and what- ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫ض‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ ever is on the earth. Who is he that ْ‫َّ َ شْ ��َ ُ ْ َ ُ َّ �إِ�ذ‬ � can intercede with Him except by His .‫ا �ل��ذِ �� ي�������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ permission! (2:255)

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.270 Surface B, KAR3

C: – ………… – … year eight hundred and forty-seven.

Figure 2.271 Surface C, KAR3

265

:‫�ج��ـ‬ …………………… ‫…………����سن����ة ����س��ب وا ر ب����عي�� ن� وث����م�ا ن����م�ا ��ي�ه‬ ‫ع‬

266 D: – … Allah … – The chaste lady, Bi Bi Shah Zanan bint Mansur bin ʿAli bin ʿAbd al-Amir (al-Naser) Muhammad. May Allah have mercy on her.

Chapter 2

‫�ز � ن‬ �‫ب�ي� � ����ش�ا ه �ن�ا � ب�����ن� ت‬ ‫الا ���م�� (ا �لن����� �ص�� ) حم‬ ‫����م�د‬ ‫ير‬ ‫ير‬

:‫د‬ ّٰ ................‫…………ا �ل��ل�ه‬

�‫ب�ي‬ ‫ن‬ �‫�ب‬

‫�خ �� �ة‬ ‫�ف �� �ة �ل‬ ‫ا �ل�ع�� ي����ف� ا ����ف�ر‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ن‬ �‫�م�����صور ب� ��ع��لٰي‬ ّ .‫ي�ر��ح��م (���ه�ا) ا �ل��ل�ه‬

Figure 2.272 Surface D. KAR3

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.269

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د‬ �

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

267

Reference Number: KAR4 Co-ordinates: 26.22670° N 050.51522° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 74 cm (l) × 49 cm (w) × 43 cm (h) Slab 2: 96 cm (l) × 48.5 cm (w) × 36 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Gravestone formed of double hollow limestone slabs (Figure 2.273). These were found buried just south of the mihrab in the small mosque that also contained KAR2 and KAR3. Very eroded. Remains of possible unidentifiable raised decoration at one end. No inscriptions. An invocation for magical purposes written on paper was found placed in a small bottle and buried under one of the slabs. It had written on it the words “buried old grave” in Arabic. Excavated to expose whole gravestone.

Figure 2.273 KAR4

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: KAR5 Co-ordinates: 26.22861° N 050.51462° E

268

Chapter 2

Dimensions: Slab 1: 99.5 cm (l) × 40 cm (w) × 45 cm (h) Slab 2: 100 cm (l) × 42 cm (w) × 35 cm (h) Orientation: N-S Description: Gravestone formed of two limestone slabs set into the floor in the Sheikh Nasser bin Muhammad bin Shaikh Abdullah al-Rabi shrine/mosque. Eroded (due to moisture) inside shrine structure. Modern tile flooring that covered the gravestone was removed to expose it. Eroded and unidentifiable raised rectangular decoration at both ends. Remains of decoration including a carved circle, and shallow carved rounded niche design with an arrow carved within a small rectangle above the rounded end of the niche on the top surface (E). Inscriptions on four surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Praise be to Allah. There is no god but Allah. Praise be to Allah. God’s blessings upon Muhammad alMustafa, God’s blessings upon Ali al-Murtada, God’s blessings upon Fatimah al-Zahra⁠ʾ, God’s blessings upon al-Hasan, God blessings upon al-Husayn, God’s blessings upon ʿAli bin al-Husayn, God’s blessings upon Muhammad, God’s blessings upon Jaʿfar, God’s blessings upon Musa, God’s blessings upon ʿAli, God’s blessings upon Muhammad, God’s blessings upon ʿAli, God’s blessings upon al-Hasan al-ʿAskari, and God’s blessings upon al-Hujjah al-Khalaf al-Hadi al-Mahdi. God’s blessings upon all of them …

‫أ‬ :� ٰ ّ �� � � ‫ا �لح‬ �‫����م�د �ل�ل�ه لا ا �ل�ه الا ا �ل��ل�ه ا �لح���م�د ل�ل�ه ك‬ ‫��ثي��را ا �ل���ل���ه��م‬ ‫� حم‬ � � � �‫�� �ص�ل ��ع��لى ���م�د ا �ل���م���ص��ط���فى و�� �ص�ل ��ع��لى ��ع��لي‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ف �ة �ز‬ �����‫ا �ل���مر‬ ‫ضى و�� �ص�ل ���ع��لى ��ا ط��م� ا �ل ���ه�را ء و�� �ص�ل‬ ‫� ن‬ ‫ح����س ن و�� �ص� ���ع��ل ا �ل‬ ‫�ل‬ � � ‫���ع��لى ا‬ ‫ح���سي��� و�� �ص�ل‬ ‫ل ى‬ ‫ح���س�� ن �� �ص� ���ع��ل حم‬ ‫� ن �ل‬ � � � ‫����م�د‬ ‫��ع��لى ��ع��لي� ا ب� ا ي� و ل ى‬ �� � ‫و�� �ص�ل ���ع��لى ج���ع���ف�ر و�� �ص�ل ���ع��لى �مو �سى و�ص�ل‬ ‫� حم‬ � � � � � �‫��ع��لى ��ع��لي� و�� �ص�ل ��ع��لى ���م�د و�� �ص�ل ��ع��لى ��ع��لي‬ ‫و�� �ص� ���ع��ل ا �ل‬ � � �‫ح����س ن� ا �ل����ع��س ك‬ ‫�ر�ي� و�� �ص�ل ��ع��لى‬ ‫ل ى‬ ‫ف‬ ‫�ة‬ �� � ‫ا �ل‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ح ق� ا �ل‬ � � � �‫ح������ج� ا �خ��ل� ا ��ل���ه�ا د �ي� ا �ل����م���ه�د �ي‬ ّٰ ‫ت‬ ‫�� �ص�لوا‬ ..................‫� ا �ل��ل�ه ع��لي�����ه��م‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– Verily, We have sent it down in the alQadr night. And what will make you know what the night of al-Qadr night is. The al-Qadr night is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Spirit by Allah’s Permission with all decrees. There is peace until the appearance of dawn (97:1–5).

269

َ َ ْ َ‫َْ َ ْ ��َ ْ َ َ أ‬ ُ َ��ْ َ‫�َّ أَ ن�ز‬ � ‫ و���م�ا � د را ك‬،‫ا ��ن�ا � � �ل� �ن�ا ه ي� �ل����ي�ل��ةِ ا �ل���ق�د ِر‬ ِ‫ف‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ ُ‫َ َْ َ�ةُ ْ ��َ ْ َْ َ�ة‬ ْ َ َ ٌ ّ ْ ْ �� �� �ِ‫ �ل����ي�ل� ا �ل���ق�د ِر ��خي��ر �ِم� ن� � �ل��ف‬،‫���م�ا �ل����ي�ل� ا �ل���ق�د ِر‬ ‫�شَ ْ تَ��َ �زَُّ ا �ْ َ َا �َ ةُ َ ا � ُّ ُ َ �إِ�ذْ ن‬ ����ِ‫��� و لروح ف‬ ‫ � �ن� ل ل���م�ل ئِ� ك‬،‫������ه�ر‬ �ِ � �ِ‫ي���ه�ا �ب‬ ٍ َ ْ َ َّ‫َ ّ ّ ُ ّ َأ ْ َ َ ٌ َ َ ت‬ ‫ن‬ � ��‫رب����هِ� ��م �ِم‬ ِ‫ ����س�لا �م ِ�هي� ���ح�ى �م����ط��ل‬،‫ك ِل � ���م� ٍر‬ ‫ع‬ ِ ْ َ‫ْ �ف‬ ...........................‫ا �ل�� ������ج�ر‬ ِ

Figure 2.274 Surfaces A and E, KAR5

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫ل‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� وا �و�م ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�َ��م�ا‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ � ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َّ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in ......................�� ِ‫ا �ل��ذ‬ ‫ي‬ the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that … (2:255) – ………… ............................................................................

Figure 2.275 Surface B, part 1, KAR5

270

Figure 2.276 Surface B, part 2, KAR5

C: – …….. nine hundred and sixty five … endowment … Muhammad … Naser bin Rabiʿ … reading of Allah’s book, from crop of …

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫�ة‬ �� ‫ن‬ ‫�ت‬ � ..... �‫و �خ��م��س و����س� ي��� و���س�ع���م�ا ��ي‬............ ‫ �ق ا ��ئ��ة‬..... ‫ ��ن�ا ص � ن � ��ي‬....‫����م�د‬ ‫ حم‬....�‫���قف‬ ‫و‬ ‫� ر ب� رب ��ع ر‬ ّٰ �� ‫ن‬ � �‫ك‬ ......‫��ت�ا ب� ا �ل��ل�ه �م�� �ح�ا �ص�ل‬

Figure 2.277 Surface C, KAR5

D: – … six … Allah … His mercy … Barbaghi … – Naser bin ʿAbd Allah bin Rabiʿ alAwali, in twentieth of Rajab, nine hundred and sixty-five.

:‫د‬ ّٰ ‫�ة‬ ........���‫ ب�ر ب� غ‬.....‫ رح�م����ت�ه‬........‫ ا �ل��ل�ه‬...... �‫ ����س��ت‬.......

‫ي‬ ‫أ‬ ‫�ف‬ � ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ �‫�ن�ا �صر �ب� �ع����ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه �ب� رب�����يع ال� والي� ي‬ ‫ع��� � ن ���ج� ����س��ت��ة �خ�م���س�� ن �ت��س�ع� م� �ي��ة‬ �‫� ش ري� ر �� ب‬ �� �� ‫و ي� و‬ ‫ت‬ ‫�ة‬ .....) �‫(���س�ع���م�ا ��ي‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

271

Figure 2.278 Surface D, KAR5

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � ‫ك‬ � ‫لا �و�� �ج�د ��ا ��ب�ا‬

See Figure 2.274 16

Al-Khamis (KHA)

Location: Archaeological site of former urban cemetery with associated mosque and shrine. The cemetery overlies and cuts down into an earlier phase of residential, commercial, and industrial occupation dated to between the eighth/ninth to fourteenth centuries AD (Insoll et al 2016: 240). Not all the gravestones are in their original positions as some were moved in the 1980s or earlier as part of restoration work at the site. Reference Number: KHA1 Co-ordinates: 26.22861° N 050.51462° E Dimensions: 33 cm (l) × 36 cm (w) × 47 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab, part of double slab gravestone. Eroded. Not in original position. Eroded three element raised decoration at one end with one facetted cube identifiable. Partial inscriptions on three surfaces. Previous Publication: Number 21, Kalus (1990: 53).

272 Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah. – His Seat … the heavens and the earth (2:255).

Chapter 2

‫أ‬ :� ٰ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ .‫ ا �ل��ل�ه‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ ‫َ ْ أَ ْ ض‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ا‬ .��‫� وال� ر‬ ‫ك‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬

Figure 2.279 Surface A, KHA1

B: – ………… – Whoever disbelieves in al-Taghut (2:256).

:�‫ب‬ ......................

ُ‫َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ � ‫ي� ك‬ � ‫و‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا ت‬

ْ‫��َ�ف َ��م� ن‬ �

273

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.280 Surface B, KHA1

C: – And believes in Allah, then he has grasped. – The most trustworthy handhold that will never break (2:256).

َ

َ

:‫�ج��ـ‬

ُ

َ�� ‫َ ْ�ؤ ن ّ ف‬ ََْْ .‫�د ا ����ست�����م��س�ك‬ ِ ‫و�ي �مِ �� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ����ق‬ ُ

َ َ َ َ ‫ْ ُ ْ َ ْ ثْ قَ َ َ ن‬ .‫����ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�� �ا �ل�عرو� ا �لو����ى لا ا ���ف‬ ِ‫ة‬

ِ‫ب‬

274

Chapter 2

Figure 2.281 Surface C, KHA1

D: – No carving or inscriptions. E: – No carving or inscriptions. Reference Number: KHA2 Co-ordinates: 26.20849° N 050.54841° E Dimensions: 83.5 cm (l) × 36 cm (w) × 42 cm (h) Orientation: NA

:‫د‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫لا �و�� �ج�د‬ � ‫كا ��ب�ا‬

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د‬ �

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

275

Description: Single limestone slab gravestone, part of double slab gravestone. Not in original position and not associated with neighbouring stone. Eroded and unidentifiable three element raised decoration at one end. Inscriptions on three surfaces. Previous Publication: Number S6, Kalus (1995: 137–138). Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

:�

A:

‫َُ شّ ُ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ �َ ْح�َ �ّ ��ْ ُ َ �ضْ َ ن‬ �ٍ ‫� وا‬ ‫���ر���ه��م رب�����ه��م بِ ر ��م��ةٍ ِم� �ن�ه و ِر‬ ِ �‫ي�ب‬ َ َ�� ٌ ُّ ٌ َ‫َ َ ��َّ ّ ُ ْ َ ن‬ َ‫ن‬ � ����ِ‫� ��ل���ه��م ف‬ �‫ ��خ�ا �ِل ِ�د�ي‬،‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م‬ ٍ‫و�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ َ ً َ‫َ أ‬ .‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا‬ ����ِ‫ف‬ َ َّ َّ َْ ْ َ‫أَّ تَ��َ فُ ََ تَْ�زَنُ َأ‬ ُ �� �� � � � � ‫ل‬ – Fear not, nor grieve; But receive ��‫�� �ن��ةِ ا �ل‬ ‫� لا ��خ�ا وا ولا ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا بِ�ا �ج‬ ‫تِي‬ the glad tidings of Paradise which ُ ‫�نتُ ْ تُ� �َ ُ نَ ُ ُّ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ فَ ن‬ you have been promised (41:30). .� ‫كل �م� ن� ع��لي���ه�ا ��ا‬ .�‫�ك�������م و��ع�د و‬ � ٍ – Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and His being pleased and of Gardens from them wherein are everlasting delights. They will dwell therein forever (9:21–22).

Whatsoever is on the earth will perish (55:26).

Figure 2.282 Surface A, KHA2

276

Chapter 2

ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ْ َ‫� فَ�ت‬ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ��� �� ‫ إ� �ن�ا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ‫ح����ن�ا �ل�ك‬ ‫ف‬ .‫���ت����ح�ا �م��ب�ي�����ن�ا‬ ً ْ َ‫َ ً ُّ ْ �تَ ً َ َن ُ َ َ � َّ ُ ن‬ – Straight path. And that Allah may ‫����ص�را‬ ��� ‫�صِ را��ط�ا �م����س� ��قِي�����م�ا وي��������ص�رك ا ل��ل�ه‬ help you with strong help (48:1–3). َ ‫َ �زً َ نَّ تُ َ ْ ن َ ْ خُ ُ َن‬ Gardens of Eden, which they shall .‫��لو���ه�ا‬ ‫ �ج����ا � ع�د ٍ� ي��د‬.‫�ع ��ي� ا‬ ِ‫�ز‬ B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Verily, we have given you a manifest victory.

enter (13:23).

Figure 2.283 Surface B, KHA2

C: – No carving or inscriptions

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د‬

:‫د‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ح � �� �ة‬ ‫ت‬ � � ‫أ�و ي� ا �ل���مو لى ا �ل��س�ع����ي�د ا �ل���مر و م ق�د و‬ ‫� ع�ا �� �ظ��م ا �ل���س�ا د ا ت‬ .......‫� والا‬ ‫ح ق ا �ل�د � ن �ع� �ب�د ا �ل�ع�ز ��ز � ن‬ ‫���ع��ز ا �ل���م�ل��ة وا �ل‬ – Glory of the religion, ʿAbd al-Aziz bin �‫ب‬ �� �‫�� و ي‬ ‫ي‬ Ibrahim bin Salih. God rest his soul. � ‫ا � ا �ه� �ي��م � ن‬ .‫ب� �� �ص�ا �ل ��ط�ا ب� �ث�راه‬ �� ‫ب ر‬ ‫ح‬ D: – The blessed late, the example of great masters has died …

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

277

Figure 2.284 Surface D, KHA2

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � ‫ك‬ � ‫لا �و�� �ج�د ��ا ��ب�ا‬

Reference Number: KHA3 Co-ordinates: 26.20847° N 050.54841° E Dimensions: 60 cm (l) × 30.5 cm (w) × 35 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone, part of double slab gravestone. Not in original position and not associated with neighbouring stone. Inscriptions on two surfaces. Previous Publication: Number S4, Kalus (1995: 135).

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Chapter 2

Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

:�

‫�غ �ف‬ �‫ ا �ل���مر‬....�‫كا ن‬ � ‫حو�م ا �ل���م��� ور‬ ‫ا � �� ق‬ ‫ا � �ة‬ . ‫ل���م�ع���ظ��م ������ط� ب� د �ئ�ر‬ ‫����م�د � ن‬ ‫����م�ا ل ا �ل�د � ن حم‬ ‫ ك‬....‫ الا‬.......‫ا �ل���صو‬ – … Kamal Aldain Muhammad Bin Ali �‫ب� ���ع��ل‬ �‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ � � Bin Esa Bin Ali Bin … ‫� نب� ع��ي�� � نب� ���ع��ل � نب� ح‬ .)‫م���م�د (��ق�ر‬ ‫سى‬ � ‫ح �ة ي �غ �� ن �ف‬ ‫ن‬ – May Allah have mercy on them, ��‫ �م‬.....‫ع��لي�����ه��م ا �لر ���م� وا �ل����ف�را � � �يو�م‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ن �ة ث ن‬ in … day of Shaʿban, year of … And ‫�ة‬ .) �‫�ش������ه�ر �ش���ع����ب�ا � ����سن��� ( ����م�ا �� �م�ا ��ي‬ ‫ي‬ hundred … A: – The late … , the honoured, the master was …

.............‫�ل�ه‬

Figure 2.285 Surface A, KHA3

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Verily, we have given you a manifest victory. – That Allah may forgive you your sins of the past and the future. And complete His favour on you,

ّٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ�� ْ َ‫� فَ�ت‬ ‫ن‬ � � � � .‫ إ� �ن�ا � ��ح� �ن�ا �ل�ك‬،‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه ا �لر �ح��م�� ا �لرح����ي��م‬

َ َ َ َ َ �� ْ‫فَ �تْ ً ُّ ��ً َ �غ‬ ‫�ك ا �ل�ّ�ل�هُ �َ��م�ا تَ�����َ�ق ّ�د �َم � � ن‬ ‫�� ����ح�ا �م��بِ�ي�� �ن�ا لِ�ي���� فِ� �ر �ل‬ � ِ‫م‬ ّ‫�ذَ ن َ َ َ �َ أَ �خ‬ ُ.‫�ََ َُ���� �� َّ ن��ْع� َ��م���َ�ت�ه‬ ِ ‫�بِ��ك و���م�ا ��ت� ر وي تِ م‬ َ َ ُ ‫َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ً ُّ ْ �تَ ً َ َن‬ – And guide you on the straight path. ‫����ص�رك‬ ����‫���ع��لي��ك وي�����ه ِ�د ي��ك �صِ را��ط�ا �م����س� ��قِي�����م�ا وي‬ And that Allah may help you with ً َ ً ْ َ‫� َّ ُ ن‬ strong help (48:1–3). .‫����ص�را �ع ��ي��ز ا‬ ��� ‫ا ل��ل�ه‬ ِ‫�ز‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.286 Surface B, KHA3

C: – No carving or inscriptions. D: – No carving or inscriptions. E: – No carving or inscriptions.

279

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ �� ‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� � و‬ � ‫كا ��ب�ا‬ :‫د‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ � :‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Reference Number: KHA4 Co-ordinates: 26.20848° N 050.54844° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 80 cm (l) × 32 cm (w) × 48 cm (h) Slab 2: 57 cm (l) × 34 cm (w) × 33 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Gravestone formed of double limestone slabs. Significant erosion in places, particularly where it was exposed above the surface of the shrine mound. Three element raised decoration at one end formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch and eroded unidentifiable raised decoration at the other end. Traces of shallow carved rectangular panel design, probably part of a niche, on the

280

Chapter 2

top surface (E) of the less eroded slab. Partially legible inscriptions on three surfaces. Excavated to expose associated shrine and whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – … Muham … And those … – …………

‫أ‬

:� ‫ ا �ل��ذ � ن‬....‫��ح��مـ‬ ‫م‬ ........�‫ي‬ .......... ‫و‬ ................

Figure 2.287 Surface A, KHA4

B: – … the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, there is no deity but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is – in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter (2:255).

َ :�‫ب‬ َ ‫ ا �ل�ّ�ل�هُ لاَ � �َل�ـ�هَ � لاّ ُ�ه‬،‫ح� �ي��م‬ ‫ن‬ � � � � ‫إِ إِ و‬ �� ‫ ا لر �ح��م�� ا لر‬.......... َ َ ُ ّ ٌ َ‫�ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ��ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ َ ن‬ �‫ا‬ .‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا ت�� ��خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� ولا � ْو�م �ل�ه ���م�ا‬ ‫ي‬ َّ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ َ َ َ َّ � � �‫� و���م�ا �فِي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا ا �ل��ذِ ي‬ ِ‫ي� ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ َْ‫َفِ ْ َ ُ َ ُ َّ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ أ‬ ْ ‫�إِ�ذ‬ ْ َ �� ‫ي� ش��������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � �نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن� � ي� ِ�د‬ ‫ي��هِ� ��م‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ ْ ُ َ‫َ �َ خَ ْف‬ .‫و ��م�ا ���ل������ه��م‬

281

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.288 Surfaces B and E, KHA4

C: – Grave of Shaikh Has …

:‫�ج��ـ‬

�� � ‫���� �ض� ي� ا‬ � ‫ل����ش��ي�� خ‬ ................‫ح��س�ـ‬ ‫ر‬ �

– Has … – Al …

Figure 2.289 Surface C, KHA4

‫ح‬

� ..........‫ح��س�ـ‬ ............‫ا �ل�ـ‬

282 D: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫ق‬ ‫��ح�ا �ل��ة ا �لن����� ش‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء ��ت�ه‬ ‫ لا ي����م ك‬،‫�ق��� ��س�ي�����ئ��ة ����ج�د ا‬

Figure 2.290 Surface D, KHA4

E: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read. See Figure 2.288 Reference Number: KHA5 Co-ordinates: 26.20851° N 050.54845° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 61 cm (l) × 24 cm (w) × 40 cm (h) Slab 2: 70 cm (l) × 22 cm (w) × 40 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن �ق‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ � �� ‫ن‬ ‫ش‬ �� � � ‫��� را ء �ت�ه‬ ‫ لا ي����م ك‬،‫��ح�ا �ل� ا ل����ق��� ��س�ي�� �ئ� �� �ج�د ا‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

283

Description: Gravestone formed of double limestone slabs. Unidentifiable three element raised decoration at both ends. Shallow carved rounded niche design on top surface (E). Red paint/pigment on the lettering on two surfaces. Inscriptions on four surfaces. Excavated within collapsed shrine. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – May peace from Allah be upon Muhammad al-Mustafa and Imam ʿAli al-Murtada. Peace be upon alHasan al-Radi. Peace be upon the martyr at Karbala, al-Husayn bin ʿAli. Peace be upon Zayn al-ʿUbad. Peace be upon Muhammad al-Baqir. Peace be upon Jaʿfar al-Sadiq. – And Musa al-Kadhim … upon ʿAli bin Musa al-Rida. Peace be upon Muhammad al-Naqi. Peace be upon ʿAli al-Taqqi. Peace be upon al-Hasan al-ʿAskari. Peace be upon al-Hujjah al-Mahdi. May peace from Allah be upon all of them.

Figure 2.291 Surface A, KHA5

‫أ‬

:�

‫� حم‬ � � ‫ا �ل���ل���ه��م �� �ص�ل ��ع��لى ���م�د ا �ل���م���ص��ط���فى و��ع��لى‬ ‫� ن‬ ‫الا ���م�ا �م ���ع��ل ا �ل���مر�ت���� و�� �ص� ���ع��ل ا �ل‬ �‫ح����س‬ ‫ضى‬ ‫ل ى‬ �‫ي‬ ‫ض‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ش‬ � ‫ل‬ � � � � ‫ا �لر��ي� و�� �ص�ل ��ع��لى ا ح���سي��� ب� ��ع��ل� ا �ل�����ه����ي�د‬ ‫ي‬ ‫�ز‬ �‫ب� ك‬ ‫�ر ب�لا ء و�� �ص�ل ���ع��لى ي� ن� ا �ل�ع����ب�ا د و�� �ص�ل ���ع��ىل‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ق‬ �� ‫حم‬ .� ‫�� �ص�ا د‬ ��‫����م�د ا �ل����ب�ا �ر و�� �ص�ل ���ع��لى ج� ��ع���ف�ر ا �ل‬ �� �‫�م � ا �ل ك‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ ���ع��لى ���ع��لي� �ب� �مو��سى‬....‫��ا �ظ��م و�ص‬ ‫و و �سى‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ن‬ ‫� حم‬ � � � ‫ا �لر���� �ض�ا و�� �ص�ل ��ع��لى ���م�د ا ل���ي� و�� �ص�ل ��ع��لى‬ ‫���ع��ل ا �لت��ق� و�� �ص� ���ع��ل ا �ل‬ � �‫ح����س ن� ا �ل����ع��س ك‬ �‫�ر�ي‬ �‫ي� ي‬ ‫ل ى‬ ‫�� ف‬ ‫�ة‬ � ‫�ق‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � � � � ‫و�� �ص�ل ���ع��لى ا �خ��ل� ا ح���� �ج� ا ل�� �ا �ئ��م‬ ّٰ ‫ت‬ ‫ا �ل����م���ه�د �ي� �� �ص�لوا‬ .�‫� ا �ل��ل�ه ع��لي�����ه��م ا�ج �م���عي�� ن‬

284 B: – Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows – what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255). The angels will descend on them, saying: Fear not, nor grieve; but receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised (41:30).

Figure 2.292 Surface B, KHA5

C: – … in the eleventh. – Of Muharram, in nine hundred and ninety-seven.

Chapter 2

:�‫ب‬ ْ َ ُ ُ‫ّ ُ َ َ َ ّ ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأ ��ُ �ذ‬ ‫ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا �هو ا �ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ ‫ي‬ َّ ٌ َ‫َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ َ ََ َ ّ َ َ ُ ْ َ ‫ن‬ � ‫� و���م�ا‬ ِ‫���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه ���م�ا فِي� ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ َّ ُ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َّ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ ‫�ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا ا �ل��ذِ �ي� ي� ش��������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ع‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ َ � ْ‫�إِ�ذ‬ .ُ‫� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫م‬ َ‫َ َ ْ أ‬ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ� ُ ن‬ ْ َ �� ‫���م�ا ب�ي�� ن� � ي� ِ�د‬ �‫حي����طو‬ ِ�‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫ش‬ ُ‫� ْ���سِ�ّ��ُ�ه‬ ‫�ن‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � � ‫ء‬ �� � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ � ‫�ه‬ ‫ك‬ � �� �� � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫و‬ ‫ع ر ي‬ ِ‫�بِ���ي�ءٍ ِم�� ِع� مِ ِ إِ ب‬ َّ َ ُ ُ ْ � ُ ُ ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ �‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ح��ف�� ظ�����ه���م�ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا ي� ود ه‬ ِ‫ت‬ ُ‫َ ُ َ ْ َ ُّ ْ َ ُ تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َا َ ة‬ ��� ‫ � �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�ل ئِ� �ك‬.‫و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ِي‬ َ َّ َّ َْ ْ َ‫أَّ تَ��َ فُ ََ تَْ�زَنُ َأ‬ ُ �� �� ‫�ل‬ � ‫� لا‬ � ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ �‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا بِ�ا �ج�� �ن��ةِ ا �لتِ�ي‬ َ‫ُ نُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ‫�ك‬ .�‫���ت�����م �و���ع�د و‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ �� � � ‫�خ ا �ل� �م ا �ل��ح�ا د‬ �� � .‫ع���ش�ر‬ ‫ا‬ � ....... � � ‫ت‬ �‫ي‬ ‫ب ري يو‬

‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫م‬ . �‫��ح�ر�م ����سن��� ����س��ب و���س���عي�� ن� و���س�ع���م�ا ��ي‬ ‫ع‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

285

Figure 2.293 Surface C, KHA5

D: – The noble and chaste lady, – Muluk bint al-Sayyid ʿAbd al-ʿAziz, died.

:‫د‬ ‫ت� ف� ت ا � ش �� �ة ا � �ه �ة‬ . ‫و �����ي�� ل���ر�ي���ف� ل����ط�ا ر‬ ‫ا �ل�ع��ف� ������ف��ة ���م�ل ك �����ن� ت‬ . ‫� ا �ل����سي���د �ع����ب�د ا �ل�ع�ز ��ز‬ ‫و ب‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬

286

Chapter 2

Figure 2.294 Surface D, KHA5

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

287

Figure 2.295 Surface E, KHA5

Reference Number: KHA6 Co-ordinates: 26.20850° N 050.54847° E Dimensions: 74.5 cm (L) × 19 cm (W) × 40 cm (H) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab, part of a double slab gravestone. Cracked. Eroded and unidentifiable three element raised decoration set on a rectangular

288

Chapter 2

plinth at one end. Traces of shallow carved rectangular panel design on the top surface (E). Red paint/pigment on lettering on all three inscribed surfaces. Inscriptions on three surfaces. Excavated within collapsed shrine. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – May peace from Allah be upon Muhammad al-Mustafa and … upon ʿAli al-Murtada. Peace be upon Al Hasan. – And Peace be upon Jaʿfar al-Sadiq and Musa al-Kadhim. Peace be upon ʿAli bin Musa al-Rida. Peace be upon Muhammad al …

‫أ‬

:�

‫� حم‬ � � ‫ ��ع��لى‬.....‫ا �ل���ل���ه��م �� �ص�ل ��ع��لى ���م�د ا �ل���م���ص��ط���فى و‬ ‫ و�� �ص� ���ع��ل ا �ل‬..... ����‫���ع��ل ا �ل���مر�ت‬ � .�‫ح����س ن‬ ‫ضى‬ ‫ل ى‬ �‫ي‬

� ‫و�� �ص�ل ��ع��لى‬ ‫���ع��ل� ا �لر���� �ض�ا‬ ‫ي‬

‫ق‬ �� � ‫و�� �ص�ل ���ع��لى ج� ��ع���ف�ر ا �ل���� �ص�ا د‬ �� �‫�م � ا �ل ك‬ � ‫و �سى‬ ‫��ا �ظ��م و�� �ص�ل ��ع��لى‬ ‫م‬ � ‫ح‬ .....‫و�� �ص�ل ���ع��لى ���م�د ا ل‬

Figure 2.296 Surface A, KHA6

B: – nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! – His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255).

:�‫ب‬ َ ْ ‫َ َ نَ ْ ٌ َّ ُ َ � َّ َ َ َ َ � أ‬ � �ِ‫� و���م�ا فِي� ال� ر ض‬ ِ‫ولا �و�م �ل�ه ���م�ا فِي� ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ َ ْ‫َ �ذَ َّ َ شْ ��َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ �إِ�ذ‬ � .‫�م� ن� ا ا �ل��ذِ �� ي�������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ َ َ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ع‬ ُ َ ْ� ‫َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.297 Surface B, KHA6

289

:‫�ج��ـ‬ � ‫ة‬ ‫�خ‬ ‫ش‬ � � .‫ب����ت�ا ري �غ�ر� �������ه�ر‬

C: – In the beginning of the month of

.‫�ج ���م�ا د �ى الا و لى‬

– Jumada al-awwal.

‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ . �‫����سن��� ����س��ب وا ر ب��ع���م�ا ��ي‬ ‫ع‬

– In the year of four hundred and seven.

Figure 2.298 Surface C, KHA6

290 D: – No carving or inscriptions.

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Figure 2.299 Surfaces D and E, KHA6

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.299

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ل ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � � ‫�د‬ � � � ‫ب‬ ‫ج‬ � � ‫و� و‬ ��‫ا و‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

291

Reference Number: KHA7 Co-ordinates: 26.20843° N 050.54847° E Dimensions: 156 cm (l) × 29.5 cm (w) × 39 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Cracked and broken on top where it was exposed above the ground surface. Possible traces of red paint/pigment on some of the lettering. Raised decoration, which was possibly set on rectangular plinths has been cut off each end. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Shallow carved rounded niche design on the top surface (E). Excavated inside the main room of a collapsed shrine. The gravestone states that the shrine was built for the person it commemorates, Shaikh Muhammad bin al-Mabrur Shaikh Majid. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Verily, those who say: Our Lord is Allah, and then they stand firm, The angels will descend on them, (saying:) ‘Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your souls desire and all that you ask for. – As hospitality from One, the Forgiving, the Most Merciful (41:30–32). Gardens of Eden whose gates will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be maidens of equal age with modest gaze. This is what you are promised on the Day of Reckoning. Verily, this is our Provision which will never finish (38:50–54).

‫أ‬

:�

ُ ََ ْ َ ُ َّ َ ُّ َ ُ َ� َ‫نَّ َّ ن‬ � ِ‫� � ا �ل��ذ‬ ‫ي� ��ق�ا �لوا رب����ن�ا ا �ل��ل�هُ ���ث�� ّم ا ����س��ت����ق�ا �موا‬ ِ‫إ‬ َ ّ َ ََ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� ْ ‫تَ�ْ�زَنُ َ أ‬ � � � � ،�‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا �ا �ج � �ن��ةِ ا ل�� �ك�������م �و��ع�د و‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ََ ْ ُُ َ‫نَْ أ‬ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ � ‫�مْ �� ا �ل‬ � � ‫ح� نُ� � ْو�يَ��ا �ؤ �ك‬ �‫ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خِ� �ر‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ َأ ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������هي� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ِ َ‫َ �َ َّ ُ ن‬ .�‫���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬ ً ُ َ َّ�� َ َُ ‫َ ْ ن‬ �ِ ‫���ن��زُلا �ِّم� نْ� �غ� ��ف� ور ّر‬ �‫ �ج‬.‫ح����ي��م‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�ن‬ �ٍ ‫� ���ع�د‬ ِ‫ت‬ ٍ َ‫ُّ َ َّ َ ً َّ ُ ٍ ْ أ‬ َ َ ْ ُ ُ ّ ُ َ ‫� �ت‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫ م� ِك‬،�‫�م��ف� ��ت����ح��ة ��ل���ه��م ال� ب� َوا ب‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ َ َ َ ��َ َ �َ‫َ ْ �ُع نَ َ �ف‬ ،�‫�ثِ� ي��ر� َو� ����ش�را ب‬ �‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا كِ����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ����ِ‫���ي�د و� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ َ ٌ َ ْ‫أ‬ ْ َّ ُ‫َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ ‫و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬ ،�‫� ا �ل����ط�ر�� � ���ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ف‬ ْ ََ َ‫َّ َ �ذ‬ َُ ُ َ� ‫���ه��ذ ا �َ��م�ا ت�و���ع�د و نَ� �يَ� ْو�م ا �ل‬ ‫ � ن� ���ه� ا‬،� ‫ح‬ ‫ا‬ �� � � ‫�س‬ ِ‫لِ ِ ِ بِ إ‬ َ��َّ‫َِ�زْ ُق َ َ َ ُ ن‬ .‫�لر �����ن�ا ���م�ا �ل�ه �مِ � ن� ����ف�ا ٍد‬

292

Chapter 2

Figure 2.300 Surface A, KHA7

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gra- ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ cious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ has the right to be worshipped but he, ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ the Ever Living, the One Who sustains َ َّ ََ َ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ and protects all that exists. Neither ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ � ْ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ �إِ�ذ‬ Him belongs whatever is in the heav- �‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن‬ �‫ل��ذِ ي� ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ ens and whatever is on the earth. Who ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ ّ ْ َ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � � � is he that can intercede with Him ex- �‫����ءٍ �ِم� ن‬ ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫�ه‬ ِ‫�ه‬ � ‫��م‬ ��� ‫ا‬ � �� �� ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ‫� ي ِ ي� و‬ ِ‫� و ي ِي و� ب‬ ‫ي‬ َ cept by His permission! He knows … ُ ُّ ْ ُ‫ع�ْل�� �ه � لاّ �� َ��م�ا � ��َ��ش�ا ء َ ���سِ� َ ك‬ And they will never compass anything .‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه‬ ِ‫ِ � مِ ِ إِ ب‬ ‫و ع‬ of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends َّ َ ُ ُ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ � فْ ظ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ه‬ � ‫ا‬ – over the heavens and the earth, and ‫ح���������ه���م�ا‬ ‫د‬ ‫ا‬ � � ِ ‫ا � و تِ و ر � و ي و‬ He feels no fatigue in Guarding and َ� ‫ّ ن‬ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ � ‫�رَاه �� ا �ل ِ�د‬ � � preserving them. And He is the Most ‫ي� ��ق�د‬ ‫ لا �إِ ك فِي‬،‫و�هو ا ل���ع�ِ�لي� ا ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ِ High, the Most Great. There is no ُ‫تَّ َ َّ نَ ُّ ْ ُ نَ ْ غَ ّ �َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ � ‫����بي��� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ �� ا �ل��� ��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ compulsion in religion. Verily, the � ‫و‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا ت‬ ِ‫ي‬ Right Path has become distinct from ُ ْ ْ ْ ُ َ َ�� َ‫َُ ْ�ؤ ن ّ ف‬ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ ‫َ ثق‬ the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves ‫�د ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �� �ا �ل�ع ْرو� ا �لو����ى‬ ��� ‫و�ي �مِ �� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه‬ ‫�ق‬ ِ ِ‫ب‬ ِ‫ة‬ in Allah, then has grasped the most ‫ق‬ ٌ َ ٌ َ ُ ّ َ َ َ َ َ ‫لَ ا ن‬ trustworthy handhold that will never � ‫ �� �ص�د‬.‫����ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي�� ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ����ِ‫ا ���ف‬ ‫ع‬ break. And Allah is All-Hearer All‫ا �ل�ّ�لٰ�ه ا �ل� �ظ‬ �‫ع�� ����ي��م وب���ل�غ ر��سو�ل�ه ا �ل���� ب�ن�� ا �ل ك‬ Knower (2:255–256). Allah and His .‫�ر��ي��م‬ ‫ي‬ Great Prophet have spoken the truth.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.301 Surface B, KHA7

293

:‫�ج��ـ‬ �� �‫ (���� �ض�ري�) ا �ل���مر‬....‫���ه��ذا‬ ‫حو�م ا �ل���م���ق�د ��س‬ ‫ح‬ ‫ح‬ ‫����م�د � ن‬ ‫ل����ش���� خ حم‬ �� � ‫ا‬ �� � ‫ا‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ل����ش��ي�� خ �م�ا ����ج�د‬ �� ‫م‬ � �� ‫ب� برور‬ ‫ي‬ � � ّٰ ‫��م���ع��ة‬ ‫ ��ت�ه ( ف��ا ��ت�ه) �ل� �م ا �ج�ل‬....�‫كا ن� ت‬ � ‫رح���م�ه ا �ل��ل�ه و‬ ‫و‬ ‫يو‬ �� � ‫��ت�ا ��س‬ .‫ع���ش�ر‬ ‫ع‬ ‫�ش ��ه� �ش���ع� �ب�ا ن ����سن����ة ا �ل�خ �ة‬ ‫�ة‬ – of Shaʿban, year one thousand one �‫��ا �م���س� ب����ع�د ا �ل���م�ا ��ي‬ � �� ‫���� ر‬ hundred and five. ‫ف‬ .���‫وا �ل‬ C: – This is the shrine of the late Shaikh Muhammad bin al-Mabrur Shaikh Majid, may Allah be merciful to him, he died on Friday, nineteenth

Figure 2.302 Surface C, KHA7

294 D: – Reading one part of the Book of God the Powerful, for fifteen Muhammadiyyah. – From income of the al-Mahall palms which are located in the backyard of Mani in al-Bahrayn.

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ّٰ �� ‫� �ة � �ز � ن‬ .... ‫��ت�ا ب� ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل�ع�ز ��ي��ز‬ �‫��ق�را ء �� �ج� ء م�� ك‬ ‫ع���ش� حم �ة‬ ‫�ق‬ �� �� . �‫��م�د ��ي‬ ‫(�م�� �ا ب�ل) ��خ��م��س � ر‬

‫ن‬ ‫ق‬ � �‫�م� ن ��ح�ا �ص‬ � ‫���خ�ل ا �ل���م����ح�ل وت�وا ب����ع�ه �مو�����ع�ه‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫ظ‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫� �ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ �‫ب�����س��ي����ح� �����ه�ر ����م�ي� �م�� ا �ل��ب��حري‬

Figure 2.303 Surface D, KHA7

:‫�ه�ـ‬ �� � ‫�خ‬ ‫ن‬ �� � � � � � � ‫ح‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ص‬ ‫ن����ق ���ش�ه ل����سي���د �ن�ا � ر ب� ل���ف�ا ر ل���مر و�م‬ ّٰ ‫ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا � ����ش��م ا �ل‬ � .‫ح��س�ي� ن�� �ع���فى ا �ل��ل�ه �ع ن����ه���م�ا‬ ‫ي‬ �‫��ط� ض��ر ي‬ � ‫��ح�ا‬ .....‫ ل� *** و����سن���ا‬......‫حو�ى �طـ‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ي‬ ‫� �ز ن‬ ............� �‫ا �ل�ح‬ �� ��‫ ا �ل‬..... – … paradise … offered to me … may be ......‫ �ع��سى‬........*** �‫ �م���ق�د �م ل‬..........‫��خ�ل�د‬ ‫ي‬ … people �� ......�‫��خ�ل ق‬ – … them. .‫ �ع ن������ه��م‬............................... E: – Engraved by al-Sayyid Naser Bin the late al-Sayyid Hashim al-Husayni, May Allah forgive them. – Oh grave, be proud you embedded … and illuminated … sadness …

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

295

Figure 2.304 Surface E, KHA7

Reference Number: KHA8 Co-ordinates: 26.20837° N 050.54841° E Dimensions: 168 cm (l) × 36 cm (w) × 46 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Very eroded except on one surface. Inscription on one surface, and partially legible inscription on another surface. Not in original position. Previous Publication: Number 17, Kalus (1990: 48). Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Gardens of Eden whose doors will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be chaste females restraining their glances and of equal ages (38:50–52). The angels will descend on them, (saying:) ‘Fear not, nor grieve; But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and in the Hereafter.

‫أ‬

:�

َّ�� َ ُ َْ‫َ ْ ن ُّ َ َّ َ ً َّ ُ ُ ْ أ‬ � ،�‫� ���ع�د ٍ� �م��ف� ��ت����ح��ة ��ل���ه��م ال� ب� َوا ب‬ ِ‫�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ َ َ َ‫ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ نَ َ �ف‬ �‫�ثِ���ي��َر‬ �‫����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ‫�م��ت ِك‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ ْ َّ ُ‫َ َ ُ ْ �َ َ ت‬ َ َ ‫َو� ����ش�را‬ �ِ‫ و ِ�ع ن���د ���ه��م ��ق�ا �صِ را � ا �ل����ط�ر�ف‬،� ٍ‫ب‬ ََّ ‫أَ�ْ َ ٌ تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أ‬ ‫��� � لا‬ ‫ � �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬.�‫� ��ت�را ب‬ َ َ‫ت‬ ْ ُ ْ ‫��َ ف�ُ ََ تَ�َُْ أ‬ ْ ُ‫�َ��َّ ا َّ ُ ن‬ � ‫ح�ز ن�وا َو� ب� ����شِ� �روا �ا ��جل� �ن��ةِ �ل�� �ك‬ ‫��خ�ا وا ولا‬ ‫���ت�����م‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ‫تُ َ ُ نَ نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ َ ْ‫ُّ ن‬ ََ� ْ � � ،�‫�و���ع�د و‬ � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ح� ن� � و�لِي��ا ك�م ي� ا ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ �� ‫َ � ْ آ‬ .�‫�� �ر‬ ِ‫و ي� ال� خ‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬

296 – Therein you shall have all that your souls desire and all that you ask for as hospitality from One, the Forgiving, the Most Merciful (41:30–32). Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and His being pleased and of gardens for them wherein are everlasting delights. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward (9:21–22). Eden Gardens which they shall enter and also those who acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate (13:23).

Chapter 2

َ َ ْ َ‫ََ ُ ْ � َ َ ت‬ ْ �ُ‫أ ن ��ُ ُ كُ� ْ َ �َ ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ���ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا � ش�����ت����ِهي� � �����ف��س�م ول�م‬ ً ُ َ ُ َّ َ َ َُ َ �ِ ‫ ���ن��زُلا �ِّم� نْ� �غ� ��ف� ور ّر‬،�‫ي���ه�ا �َ��م�ا ���ت�د �عو ن‬ .‫ح����ي��م‬ ����ِ‫ف‬ ٍ ٍ ‫َُ شّ ُ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ �َ ْح�َ �ّ ��ْ ُ َ �ضْ َ ن‬ �ٍ ‫� وا‬ ‫���ر���ه��م رب�����ه��م بِ ر ��م��ةٍ ِم� �ن�ه و ِر‬ ِ �‫ي�ب‬ َ�� ٌ ُّ ٌ َ‫َّ ُ ْ َ ن‬ َّ�� َ َ َ‫� � � ن‬ � ‫�د‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�خ‬ ����ِ‫� ��ل���ه��م ف‬ ‫ل‬ �‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م ِ ِ ي‬ ٍ‫و�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ َ َ َ ْ ‫َ أ ً نَّ ّ َ �� َ ُ أ‬ ٌ َ� ٌ � ‫ع‬ � .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ‫�ج‬ ����ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا �إِ � ا �ل��ل�ه ِ�ع� �ن�د ه � �� ر �ظ‬ ُ‫َ ��َّ تُ َ ْ ن َ ْ خ‬ ْ‫��لُ َن���َ�ه�ا َ �َم� نْ �َ��ص��لَ�� َ � � ن‬ ‫�ج�� �ن�ا � ���ع�د ٍ� ي��د‬ � ‫و‬ � ‫و‬ � ِ‫� ح م‬ ُ‫آَ ْ َأَ �زْ َ � ْ َ �ذُ َّّ ْ َ َ اَ َ ة‬ ��� ‫� ب�ا ئِ����هِ� ��م و� وا جِ����هِ� ��م و ِري�ا تِ����هِ� ��م وا �ل���م�ل ئِ� �ك‬ َ ُّ ‫ّ ن‬ ْ َ َ َ‫َ ْ خُ ُ ن‬ � � .� ‫ا‬ � ‫م‬ � ِ‫�ه‬ � �� ‫�ب‬ ‫ك‬ � �� ‫م‬ ٍ‫���ي�د ��لو� ع��لي � ِ � ِل � ب‬

Figure 2.305 Surface A, KHA8

B: – No carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.306 Surface B, KHA8

:�‫ب‬

‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

297

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� � و‬

Figure 2.307 Surfaces C and E, KHA8

298 D: – ………… – Year …

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ .................... ‫�ة‬ ..........‫ا �ل����سن��� ا �ل�ـ‬

Figure 2.308 Surface D, KHA8

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � ‫لا �و�� �ج�د ��� و � � و ��ا ��ب�ا‬

See Figure 2.307 Reference Number: KHA9 Co-ordinates: 26.20838° N 050.54844° E Dimensions: 141 cm (l) × 40 cm (w) × 60 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.309). It is roughed out and was probably left unfinished as it has been irregularly cut into shape on one side

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

299

and thus is not the regular rectangular block usually found. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at each end, but irregularly cut and of poor quality. Chisel marks can be seen on one side. Not in original position

Figure 2.309 KHA9

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: KHA10 Co-ordinates: 26.20836° N 050.54842° E Dimensions: 157 cm (l) × 37 cm (w) × 53 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Heavily eroded on top surface (E) and one side surface (A). Inscriptions on four surfaces. Raised decoration broken or cut off at one end and eroded or the other end, but with one facetted cube and a central rounded arch identifiable. Not in original position. Previous Publication: Number 13, Kalus (1990: 37). The raised decoration from the one end has disappeared since it was recorded by Kalus (cf.1990: Pl. XV). Arabic Transcription and Translation:

300 A: – No carving or inscriptions.

Chapter 2

‫أ‬ :� ‫أ‬ ‫�ز �� ف‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ن �ق ش‬ ��‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� � و ��خ�ا ر‬

Figure 2.310 Surface A, KHA10

B:

:�‫ب‬ َّ َ َ ّ ٰ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َ ُ�� ْ‫ُ َ َْ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأ‬ ُ‫��خ��ذُ هُ ���سِ�نَ����ةٌ َلاَ نَ� ْ �ٌم �لّ�ه‬ �� ‫�هو ا �ل�ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا‬ ‫و و‬ ‫ي‬ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ َ ّ َ َ ‫�َ��م�ا � ا �ل��س���م�ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ �‫فِي‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ َ ّ َ ْ َ‫ا �َّ � شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل �إِ�ذ � َ ْ ُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش��َ� ْء �ّم� ن‬ � � �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ � ِ ٍ �‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ َ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ ّ ْ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫ء‬ �� � �� � ‫�ه‬ �� ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ � ‫�ه‬ ‫ك‬ �� � �� ِ‫س‬ � � � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫و‬ ‫و‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ر‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫ِع� مِ ِ إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬

– In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens. ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫وال� ر�� ولا �ي ود ه‬ – And the earth, and He feels no fatigue �‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل‬ ‫ي‬ ِ in guarding and preserving them. And ُ ْ ُ ْ َ ُ َْ ّ َ َّ َ َّ َ� ‫�َاهَ � ا � ّ � ن‬ He is the Most High, the Most Great. ‫ي� ��ق�د ت����بي�� ن� ا �لر� ����ش�د‬ ‫ لا � كر ي� ل ِ�د‬،‫ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ِ ِ‫إ‬ ِ‫ف‬ There is no compulsion in religion. ْ َ ُ ُ ْ ُ ّ ْ َ ‫�غ‬ ���� َ َ� ْ‫� � نَ ا �لْ غ�َ� ّ ��َ�ف��م� ن‬ � � � ‫ك‬ � Verily, the Right Path has become dis- �‫� و�ي�ؤ � � ن‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�ف‬ ‫�ط‬ ��‫ل‬ � ِ‫و ت‬ ِ‫م‬ ِ‫� � ي ر ب‬ ِ ‫مِ � ي‬ tinct from the wrong path. Whoever َ ُ ْ ْ ْ َ ََْْ َ�� َ‫ّ ف‬ َ َ‫ث ق‬ َ ُ disbelieves in Taghut and believes ‫�د ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �� �ا �ل�ع ْرو� ا �لو����ى لا‬ ‫�ق‬ ِ ��� ‫�بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ‫ة‬

301

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Allah is the Protector of those who believe. He brings them out from darkness into light. But as for those who disbelieve, their supporters are Taghut (2:255–257).

ُّ َ �‫و لِي‬ َ ‫�إِلى‬

ُ‫ ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه‬،ٌ��‫ا ن���������َ��ص�ا �َم �َ�ل�َ�ه�ا َ ا �ل�ّ�ل�هُ َ����س�� �� ٌ َع��ل� �ي‬ ‫مِ يع ِ �� م‬ ‫� و‬ ِ‫ف‬ ُْ ْ ُ‫َّ نَ آ َ ن‬ َُ ُّ‫�خ ُ ُ ّ َ �ظ‬ ‫ن‬ � � ِ‫ا �ل��ذِ �ي� � �م��وا ي� ِر ج�����ه��م �ِم�� ا �ل�� �ل���م�ا ت‬ َ َ َّ َ ُُّ ُ‫���َ ُ ْ أَ ْ َآ �ؤُ ُ ُ َّ �غ�ُ ت‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ � � ‫ا‬ � ‫ا‬ � � � .� ‫ا‬ � � � ‫���ه‬ � ‫�ف‬ ‫�ط‬ ��‫ل‬ �� ‫م‬ ‫و‬ ‫ا �ل�و ِر وا �ل��ذِ �ي� ك رو ولِي‬

Figure 2.311 Surface B, KHA10

C: – … unless … Allah … night between … thirty-seven …

:‫��ـ‬ ‫ ا �ل��س�ا ����ع��ة‬....... ‫ �ل� �ي� �ة �� ن‬........‫ �ل�ل�ه‬...... ‫ ال‬............‫�ج‬ ‫ا‬ �‫�� ل� ب�ي‬ ‫ب‬ .........�‫وا �لث��لا ث�ي�� ن‬

Figure 2.312 Surface C, KHA10

302

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ �‫���ق��بر و�م����س��ت����ق�ر ا �ل���مر‬ ‫حو�م ا �ل��س�ع����ي�د ا �ل����سي���د‬ ‫�ي�� � ن‬ ‫ش‬ .�‫ب‬ � ��‫د رو‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ا �ل����س���د ��ن�ا �ص � ن‬ – al-Sayyid Naser Bin al-Mutawwaj al- � ‫ب� ا �ل���م��تو ج ا �ل����سي���د ��س�لي�����م�ا‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ي‬ � ّٰ Sayyid Sulayman. ‫ت�غ‬ �� .‫�����م�د ���ه��م ا �ل��ل�ه ب�رح�م� �ت�ه‬

D: – Grave of the late, the blessed, al-Sayyid Darwish bin

Figure 2.313 Surface D, KHA10

E: – Inscribed by al-Sayyid Hashim … – al-Sayyid ʿAli …

:‫�ه�ـ‬ �� ‫ن����ق‬ ...................‫���ش�ه ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا � ����ش��م‬ .....................�‫ا �ل����سي���د ���ع��ل‬

‫ي‬

303

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.314 Surface E, KHA10

Reference Number: KHA11 Co-ordinates: 26.20836° N 050.54845° E Dimensions: 178 cm (l) × 33 cm (w) × 64 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Single hollow limestone slab gravestone. No inscriptions. Three element raised decoration at one end formed of two facetted cubes and a central

304

Chapter 2

rounded arch. At the other end the raised decoration has been cleanly cut off. The gravestone is unfinished and there are cut marks on the one side surface (A) where the stone has been roughly sawn into shape (Figure 2.315). The other side surface (B) has been broken recently but has a short carved raised plinth at its base (Figure 2.316). Not in original position.

Figure 2.315 Surface A, KHA11

Figure 2.316 Surface B, KHA11

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: KHA12 Co-ordinates: 26.20834° N 050.54844° E Dimensions: Two slabs measured as one unit – 127 cm (l) × 34 cm (w) × 48 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE

305

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Description: Gravestone formed of double limestone slabs. Some erosion on top. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at each end. Possibly in original position close to mosque wall. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A:

‫أ‬

َ�

ّ

َ َْ َ ُ

:�

َ ْ ُّ َ ْ ُ َ

‫� اه � ا �ل�د � ن‬ – And He is the Most High, the Most ‫ي� ��ق�د‬ ‫ لا � ك‬، ��‫�ه َ ا �ل���ع�� ا �ل�ع�� � �ي‬ ِ ِ �‫و و ِلي� �ظِ �� م إِ ر فِي‬ Great. There is no compulsion in reُ‫تَّ َ َّ نَ ُّ ْ ُ نَ ْ غَ ّ �َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ � ‫����بي��� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ �� ا �ل��� ��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ligion. Verily, the Right Path has be- � ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا و ت‬ ِ‫ي‬ come distinct from the wrong path. َ َ‫َُ� ْ�ؤ � ن � ّ ف�َ ��َ ا ْ تَ ْ َ َ �ْ ُ ْ َ � ا �ُْثْ ق‬ Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and ‫�د ����س�����م��س�ك �� �ا ل�عرو لو����ى‬ ِ ‫وي مِ �� �بِ� �ا ل��لِ�ه ���ق‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ‫ة‬ believes in Allah, then he has grasped ََ َ َ ‫َ ن‬ the most trustworthy handhold that .‫����ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫لا ا ���ف‬ will never break. ْ ُ َ ‫َ ّ ُ َ ٌ َ ٌ ّ ُ َ ُّ َّ نَ آ‬ � ِ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه و � ا �ل��ذ‬،‫وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي�� ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ – And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. ‫ي� � �م ن��وا‬ ‫لِي‬ ‫ع‬ Allah is the Protector of those who َ ُْ ُ ّ ُ َُ ُّ‫�خ ُ ُ ّ َ �ظ‬ َ‫إِلَ �لنّ َ � � ن‬ ‫�����ه��م �م� ن‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ believe. He brings them out from �‫� � ى ا �ور وا ل��ذِ ي‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫��م‬ ��‫ل‬ � ‫ي� ِر ج‬ �ِ ِ‫ت‬ ِ darkness into light. But as for those َ ُ‫���َ ُ ْ أَ ْ َآ �ؤُ ُ ُ َّ �غ�ُ ت‬ who disbelieve, their supporters are .�‫ك���ف�روا � و�ي�� ���ه��م ا �ل����ط�ا و‬ ِ‫ل‬ al-Taghut.

Figure 2.317 Surface A, KHA12

306

Chapter 2

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ َ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes ُ َ�� ْ‫َّ َ ش‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in . ‫������ف‬ �‫ا �ل��ذِ �ي� ي‬ ‫ع‬ the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him ََ ْ َْ‫� ��ْ َ ُ َّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ َ َ ْ نَ أ‬ – Except by His permission! He knows ‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا‬ �� ‫ِع� �ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ���م�ا ب�ي��� � ي� ِ�د‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫م‬ َ what happens to them in this world, ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ ّ � and will happen to them in the ‫حي����طو� �����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا ����م�ا‬ ِ�‫���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫ي‬ Hereafter and they will never compass َ َ َ‫أ‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا َ ا َ ْ ض‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ anything of His Knowledge except ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫� ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ع‬ that which He wills. His Seat extends َ ُ ُ‫َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ � فْ ظ‬ over the heavens and the earth, and .‫ي� ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا‬ He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them (2:255–257).

Figure 2.318 Surface B, KHA12

C: – Glad Mercy from Him, and His being pleased with them, and of Paradise for them wherein are everlasting delights. – They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward (9:21–22).

:‫�ج��ـ‬

َ ْ ُ َّ َّ�� َ َ ‫َ ْ َ ّ ��ْ ُ َ ْ َ ن‬ � ‫�رح���م��ةٍ �ِم� �ن�ه ور �ض‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�ن‬ ����ِ‫� ��ل���ه��م ف‬ ٍ‫� وا ٍ� و�ج � ت‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ ُ َ ٌ ٌّ ‫ن‬ .‫� ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م‬ َ ْ َ‫َ ُ أ‬ َ ٌ� ّ َّ‫� � نَ َ أ َ ً ن‬ �‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا � � ا �ل��ل�هَ ِ�ع����ن�د ه � �� �جر‬ ����ِ‫�� �خ�ا �ِل ِ�دي� ف‬ ِ‫إ‬ ٌ َ� .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ع �ظ‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

307

Figure 2.319 Surface C, KHA12

D: – Darkness, those are the dwellers of the Fire. – And they will abide therein forever (2:257). Their Lord gives them (9:21–22).

:‫د‬ َ ُ َُ ُ َّ ُ َ ْ ‫أ َْ َ أ‬ ‫ا � �ظّل�� �ل���م�ا � � و�ل��ـ� �ك � �ص‬ .‫��ح�ا ب� ا �ل����ن�ا ر‬ ِ‫�ئ‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ ُ َ َ ‫ �� ش‬.�‫ُ���ه�� ْم �����َ�ه�ا ����خ�ا �ل�د ن‬ .‫���ر���ه��م رب�����ه��م‬ �‫فِي‬ ‫ِ و يب‬

Figure 2.320 Surface D, KHA12

308 E: – … the soil and he is the moon of science and work. – … eighty-six, Awal Island. – … blessed grave … ʿAli leaves …

Chapter 2

:‫�ه�ـ‬ .‫ ا �ل����ث�ر�ى و�هو ��ب�د ر ا �ل���ع��ل وا �ل���ع��م�ل‬...................

‫م‬ ‫ت ث ن � ة‬ .‫�ج�ز ��ي�ر� ا وا ل‬ � ‫ ����س�� و����م�ا‬............... � .�‫ ي�ر��ح�ل ���ع��ل‬........�‫ �ق��بر ��ط�ا ب‬..................... ‫ي‬

Figure 2.321 Surface E, KHA12

Reference Number: KHA13 Co-ordinates: 26.20835° N 050.54846° E Dimensions: 143 cm (l) × 30.5 cm (w) × 39.5 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Top surface (E) eroded but a shallow carved rectangular panel design, probably a niche is identifiable. Inscriptions on five surfaces, two only partially legible. Raised decoration has been cut off at each end and these were set on rectangular plinths which remain. Not in original position. Previous Publication: Number 19, Kalus (1990: 50) Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Verily, those who say: Our Lord is Allah, and afterward are upright, the angels descend upon them, saying:

‫أ‬

ُ ََ ْ َ ُ َّ َ ُّ َ ‫رب����ن�ا ا �ل��ل�هُ ���ث�� ّم ا ����س��ت����ق�ا �موا‬ َ ََ ُ‫ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬

:�

ُ َ� َ‫نَّ َّ ن‬ � ِ‫� � ا �ل��ذ‬ ‫ي� ��ق�ا �لوا‬ ِ‫إ‬ ُ ْ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َع�َ�ل‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ي����هِ� ��م‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of the paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask (41:30–31). – Eden Paradise, whose doors will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be chaste females restraining their glances and of equal ages. This is what you are promised for the day of Reckoning. Verily, this is our provision which will never finish. This is so, and for the disobedient to Allah will be an evil final return (38:50–55).

309

ْ َ‫تَْ�زَنُ َأ‬ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� � � ،�‫��������م �و��ع�د و‬ ‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا �ا �ج�� �ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ‫نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ َ �� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� ْ� � � � ‫ل‬ � ‫ك‬ ‫ال‬ � �‫�� �ر‬ � ِ‫ح� ن� � ولِ�ي��ا �م ي� ا ح����ي�ا ةِ ا ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� � خ‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أَ ن‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ه� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ َ‫َ �َ َّ ُ ن‬ .�‫���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬ َ َّ َ ُّ ‫َ ْ ن‬ َّ�� َ ُ َ َْ‫� �ةً َّ ُ ُ ْ أ‬ � ،�‫� ���ع�د ٍ� �م��ف� ��ت�� �ح� ��ل���ه��م ال� ب�وا ب‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�ن‬ ِ‫�ج � ت‬ َ َ َ‫ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ نَ َ �ف‬ �‫�ثِ���ي��َر‬ �‫����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ‫�م��ت ِك‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ ْ َّ ُ‫َ َ ُ ْ �َ َ ت‬ َ ََ ‫ا‬ �ِ‫ و ِ�ع ن���د ���ه��م ��ق�ا �صِ را � ا �ل����ط�ر�ف‬،� ‫ر‬ ٍ‫و� ����ش� ب‬ ْ ْ َ َ‫أَ�ْ َ ٌ َ �ذَ َ تُ َ ُ ن‬ َ� � ‫ل‬ � ،� ِ ‫ ���ه� ا ���م�ا �و��ع�د و� لِ�ي�و�ِم ا‬،�‫� ��ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ح����س�ا ب‬ َّ‫َ �ذَ َ ن‬ َ��َّ‫نَّ َ �ذَ َِ�زْ ُق َ َ َ ُ ن‬ � �‫ ���ه� ا و‬،‫�إِ � ���ه� ا �لر �����ن�ا ���م�ا �ل�ه �مِ � ن� ����ف�ا ٍد‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫َّ � نَ َ ��َ َّ َ آ‬ .� ٍ‫�ِل��ل��ط�ا غِ�� ي��� �ل���ش�ر ���م� ب‬

Figure 2.322 Surface A, KHA13

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in

:�‫ب‬ َّ َ َ ّ ٰ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َّ ٌ َ‫ُ َْ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ ُ‫�ه َ ا �ل� ّ ا �ل���ق�� �م لا ت�� ����خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� َلا � ْ �م �ل�ه‬ ‫و و‬ ‫و حي� يو‬ َ َ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬

310

Chapter 2

َ‫أ‬ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ ْ ْ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش��َ� ْء �ّم� ن‬ � �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ � ِ ٍ �‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا ي�ِي و� بِ ي‬ َ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ ّ ْ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫ء‬ �� � �� � ‫�ه‬ �� ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ � ‫�ه‬ ‫ك‬ � �� �� ِ‫س‬ � � � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫و‬ ‫و‬ ‫ع ر ي‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫ِع� مِ ِ إِ ب‬ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ .��‫وال� ر‬

the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. ُ َ ْ� ‫َلَ َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ – And He feels no fatigue in guarding ،‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫وا ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬ and preserving them. And He is the َ ْ ُ ْ ُّ َ َّ َ َّ َ� ‫ّ ن‬ َ ْ َ ّ � ‫�رَاه �� ا �ل ِ�د‬ Most High, the Most Great. There is ���‫ي� ��ق�د ت����بي�� ن� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ � نَ� ا �ل غ‬ ‫لا �إِ ك فِي‬ ‫ي‬ ِ no compulsion in religion. Verily, the ِ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ� �����‫�����ُ�ف� ْ �ا � َّل����ط�ا �غ�ُ � َُ� ْ�ؤ � � ن � �ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ف‬ ‫ك‬ � ‫��ف��م� ن‬ Right Path has become distinct from ‫�د‬ ‫�ق‬ ‫و‬ � ‫و‬ ِ ِ ِ‫تِ ي مِ � ب‬ ِ‫� ي ر ب‬ the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ُْ ُْ َ َ ْ َ ْ in Taghut and believes in Allah, then ‫����ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �بِ� �ا �ل�ع ْر َو�ةِ ا �لوث���ق�ى لا ا ن���ف‬ he has grasped the most trustworthy ْ ‫آ‬ ُ َ َ‫َ � ّ ُ َ ٌ َ ٌ � ّ ُ َ ُّ �َّ � ن‬ handhold that will never break. And ‫ي� � �م ن��وا‬ ِ‫ ا ل��ل�ه و لِي� ا ل��ذ‬،‫وا ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي��ع ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Allah ُْ ُُّ َ َُ ُّ‫�خ ُ ُ ّ َ �ظ‬ ‫�����ه��م �م� ن‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ is the Protector of those who believe. .‫� �إِلى ا �لن�ور‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫��م‬ ��‫ل‬ � ‫ي� ِر ج‬ �ِ ِ‫ت‬ ِ He brings them out from darkness into light (2:255–257).

Figure 2.323 Surface B, KHA13

C: – This is the grave of the blessed … The Prophet … Mercy on him … – … Thousand … in …

.....��‫ا �ل���� ب�ن‬ ‫ي‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ �‫���ه��ذا ���� �ض� ي‬ ‫رح‬ ‫ح��� �ه‬ ‫ �ف‬......... ‫ر م ال � ف‬ .........................� ....���‫ ا ل‬........ ‫ي‬

.........‫ا �ل���م ب��رور‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

311

Figure 2.324 Surface C, KHA13

D: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

Figure 2.325 Surface D, KHA13

:‫د‬ ‫ق‬ ‫��ح�ا �ل��ة ا �لن����� ش‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء ��ت�ه‬ ‫ لا ي����م ك‬،‫�ق��� ��س�ي�����ئ��ة ����ج�د ا‬

312 E: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

Chapter 2

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ق‬ ‫��ح�ا �ل��ة ا �لن����� ش‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء ��ت�ه‬ ‫ لا ي����م ك‬،‫�ق��� ��س�ي�����ئ��ة ����ج�د ا‬

Figure 2.326 Surface E, KHA13

Reference Number: KHA14 Co-ordinates: 26.20833° N 050.54845° E Dimensions: 138 cm (l) × 37 cm (w) × 54.5 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

313

Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.327). No inscriptions. Rather than being due to erosion, the bad surface but relatively sharp lines of the different surfaces suggests the gravestone was left unfinished as the limestone was found to be of too poor quality to take inscriptions once the initial shape had been cut. Badly cut three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at each end, one of which is eroded. Not in original position. Excavated to expose whole gravestone.

Figure 2.327 KHA14

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: KHA15 Co-ordinates: 26.20831° N 050.54846° E Dimensions: 126.5 cm (l) × 33 cm (w) × 48 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Some erosion at the base and at one end, suggesting it was upended and left exposed for some time. Not in original position. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central thin rounded arch all set on a shallow rectangular plinth at each end. Shallow carved rounded riche design on upper surface (E). Hole drilled into one end surface (C). Inscriptions on five surfaces. Previous Publication: Number 12, Kalus (1990: 35)

314 Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Inscription cannot be read.

Chapter 2

‫أ‬ :� ‫�ض‬ ‫ن������ ش‬ � ‫�ق�� ���غي��ر وا‬ � ‫ح‬

Figure 2.328 Surface A, KHA15

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him – … His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in al-Taghut … in Allah (2:255–256).

َّ َ َ ُّ ّٰ :�‫ب‬ َ ‫ن‬ � � ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه ا �لر �ح��م�� ا �لرح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َ ُ�� ْ‫ُ َ َْ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأ‬ ُ‫��خ��ذُ هُ ���سِ�نَ����ةٌ َلاَ نَ� ْ �ٌم �لّ�ه‬ �� ‫�هو ا �ل�ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا‬ ‫و و‬ ‫ي‬ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ َ ّ َ َ ‫�َ��م�ا � ا �ل��س���م�ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ �‫فِي‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫ف‬ َّ َ ُ َ ْ ُ َ�� ْ‫ش‬ �‫ا �ل��ذِ �ي� ي‬ .‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه‬ ‫ع‬ َ َُ َ ‫� ْ ُّ ُ � َّ َ َ َ ال أ ْ ض‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ �� ‫�ه‬ �� ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ � ‫ل��س‬ ‫ و���سِ� ك‬................. ِ‫س‬ � � ‫و‬ � ‫� و �ر‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ر‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ع‬ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ولا ي� ود ه‬ ‫ لا‬،‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ْ‫�َاهَ � ا �ل ّ�د � ن ��َ�ق�د تّ�َ َ�بّ��َ نَ ا �ل ُّ� ��ْ��ش ُ�د � � نَ ا �لْ غ�َ� ّ ��َ�ف َ��م� ن‬ ‫�ك‬ ‫ي� �� ي� ر‬ � ِ�‫مِ � ي‬ ِ ِ �‫إِ ر فِي‬ ُ‫َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ �� ‫ف‬ � ‫ي� ك‬ .‫��ب�ا �ل�ل�ه ����ق�د‬......� ‫و‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا ت‬

315

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.329 Surface B, KHA15

C: – … from proceeds...share … known as … located … Katkatan … everyday one part of the Quran should be read … – …………

:‫�ج��ـ‬ � ‫�ة‬ ‫ن‬ � .... �‫ ا �ل���م�عرو ف‬......‫ ���س���ه��م‬.....‫ �م�� ��ح�ا �ص�ل‬........ ‫�ت ن‬ �‫ا �ل ك‬ ‫كل �يو�م ����ج��زء‬ ‫ �ك� ك‬.....�‫��ا ئ� ن‬ � ‫ ي������ق�رء‬......� ‫�����ت�ا‬ ‫� ن ا � �� ا ن‬ ........� ‫م�� ل���ق�ر‬ ..................................

Figure 2.330 Surface C, KHA15

316 D: – … six hundred and fifty-four … – Known as …

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫�خ‬ ‫�ة‬ ........... �‫ ا ر���ب و �م���سي�� ن� و����ست�����م�ا ��ي‬....... ‫ع‬

‫ف‬

............................��‫ا �ل���م���ع�رو‬

Figure 2.331 Surface D, KHA15

:‫�ه�ـ‬ � ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫ن����ق �����ش�ه الا ���ق�ل‬ � ‫ح���سي�� ن� �ب� ���ع��لي� �ب� ��ف�رد ا‬ .�‫ا �ل���م����ن�ا م‬ ‫ي‬ � � �� ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ – Oh grave, you embedded Naser who � ‫��ي�ا ��ق��بر وا ري�� ا �ل���م���ق�د ��س �ن�ا �صرا*** �ذا‬ ‫�ذ‬ ‫�� ق‬ � is great, dignified and polite .� ‫ا �لو��ق�ا ر ��م���ه� ب� الا ��خ�لا‬ E: – Engraved by Husayn bin ʿAli Bin Fardan al-Manami.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– … proud … highclass … – Written by Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din, may Allah forgive him.

‫ق‬

‫ف �ة‬

�� ‫�ف‬

317

.�� ‫ا �لر�����ع� را‬........*** ..........‫ ا �ل�� ����خ�ر‬....... ‫ي‬

‫ن‬ �‫ا �ل�د�ي‬

‫ن �ز ن‬ ‫���ت� �ه الا ��ق� � ن ن‬ ��‫ح���سي��� �ب� ���ع��لي� �ب� ي‬ ‫�ك �ب‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ن‬ .‫�ع���فى �ع����ه���م�ا‬

Figure 2.332 Surface E, KHA15

318

Chapter 2

Reference Number: KHA16 Co-ordinates: 26.20832° N 050.54847° E Dimensions: 138 cm (l) × 31.5 cm (w) × 51.5 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.333). No inscriptions. Roughed out unfinished gravestone which has been cut to size but left decoratively uncarved. A rectangular block for raised decoration is cut at one end with a shallow rectangular plinth below it. Chisel marks on the upper surface (E) indicate that the rectangular block that would have formed the raised decoration has been cleanly cut off, but the lower rectangular plinth step has been left. Three small circular cup marks are cut into the upper surface (E). Not in original position.

Figure 2.333 KHA16

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: KHA17 Co-ordinates: 26.20829° N 050.54847° E Dimensions: 175 cm (l) × 33.5 cm (w) × 60 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Eroded three element raised decoration with one facetted cube and central rounded arch identifiable at one end, decoration cut off at the other end. Inscriptions on four surfaces. Not in original position.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

319

Previous Publication: Number 18, Kalus (1990: 49) Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world. – And will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever

Figure 2.334 Surfaces A and E, KHA17

‫أ‬ َّ :� َ َ ٰ ّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َ ُ�� ْ‫ُ َ َْ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأ‬ ُ‫��خ��ذُ هُ ���سِ�نَ����ةٌ َلاَ نَ� ْ �ٌم �لّ�ه‬ �� ‫�هو ا �ل�ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا‬ ‫و و‬ ‫ي‬ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ َ َ ّ َ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫���م�ا �ي� ا �ل��س���م�ا َوا‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ََ ْ َْ‫أ‬ .‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا‬ �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ َّ ْ ّ ْ َ‫خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ� ُ نَ ش‬ � ‫���ل�����ه�� لا‬ ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا‬ ���� ‫ح����ط‬ ِ‫َ إ‬ ‫� م و ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ َ ‫َ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُّ ُ َّ َ َ َ أ ْ ض‬ ‫بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ��‫� وال� ر‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ‫ع‬ ُ َ ْ� ‫َلَ َ�ُ�ؤ ُ هُ � فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ ،‫وا ي ود ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع��ل� ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ّ ‫�َاهَ � ا � ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ا � ُّ�ْ � نَ ا � غ‬ ‫لا � كر ي� ل ِ�د‬ �‫ي� �ق�د ����بي��� لر ����ش�د مِ �� ل�ي‬ � ِ ِ‫إ‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ ْ َ َ� .�‫��ف��م� ن‬

320 B:

Chapter 2

َ�� َ‫ف‬

ْ َُ

ّ

ُ‫َّ �غ‬

:�‫ب‬

ْ ُ�� ْ

‫�ؤ ن‬ � ‫ي�َ ك‬ – Disbelieves in al-Taghut and believes ‫�د‬ ِ ‫� و�ي �مِ �� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ����ق‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا و ت‬ in Allah, then he has grasped the َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ُْ ُْ َ َ ْ َ ْ most trustworthy handhold that will ‫����ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �بِ� �ا �ل�ع ْر َو�ةِ ا �لوث���ق�ى لا ا ن���ف‬ never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, ْ ‫آ‬ ُ َ َ‫َ � ّ ُ َ ٌ َ ٌ � ّ ُ َ ُّ �َّ � ن‬ All-Knower. Allah is the Protector of ‫ي� � �م ن��وا‬ ِ‫ ا ل��ل�ه و لِي� ا ل��ذ‬،‫وا ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي��ع ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ those who believe. He brings them ُْ ّ ُ ُ� ‫�خ‬ out from .�َ‫�����ه��م �ِم� ن‬ ‫ي� ِر ج‬ – Darkness into light. But as for those ْ َ َ َ ُُّ َُ ُّ‫�ظ‬ ُ ��� َ‫َ َّ � ن‬ ‫ا‬ who disbelieve, their supporters are ‫� �إِلى ا �لن�ور وا �ل��ذِ ي� ك���ف�رو‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ ِ‫ا �ل�� �ل� ت‬ ِ Taghut, they bring them out from ُْ ُ‫أَ ْ َآ �ؤُ ُ ُ َّ �غُ ت‬ ُّ ّ ُ ‫�خ ُ َن‬ � ‫� ��� ���ه ا �ل����ط�ا‬ light into darkness. Those are the ‫� ي�ر�ج�و�����ه��م �ِم� نَ� ا �لن�ور‬ ِ ِ َ ‫ولِي ��م ُ و‬ dwellers of the Fire, and they will ْ ‫أ َْ َ أ‬ َُ ُّ‫َ �ظ‬ ْ ُ َّ ُ َ‫�ص‬ � ‫� � و�ل��ـ��ئِ�ك‬ abide therein forever (2:255–257). ‫��ح�ا ب� ا �ل����ن�ا ر ���ه��م‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ ِ‫�إِلى ا �ل�� �ل� ت‬ ِ Verily, those who say: Our Lord is َ ُ‫َ ُ َُّ َ ث‬ َ َ َ ّ ُ ّ َ ‫� � ُ نَ نَّ �ّ � نَ ق‬ Allah, and afterward are upright ‫ي� ��ا �لوا رب�ن��ا ا �ل��ل�ه �م‬ ����ِ‫ف‬ �ِ‫ � � ا ل�ذ‬.�‫ي���ه�ا �� �خ�ا ِل�د و‬ ِ‫إ‬ (41:30–32). ُ َ‫ْ َ�ق‬ .‫ا ����س��ت� �ا �موا‬

Figure 2.335 Surface B, KHA17

C: – Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of paradise

َّ َْ

َ ُ ْ‫أ‬

ُ‫َ تََْن‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ت ف‬

� ‫لا‬ ‫ح�ز �وا َو� ب� ����شِ� � وا �ا ��جل‬ � � ‫���خ�ا �وا َولا‬ . ِ‫�����ن��ة‬ ِ‫ر ب‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

321

Figure 2.336 Surface C, KHA17

D: – which you have been promised (41:30). We have been your friends in the life – of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, – And therein you shall have all for which you ask. An entertainment from the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (41:31–32).

:‫د‬ َ َ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ ‫َّ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ نَ ن�ْ أ‬ ‫�مْ �� ا �ل‬ � � ،�‫��������م �و���ع�د و‬ ‫ح� نُ� � ْو�يَ��ا �ؤ ك‬ �ِ‫ح����ي�ا ة‬ ‫ا �ل�� �ك‬ � ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ ‫تِي‬ َ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ �� َ ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ ت‬ .�‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ه‬ ِ‫ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خ‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫�� �ر� و�ل ك‬ ‫ِي‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫َأ ن‬ ْ‫ �ُ��ن��زُلاً �ّم� ن‬،َ‫� ْ �����َ�ه�ا �َ��م�ا �َ��ت َّ�د �ُع ن‬ � �‫� �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و‬ �‫�م و�ل كم فِي‬ �ِ َ َُ �ِ ‫�غ� ��ف� ور ّر‬ .‫ح����ي��م‬ ٍ ٍ

322

Chapter 2

Figure 2.337 Surface D, KHA17

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.334

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � ‫لا �و�� �ج�د ��� و � � و ��ا ��ب�ا‬

323

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Reference Number: KHA18 Co-ordinates: 26.20830° N 050.54849° E Dimensions: 127 cm (l) × 22.5 cm (w) × 31 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Heavily eroded. Raised decoration cut off at both ends. The gravestone has been deliberately recut on one surface (B) to remove the inscriptions except in the lower right corner where a fragment of the original inscribed surface remains. Partially legible inscriptions on four surfaces. Not in original position. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the name of Allah … none has the right to be worshipped … – No … al-Taghut, they bring them out … (2:257).

ّٰ

‫أ‬

:�

.....................‫ لا ا �ل�ه‬.......‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه‬

ُْ ُ ُ‫َّ �غ‬ ُ ‫�خ ُ َن‬ ِ

‫ ا �ل��ط�ا � ت‬...........‫لا‬ .........‫� ي�ر�ج�و���ه���م‬ ‫و‬

Figure 2.338 Surface A, KHA18

B: – No legible inscriptions.

:�‫ب‬

‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

324

Figure 2.339 Surface B, KHA18

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬ �� �� �� � � ......)‫ وا ل���م���ق�د (ا ل���م���ق�د س‬.……… ‫ف‬ ‫ل����ش���� خ حم‬ �� � ‫����م�د (ا ح���م�د) � ن ا‬ �� – Al-Firdawsi Shaikh Muhammad bin ‫ل����ش��ي�� خ‬ �‫ب‬ ‫ا �ل����رد و��سي� ا � ي‬ � � Shaikh ʿAbd a[l]……bin Hasan. ٰ � �‫ (ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه) � نب‬....‫�ع����ب�د ا‬ .�‫ح����س ن‬ C: – … and the holy …

Figure 2.340 Surface C, KHA18

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

D: – ………… – Glorious Ramadan, year of one thousand, one hundred thirty-eight.

325 :‫د‬ ................................

‫ن‬ �� ‫ن �ة ث �� �ة ث ث ن‬ ���‫ر�م������ �ض�ا � ا�ة �ل���م�ع���فظ��م ا �ل����س��� ا �ل��ا �م� �ن� وا �ل��لا �ي‬ .���‫ب����ع�د �م�ا ��ي� والا �ل‬

Figure 2.341 Surface D, KHA18

E: – Engraved by … al-Sayyid …

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�ق‬ �� ......‫ ــ�ر‬......)‫ ��ي�د (ا �ل����سي���د‬....)‫� ����ش�ه (��� ���ش�ه‬

326

Chapter 2

Figure 2.342 Surface E, KHA18

Reference Number: KHA19 Co-ordinates: 26.20828° N 050.54845° E Dimensions: 156 cm (l) × 44 cm (w) × 50 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone (Figure 2.343). Possibly in original position near mosque wall. No inscriptions. Cut roughly into shape and with

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

327

rectangular blocks at each end for raised decoration. The upper surface (E) is badly shaped so that a downward sloping surface has been produced with clear chisel marks evident. This might be the reason the gravestone was left unfinished along with the poor quality of the stone which would have been evident once it had been cut into shape. Excavated to expose whole gravestone.

Figure 2.343 KHA19

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: KHA20 Co-ordinates: 26.20828° N 050.54849° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 73.5 cm (l) × 31 cm (w) × 40.5 cm (h) Slab 2: 58 cm (l) × 30.5 cm (w) × 45 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Gravestone formed of double limestone slabs. Damage on one side surface (A) and some erosion including surface flaking on the other (B). Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at one end, and remains of broken unidentifiable raised decoration at the other end. Inscriptions on four surfaces. Not in original position.

328

Chapter 2

Previous Publication: Number S5, Kalus (1995: 136–137), and Number S7, Kalus (1995: 138–139). It is unclear why Kalus separately catalogued the two halves of one gravestone (cf. Kalus 1995: Figures 2 and 4), presumably because they had been separated when Kalus was completing his recording. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Verily, we have given you a manifest victory. That Allah may forgive you your sins of the past and the future. – And complete His favour on you, and guide you on the straight path. And that Allah may help you with strong help (48:1–3). Eden Paradise, which they shall enter and also those who acted righteously

‫أ‬ :� ّٰ َ َ َ�� ْ َ‫�َّ فَ�ت‬ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ��� �� ‫ � ��ن�ا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ‫ح� �ن�ا �ل�ك‬ ِ‫إ‬ َ َ َ َ َ �� ْ‫فَ �تْ ً ُّ ��ً َ �غ‬ ‫�ك ا �ل�ّ�ل�هُ �َ��م�ا تَ�����َ�ق ّ�د �َم � � ن‬ ‫�� ����ح�ا �م��بِ�ي�� �ن�ا لِ�ي���� فِ� �ر �ل‬ � ِ‫م‬ ّ‫�ذَ ن َ َ َ �َ أَ �خ‬ ََ� ‫�بِ��ك و���م�ا ��ت� ر‬ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ‫ُ َّ ن‬ ً َ ‫َوي���� ��م ِ��ع���م����ت�هُ ���ع��ليْ��ك َوي�����ه ِ�د ي��ك �صِ را��ط�ا‬ ِ‫ت‬ ً‫ُّ ْ �تَ ً َ َن ُ َ َ � َّ ُ نَ ْ ً �َ �ز‬ .‫����ص�را ع ��ي� ا‬ ��� ‫ وي��������ص�رك ا ل��ل�ه‬،‫�م����س� ��قِي�����م�ا‬ ِ‫�ز‬ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫َ ��َّ تُ َ ْ ن َ ْ خُ ُ َن‬ . ��‫��لو�����ه�ا و�م� ن� ����ص��ل‬ ‫�ج�� �ن�ا � ���ع�د ٍ� ي��د‬ ‫ح‬

Figure 2.344 Surfaces A and E, KHA20

B: – From among their fathers and their wives and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate saying, peace be upon you, for you preserved in patience.

:�‫ب‬ َ ْ َّّ ُ‫� نْ �آَ ْ َ �أ �زْ َ ا � ْ َ �ذ‬ ‫����هِ� ��م و ِري�ا تِ����هِ� ��م‬ ِ‫مِ �� ب�ا ئِ����هِ� ��م و و ج‬ َ ُّ ‫ّ ن‬ ْ َ َ َ‫َ َ َ َ ةُ َ ْ خُ ُ ن‬ � � � ،� ‫ا‬ ‫م‬ � ِ‫�ه‬ � �� ‫�ب‬ ‫ك‬ � ‫وا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ �� ‫م‬ � � ‫��� ���ي�د ��لو� ع��لي‬ ٍ‫ِ � ِل ب‬ َ ْ َ‫َ اَ �ٌ �َ��ع�َ�لْ� كُ َ َ َ ْ�ُ ْ ف‬ .‫�م ����م�ا �ص ب��ر��ت��م �نِ�����ع��م‬ ِ‫����س�ل م ي � ب‬

329

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– Excellent indeed is the final home (13:23–24). Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and His being pleased with them, and of Paradise for them wherein are everlasting delights. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward (9:21–22).

Figure 2.345 Surface B, KHA20

C: – The late, the blessed Muhammad died … – … al-Din … bin Husayn bin Mubarak …

ّ‫ُ ��ْ َ َّ َُ ش‬ ُ‫���ُ ُ���ه�� ْ َ ُّ���ُ�ه�� �َ ْح�َ��م� �ّم���ْ�ن�ه‬ ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ ي�ب� ِ ر‬.‫�ع��� ب�ق�ى ا �ل�د ا ِر‬ ِ ٍ‫ب � بِ ر �ة‬ َ َ َ ‫َ َْ ن‬ ٌ ُّ ٌ َ‫� ��َّ �ّ ُ ْ � َ ن‬ ‫ور �ض‬ ،‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�ن‬ ���ِ‫� �ل���ه��م ف‬ ٍ‫� وا ٍ� و�ج ت‬ ِ ْ َ‫نَ َ أَ َ ً نَّ ّ َ �� َ ُ أ‬ َ ٌ� ����ِ‫����خ�ا �ِل ِ�د�ي� ف‬ ‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا �إِ � ا �ل��ل�ه ِ�ع� �ن�د ه � �� �ج�ر‬ ٌ َ� .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ع �ظ‬

� ‫ ف‬:‫�ج ت�ـ‬ ‫م‬ � ‫ح‬ � � � � � ‫ح‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � .........‫ و � ل���مر و م ل���م ب��رور ل��س�ع����ي�د ���م�د‬‫ي‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ح���س�� ن � ن‬ ‫ن‬ .......‫ب� �م����ب�ا ر ك‬ �‫ �ب� � ي‬.....�‫ ا �ل�د�ي‬.....-

Figure 2.346 Surface C, KHA20

330 D: – ……. In the Monday night, ninth of Jumada – The first, year eight hundred and forty-six

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫ ف� �ل� �ي�ل��ة الا ث����ن�� ن ��ت�ا ��س �ش‬..... � � � ‫د‬ ‫ا‬ � ��� � ‫ه‬ ‫م‬ ��� ‫�ج‬ ‫ى‬ �� �‫ي‬ ‫ي� ع � ر‬ ‫����سن����ة ����س� ت ا ����ع�� ن ث�� م�ا ن �م�ا �ي��ة‬ ‫الا ول‬ � � �� ‫� و ر ب ي� و‬ ‫� �ي��ة‬ ‫�ه‬ �‫�ج ر‬

Figure 2.347 Surface D, KHA20

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.344

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � ‫لا �و�� �ج�د ��� و � � و ��ا ��ب�ا‬

331

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Reference Number: KHA21 Co-ordinates: 26.20829° N 050.54851° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 96 cm (l) × 38 cm (w) × 53 cm (h) Slab 2: 63 cm (l) × 35 cm (w) × 47 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Gravestone formed of double limestone slabs. The smaller slab is very eroded and the raised decoration has been cut off and the area where it was subsequently eroded. The larger slab has the remains of raised decoration, likely formed of three elements, with one facetted cube identifiable. Traces of shallow carved rectangular panel design, probably a niche, on the upper surface (E) of the larger slab. Partially legible inscriptions on three surfaces of the smaller slab and two surfaces of the larger slab. Not in original position. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

‫ق ت‬

‫�� �ة‬

‫�ق ش‬

‫أ‬

:�

.‫�ص����ع� ب� �را ء �����ه�ا‬ ��‫ا �لن�� و��� ت�ا �ل���ف� و �ي‬

Figure 2.348 Surfaces A and E, KHA21

B: – ………… – The heavens …

:�‫ب‬ ............................. ‫ا �ل��س���م�ا ا ت‬ ....................� ‫و‬

332

Figure 2.349 Surface B, KHA21

C: – ………… – … the most merciful.

Figure 2.350 Surface C, KHA21

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬ .............................. �‫ ا �لر‬............................... ‫ح����ي��م‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

D: – This is the grave … Ahmad … alSaʿid … – …………

333 :‫د‬ .......‫ ا �ل��س�ع����ي�د‬....‫ ا ح���م�د‬.......�‫���ه��ذا ���� �ض�ري‬ ‫ح‬ ............................

Figure 2.351 Surface D, KHA21

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.348

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � ‫لا �و�� �ج�د ��� و � � و ��ا ��ب�ا‬

334

Chapter 2

Reference Number: KHA22 Co-ordinates: 26.20851° N 050.54860° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 77.5 cm (l) × 37 cm (w) × 37 cm (h) Slab 2: 38.5 cm (l) × 37 cm (w) × 40 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Parts of a gravestone formed of double limestone slabs (Figure 2.352). The slabs were unfortunately moved by the workmen during excavation of the collapsed shrine and it appears that they are not connected. The smaller slab is eroded on the top and upper side surfaces and has partially legible inscriptions on two surfaces. The larger slab has no inscriptions. Not in original position.

Figure 2.352 KHA22

Previous Publication: Number 20, Kalus (1990: 52)

335

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – ………… – Religion. Verily, the right path has become distinct from the wrong path (2:256).

‫أ‬

َّْ ِ‫ي‬

.���‫ا �ل غ‬

:� ...….…………………

َ‫��َ�ق�د تّ�َ َ�بّ��َ نَ ا �ل ُّ� ��ْ��ش ُ�د � � ن‬ ‫�� ي� ر‬ � ِ‫م‬

‫ا �ل ّ�د � ن‬ �‫ي‬ ِ ِ

Figure 2.353 Surface A, small slab, KHA22

B: – None has the right to be worshipped but Him, the Ever Living, the One who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither – Intercede with Him except with His permission (2:255).

َ ُ ُّ َ‫ْ �ق‬

.‫ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا‬

َ َْ

:�‫ب‬ َ ُّ َْ� َ ُ ّ َ َ َ ‫ل‬ �‫لا �إِ �ل�ـ�ه �إِ لا �هو ا �حي‬

ْ‫َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ُ َّ �إِ�ذ‬

َّ

�� ‫ا �ل� � � ش‬ � .ُ‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫�ذِ ي� ي ع‬ ‫م‬

336

Chapter 2

Figure 2.354 Surface B, small slab, KHA22

C: – No carving or inscriptions. D: – No carving or inscriptions. E: – No carving or inscriptions. Reference Number: KHA23 Co-ordinates: 26.20839° N 050.54814° E Dimensions: 63 cm (l) × 30.5 cm (w) × 34 cm (h) Orientation: NA

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� � و‬

:‫د‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ل ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � � ‫�د‬ � � � ‫ب‬ ‫ج‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫و� و‬ ��‫و‬

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � � ‫�د‬ � � �‫لا و�� �ج و � و �ب‬

337

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Description: Single limestone slab from a double slab gravestone. Eroded. Traces of red paint/pigment on some of the lettering on one surface. Partially legible inscriptions on two surfaces and carved double interlocking circle decoration on the upper surface (E). Three element eroded raised decoration at one end formed of two facetted cubes each with a cupmark on top and a central rounded arch. Additional carved geometric patterns are on the external side surfaces and rear of the raised decorative blocks. Not in original position. Excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful … – ……………

‫أ‬ :� ّٰ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ......................‫ح����ي��م‬ ...................................................

Figure 2.355 Surface A. KHA23

B: – The inscription cannot be read.

‫ض‬

:�‫ب‬

� ‫ن �� ش ق ن‬ )�� ‫�ق��� �را ء �� ��غي��ر وا‬ ����( ‫ي‬ ‫ح‬

338

Figure 2.356 Surface B, KHA23

C: – This is the grave of the Late al-Sayyid … Naser … – al-Husayni …

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬ �‫���ه��ذا ���� �ض�ري� ا �ل���مر‬ .....)‫حو�م ا �ل����سي���د (ا �ل��س�ع����ي�د‬ ‫ح‬ � ....‫�ن�ا �صر‬

‫ا �ل‬ � ............................‫ح��س�ي� ن�� ا �ل�ـ‬ ‫ي‬

Figure 2.357 Surface C, KHA23

339

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

D: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫د‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ل ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت �أ ن����ق ش‬ � �� � � � ‫�د‬ � ‫ج‬ ‫ا‬ � ��‫و‬ �‫و و‬ �

Figure 2.358 Surfaces D and E, KHA23

E: – No inscriptions. See Figure 2.358

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � ‫ك‬ .� ‫لا �و�� �ج�د ��ا ��ب�ا‬

340

Chapter 2

Reference Number: KHA24 Co-ordinates: 26.20839° N 050.54811° E Dimensions: 74.5 cm (l) × 22 cm (w) × 40 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab from a double slab gravestone. Eroded and with areas of damage. Eroded unidentifiable raised decoration at one end. Traces of shallow carved recessed rectangular panel on the top surface (E), probably a niche. Inscriptions on three surfaces. Not in original position. Excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and His being pleased and of Gardens for them wherein are (9:21).

Figure 2.359 Surface A, KHA24

‫أ‬

‫َ ُّ ُ �َ ْح�َ �ّ ��ْ ُ َ �ضْ َ ن‬ �ٍ ‫� وا‬ ‫رب�����ه��م بِ ر ��م��ةٍ ِم� �ن�ه و ِر‬ َ ْ ُ َّ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫ ف‬.‫��ل���ه��م‬ ‫�ة‬

:�

ْ ُ ّ‫َُ ش‬ ‫���ُر���ه��م‬ ِ �‫ي�ب‬ َّ�� َ َ � � ٍ‫و�ج � �ن�ا ت‬.

‫ا ��جل‬.................. ..................... �‫�����ن‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

341

B:

:�‫ب‬

– In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Their Lord gives them glad tidings. – … Allah has … (9:21–22).

Figure 2.360 Surface B, KHA24

ٰ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬. ‫ ي�ب� ش���ر���ه��م‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ َُ

َّ

..........‫ا �ل��ل�ه ِ�ع����ن�د ه‬..........

:‫�ج��ـ‬ � ‫�ة‬ � ......... �‫�صو�ن‬ ��‫ ��ق��بر ا �ل���م‬........... ‫ا �ل���م������خ�د �ة ( ���غ�� �م�ع ��ف��ة) �����ن� ت� ���ع��ل � ن‬ – The chaste lady … bint ʿAli bin al-Ha … �‫ب‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ير رو ب‬ �‫ي‬ ‫ا �ل‬ ......‫��ح�ا‬ ٰ ‫ق‬ ‫ّ ث‬ ‫����م�د � ن‬ ‫حم‬ – Muhammad bin Razzak, May Allah .‫ب� ر �زا � ط�����ي� ب� ا �ل��ل�ه �را ���ه�ا‬ C: – … Grave of the Inviolable lady …

have mercy on him

342

Chapter 2

Figure 2.361 Surface C, KHA24

D: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫د‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � � � ‫لا و�� �ج�د ��� و � و ��ا ��ب�ا‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

343

Figure 2.362 Surfaces D and E, KHA24

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.362 Reference Number: KHA25 Co-ordinates: 26.20839° N 050.54811° E Dimensions: 77 cm (l) × 24 cm (w) × 38 cm (h) Orientation: NA

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د‬ �

344

Chapter 2

Description: Single limestone slab from a double slab gravestone. Eroded on the upper surface (E), on the upper side surfaces (A and B), and the bottom of one end surface (D). Inscriptions on three surfaces. Broken and eroded unidentifiable raised decoration at one end but with rectangular plinth present. Not in original position. Excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A:

‫أ‬

:�

َ ْ � ‫َ �أ �زْ َ ا‬ ‫و و جِ����هِ� ��م‬ wives and their offspring, and angels َ‫َ ْ خُ ُ ن‬ shall enter (13:23). .�‫��لو‬ ‫���ي�د‬ َ ��َ َ �َ‫�ُ �تَّ �� نَ � َ َ ْ �ُع نَ � َ �ف‬ – Therein they will recline, therein they �‫�ثِ� ي��ر‬ �‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا كِ����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ‫م� ِك‬ ���ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د و� ف‬ ���ِ‫�� ئِ� ي��� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ will call for fruits in abundance and َ ََ drinks (38:51). � ٍ‫و� ����ش�را ب‬ ُ‫َ َ اَ َ ة‬ – From among their fathers and their ��� ‫وا �ل���م�ل ئِ� �ك‬

ْ َّّ ُ‫َ �ذ‬ ‫و ِري�ا تِ����هِ� ��م‬

Figure 2.363 Surface A, KHA25

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful … wherein are everlasting delights. – … therein … (9:21–22)

:�‫ب‬

ٰ َ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫ ف‬.................،‫ح����ي��م‬ ٌ ُّ ٌ َ‫ن‬ .‫� ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م‬ ‫ف‬ .............................‫ي���ه�ا‬ ���� .......

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

345

Figure 2.364 Surface B, KHA25

:‫ج‬ �

C:

‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫كا �ا ت‬ � ‫لا �يو ج��د ��� و��� � و �� ب‬

– No carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.365 Surfaces C and E, KHA25

346 D: – Hasan Bin ʿAbd Allah – … al …

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫ح����س ن � ن‬ � .‫ب� �ع����ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه‬ � .....‫ ا ل‬.....

Figure 2.366 Surface D, KHA25

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.365

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ا ت‬ �‫لا �يو ج��د ن����قوش��� � و � ب‬ �

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

17

347

Mahooz (MAH)

Location: Urban district cemetery in Manama containing a shrine within a mosque. Reference Number: MAH1 Co-ordinates: 26.21069° N 050.58792° E Dimensions: 147 cm (l) × 30.5 cm (w) × 34 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Roughed out, cut to shape and left unfinished. Eroded rectangular block at one end for raised decoration and stump of similar block at the other end. Saw marks visible on one side (Figure 2.367). No inscriptions. Located within a partially discernible small building that was visible only by fragments of wall stumps. The precise function of the building is unknown and a mihrab niche was not seen, but based on parallels with other structures recorded (e.g. ABN47), it was probably a small mosque, shrine, or tomb.

Figure 2.367 MAH1

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: MAH2 Co-ordinates: 26.21042° N 050.58794° E Dimensions: 155.5 cm (l) × 36.5 cm (w) × 35 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE

348

Chapter 2

Description: Single limestone slab gravestone housed inside a shrine within a mosque. The top surface and upper part of the side surfaces are rendered in cement covering a significant portion of the inscriptions. The gravestone is set within a modern aluminium and wooden cover with wooden grilles allowing a partial view of the gravestone within (Figure 2.368). It is a focus of devotion as indicated by the various 100 Fils coins that had been pushed through the grilles and were on the tiled floor next to the gravestone. Inscriptions on four surfaces but none could be read as their position made them impossible to read or photograph successfully.

Figure 2.368 MAH2

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No legible inscriptions

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

18

349

Malkiya (MAL)

Location: Shrine inside the Amir Zaid Mosque Reference Number: MAL1 Co-ordinates: 26.09651° N 050.48169° E Dimensions: 181 cm (l) × 50 cm (w) × 48 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Raised decoration at both ends formed of double square pillars with rounded tops (Figure 2.369). Some cracking and cement staining on the top surface (E). No inscriptions. Located inside a sunken room accessed by a staircase and partitioned off by a wooden screen from the rest of the mosque. A neighbouring door has various Arabic graffiti scribbled in marker pen on its interior surface. These are all personal names and were written there to invoke the help of the Saint. The gravestone is situated within a modern aluminium and glass canopy covered with cloth shrouds at the far end of the sunken room.

Figure 2.369 MAL1

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions

350 19

Chapter 2

Al Maqsha (MAQ)

Location: Village cemetery Reference Number: MAQ1 Co-ordinates: 26.22138° N 050.51798° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 63 cm (l) × 20.5 cm (w) × 40 cm (h) Slab 2: 73 cm (l) × 20 cm (w) × 46 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Gravestone formed of double solid limestone slabs. Some erosion and, unusually, patches of green moss/algae on the upper surface indicating water exposure. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at each end, but missing a section of the raised decoration and surface below at one end. The intact end has an unclear carved design on the rear of the central rounded arch. Inscriptions on three surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬ :� َّ‫ن‬ ّٰ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ � ِ‫ �إ‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ َ ُّ َ .........‫ولا‬........‫رب����ن�ا‬ َ َ‫أََّ ت‬ ُ �� ْ ‫��َ فُ ََ تَ�ْ�زَنُ َ أ‬ � ‫ � لا‬.......... – … Fear not nor grieve, but receive the ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �ر‬ glad tidings … (41:30) .............................‫وا‬ A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Verily, those who say: Our Lord is Allah, …

Figure 2.370 Surface A, MAQ1

ُ َ� َ‫َّ ن‬ � ِ‫ا �ل��ذ‬ ‫ي� ��ق�ا �لوا‬

351

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

B: – … Hereafter … therein …

:�‫ب‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ة‬ .........‫ي���ه�ا‬ ���� .........�‫ الا ����خ�ر‬..……………

‫ �����ن�ا ت‬................. ........‫� ا �لن��ع����ي��م‬ ‫�ج‬

– … paradise …

Figure 2.371 Surface B, MAQ1

C: – Preserving them … – The good people … the late lady … the blessed … – … the late …

‫�غ �ف‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ظ‬ � ‫ح��ف�������ه���م�ا‬

‫�ة‬

‫ا �ل���ص�ا �ل‬ �‫ ا �ل���مر‬.....�‫��حي�� ن‬ ........‫ ا �ل���م��� ور‬...... �‫حو���م‬ �‫ ا �ل���مر‬....... ...........‫حو�م‬

Figure 2.372 Surface C, MAQ1

352

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

D: – No carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.373 Surfaces D and E, MAQ1

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.373

:‫�ه�ـ‬

‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

353

Reference Number: MAQ2 Co-ordinates: 26.22144° N 050.51812° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 69 cm (l) × 24.5 cm (w) × 34.5 cm (h) Slab 2: 85 cm (l) × 24.5 cm (w) × 31 cm (h) Orientation: N-S Description: Gravestone formed of double limestone slabs. Very well carved with inscriptions on five surfaces but only partially legible on three surfaces, and illegible on one surface. Severely damaged in places with the raised decoration cut off but with the rectangular plinth still present at each end and major patches of erosion on one side surface (A). Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – They will be served by immortal boys … from … nor any intoxication. And fruit; that they may choose. And the flesh of fowls that they desire … – Like unto preserved pearls … (56:17–23).

Figure 2.374 Surface A, MAQ2

‫أ‬

:�

ُّ ٌ‫َُ فُ َ َ ْ ْ َْ ن‬ َ‫��َ َّ ُ ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫م‬ � � ....��‫ م‬......�‫�ي��طو�� ع��لي����هِ� ��م و�ل�د ا � �خ�ل�د و‬ ِ َْ َ َ‫ََ ُ ن فُ نَ َ فَ َ ّ َّ َتَ��َ َُّ ن‬ ��‫����ه� �م���م�ا ي‬ ‫ و �ل��ح��ِم‬،�‫��خي��ر و‬ ِ ٍ‫ و��ا كِ� �ة‬،�‫ولا ي����زِ �و‬ َ‫َ ْ ّ َّ َ شْ َ ُ ن‬ �‫��طي��ر �ِم���م�ا ي‬ .........�‫�����ت����هو‬ ٍَ ُ ْ ُ ْ َْ ّ ْ‫َ أ‬ َ ‫��كنُ ن‬ .....................�‫ك� �م����ث�ا ِل ا �ل�ل�ؤ �ل ا �ل���م �و‬ ِ ِ‫�ؤ‬

354

Chapter 2

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ َ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ � ْ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ �إِ�ذ‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in �‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن‬ �‫ل��ذِ ي� ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ the heavens and whatever is on the ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ َ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � � � earth. Who is he that can intercede .ٍ‫����ء‬ ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫�ه‬ ِ‫�ه‬ � ‫��م‬ ��� ‫ا‬ � �� �� ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ‫�ي ِ ي� و‬ ِ‫� و ي ِي و� ب‬ ‫ي‬ with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never َ compass anything ُ ُّ ْ ُ‫�ّم� نْ ع�ْل�� �ه � لاّ �� َ��م�ا � ��َ��ش�ا ء َ ���سِ� َ ك‬ – Of His Knowledge except that which ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه‬ ِ‫ِ � ِ � مِ ِ إِ ب‬ ‫و ع‬ He wills. His Seat extends over the ُ َ َّ َ ُ ُ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ � فْ ظ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ه‬ � ‫ا‬ heavens and the earth. And He feels ‫ح���������ه���م�ا‬ ‫د‬ ‫ا‬ � � ِ ‫ا � و تِ و ر � و ي و‬ no fatigue in guarding and preservَ� ‫ّ ن‬ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ � ‫�رَاه �� ا �ل ِ�د‬ � � ing them. And He is the Most High, ‫ي� ��ق�د‬ ‫ لا �إِ ك فِي‬،‫و�هو ا ل���ع�ِ�لي� ا ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ِ the Most Great. There is no compulُ‫تَّ َ َّ نَ ُّ ْ ُ نَ ْ غَ ّ �َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ � sion in religion. Verily, the Right Path � ‫����بي��� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ �� ا �ل��� ��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا ت‬ ِ‫ي‬ has become distinct from the wrong ُ ْ ْ ْ ُ َ َ�� َ‫َُ ْ�ؤ ن ّ ف‬ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ ‫َ ثق‬ path. Whoever disbelieves in al-Ta- ‫�د ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �� �ا �ل�ع ْرو� ا �لو����ى‬ ��� ‫و�ي �مِ �� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه‬ ‫�ق‬ ِ ِ‫ب‬ ِ‫ة‬ ghut and believes in Allah, and then ٌ َ ٌ َ ُ ّ َ َ َ َ َ ‫لَ ا ن‬ he has grasped the most trustwor.‫����ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي�� ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ����ِ‫ا ���ف‬ ‫ع‬ thy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (2:255–256).

Figure 2.375 Surface B, MAQ2

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – … Allah … half of the great month of Ramadan. – one thousand, one hundred twelve.

Figure 2.376 Surface C, MAQ2

355

ّٰ :‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ش‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫ ا �ل����� ��ص� �م�� �������ه�ر ر�م������ �ض�ا‬....‫ا �ل��ل�ه‬............ �� .‫ا �ل���م�ع���ظ��م‬ ‫ف‬ ‫�ة‬ �� � ‫ا �لث��ا �م����ن��ة‬ .���‫ع���ش�ره ب����ع�د ا �ل���م�ا ��ي� والا �ل‬

356 D: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ا �لن����� ش‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء ��ت�ه‬ ‫�ق��� ��ت�ا �ل��� ولا ي����م ك‬

Figure 2.377 Surface D, MAQ2

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫أ‬ �‫ن����ق �����ش�ه ا �ل����سي���د ال� ����ج� ���ع�لو�� � نب� ا �ل���مر‬ ‫حو�م‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ف‬ � ‫ن‬ .1121 ‫ا �ل����سي���د �ن�ا �صر الا ��ص��ب�ع� �ع���� �ع������ه��م‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ّٰ ت‬ �� ‫ق � �ة ث ا � �ة � � ن‬ ....‫��ت�ا ب� ا �ل��ل�ه ����ع�ا لى‬ �‫�را �ئ� �ل �ث� ا �� �ج��زا ء م�� ك‬ � ‫ل��� ������ف��ة‬ ‫�خ � ت‬ ‫ت ش‬ ‫و�را �� �ج�ا � ���ع��لى ��ق��بر ا �ل��ذا � ا � ري‬ �� ‫��ح�ا ص� ث��ل� ث‬ .‫� ا �ل ن������خ�ل‬ ‫ب �ل‬ � ‫� (ا �ل�� ن���ا ت‬ ‫ا �ل���م���ع� �ف ����س��ه��م ا �لن��� �ا ت‬ – Which are known as girl’s part, which ‫�) ا �لوا ���ق‬ � ‫رو� ب‬ ‫ب‬ ‫�ب‬ ‫ع‬ is located at Sar area in al-Bahrayn, ‫�ل ث‬ ‫ب�����س��ي����ح��ة ���س�ا ر �م� ن� ا �ل��ب��ح‬ � ‫�ر�ي ن� ب����ع�د ا ��ح�را‬ after ploughing … and cultivating it … ّٰ ‫ث‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن �ة ت‬ ......‫� ا �ل��ل�ه‬ until God inherits the earth. ‫ الى ا � ��ي�ر‬......‫ وا �ل��ع���مي��ر‬... �‫ا �ل�د �يو����ي‬ E: – Engraved by al-Sayyid ʿAlawi bin alSayyid Naser al-Asbaʿi, God bless them, 1121. – Reading three parts of the Book of God the Very High … tributes on the grave of the noble lady with a total of one third of the palms.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– … The lowest Muhammad bin Saʿid. – bin Muhammad bin ʿAbd Allah alMuqabi, God bless all of them.

� ‫����م�د � ن‬ ‫��ج�ا �ن حم‬ .‫ب� ��س�ع����ي�د‬ �‫ الا �ق�ل ا ���ل ي‬.......

‫ف‬ �� ‫� ن حم‬ ‫����م�د � نب� �ع����ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه ا �ل���م���ق�ا ب�ي� �ع���ي� �ع ن������ه��م‬ �‫ب‬ ‫ن‬. ��‫�أ �ج �م���ع‬ �‫ي‬

Figure 2.378 Surface E, part 1, MAQ2

Figure 2.379 Surface E, part 2, MAQ2

Reference Number: MAQ3 Co-ordinates: 26.22166° N 050.51788° E Dimensions: 72.5 cm (l) × 21 cm (w) × 43 cm (h) Orientation: N-S

357

358

Chapter 2

Description: Single hollow limestone slab from a double slab gravestone. Badly eroded on one side surface (B) where exposed above the ground surface. Poorly carved three element raised decoration formed of three rounded rectangular blocks. Inscriptions on two surfaces, but only one is partially legible. Excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Verily, those who say: Our Lord is Allah, and afterward are upright, … descend – … your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter … (41:30–31).

‫أ‬ � : َ َ ّٰ َ‫نّ �ّ � ن‬ ‫ن‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ح‬ � � �� ، � � ‫م‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�ه‬ ‫ح‬ ‫ي‬ ‫س‬ ‫�ل‬ � ‫ل‬ � ‫ل‬ �� �� �� ‫م‬ ‫م‬ �‫ر � ر �� إِ � �ذِ ي‬ ‫ب‬ َُّ‫َ ُّ��َ َّ ُ �ُ َّ ْ �تَ��َ ُ تَ��َ نَ�ز‬ .‫رب� �ن�ا ا �ل��ل�ه ��ث��م ا ����س� ��ق�ا �موا � �ت�� ل‬ ُُ‫أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ ْ� َ ‫حَ�َ�ي�ا � ا �ل ُّ�د نْ� َ�ي�ا‬ � � � ‫ل‬ � ‫ك‬ �‫�� و فِي‬ ِ‫ � ولِ�ي��ا �م فِي� ا �� ة‬....... َ �� ‫ْ آ‬ ...........�‫�� �ر‬ ِ‫ال� خ‬ ِ‫ة‬ ُ َ� ‫��ق�ا �لوا‬

Figure 2.380 Surface A, MAQ3

B: – No carving or inscriptions.

:�‫ب‬

‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� � و‬

359

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.381 Surfaces B and E, MAQ3

C: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ق‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ا �لن����� ش‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء ��ت�ه‬ ‫�ق��� ��ت�ا �ل��� ولا ي����م ك‬

Figure 2.382 Surface C, MAQ3

360

Chapter 2

D: – No carving or inscriptions. E: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫د‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ل ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � � ‫�د‬ � � � ‫ب‬ ‫ج‬ � � ‫و� و‬ ��‫ا و‬

See Figure 2.381 20

Bahrain National Museum (MUS)

Location: Archaeological stores and Islamic archaeology gallery in the National Museum in Manama Reference Number: MUS1 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: 143 cm (l) × 34 cm (w) × 60 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab gravestone in the store at Bahrain National Museum. Partly damaged unusual thin and high raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at one end, broken off at the other end. Shallow carved rectangular panel design on upper surface (E), probably a niche. Serious erosion in places. Inscriptions on four surfaces of which one is illegible and two partially legible. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

َّ :� A: َ َ ُّ ّٰ َ ‫ن‬ � � � � � � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ل��ل�ه ا ل�ـ�ه ا‬،‫ب����س��م ل��ل�ه لر �ح��م�� لرح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ ْ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ‫ُ�ه َ ا �ْل�َ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ َأ ��ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ة َ ن‬ ُ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا ت�� ��خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� ولا � ْو�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ ‫أ‬ َ ََ ّ � َ ‫ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا � ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ ِ‫ف‬ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َّ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in .�� ِ‫ا �ل��ذ‬ ‫ي‬ the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– Can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them (2:255).

361

َْ‫َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ ُ َّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ َ َ ْ نَ أ‬ ْ �� ‫ي�������ف ِع� �ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ���م�ا ب�ي��� � ي� ِ�د‬ ‫ي��هِ� ��م‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ َّ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫َ َ خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ � ‫حي����طو� �بِ����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا‬ ِ�‫و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ ِ‫َ إ‬ ‫ي‬ َ ‫َ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُّ ُ َّ َ َ َ أ ْ ض‬ ‫بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ��‫� وال� ر‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ‫ع‬ َ ُ ُ‫َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ � فْ ظ‬ .‫ولا ي� ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا‬

Figure 2.383 Surfaces A and E, MUS1

B: – And He is the Most High, the Most Great. God’s blessings upon Muhammad al-Mustafa, God’s blessings upon ʿAli … , God blessings upon al-Hasan, God blessings upon al-Husayn, God’s blessings upon … , – God’s blessings upon al-Jawad … God’s blessings upon al-Hasan al-ʿAskari, God’s blessings upon al-Hujjah al-Qa⁠ʾim al-Mahdi bin al-Hasan … Imams … al-Jawad … upon all of them.

:�‫ب‬

ْ ْ ‫ �� �ص� ���ع��ل حم‬.‫َ ُ�ه َ ا �ل�َ��ع��ل ُّ ا �ل�َع�� � �ي��ُم‬ ‫����م�د‬ ‫و‬ �� ِ‫�ظ‬ �‫و و ِي‬ ‫ل ى‬ ‫ و�� �ص�ل‬.......�‫ا �ل���م���ص��ط���فى و�� �ص�ل ���ع��لى ���ع��لي‬ ‫� ن‬ ‫ح����س ن و�� �ص� ���ع��ل ا �ل‬ ‫�ل‬ � � ‫���ع��لى ا‬ ‫ح���سي��� و�� �ص�ل‬ ‫ل ى‬ ..........‫���ع��لى‬ ‫� ن‬ ‫و�� �ص� ���ع��ل ا ��جل‬ ‫ و�� �ص� ���ع��ل ا �ل‬...........‫�وا د‬ �‫ح����س‬ ‫ل ى‬ ‫ل ى‬ ‫�ة‬ � ‫�ق‬ � ‫ل‬ � � � � �‫ا �ل����ع��س ك‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫�ر�ي� و�� �ص�ل ��ع��لى ح���� �ج� ل�� �ا �ئ��م‬ ‫ ا ��جل‬...‫ الا ئ����م��ة‬...... ‫ح����س ن‬ ‫ن �ل‬ .....‫�وا د‬ � � ‫ا �ل����م���ه�د �ي� ا �ب� ا‬ .�‫ع��لي�����ه��م ا�ج �م���عي�� ن‬

362

Figure 2.384 Surface B, MUS1

C: – ………… – … al-Rashid …

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ............................... ..……‫ ا �لر ش�����ي���د‬....

Figure 2.385 Surface C, MUS1

363

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

D: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

:‫د‬ ‫آ‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ا �لن����� ش‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء ��ت�ه‬ ‫كل ولا ي����م ك‬ � �‫�ق��� �م����ت‬

Figure 2.386 Surface D, MUS1

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.383 Reference Number: MUS2 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: 149.5 cm (l) × 35.5 cm (w) × 54 cm (h) Orientation: NA

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

364

Chapter 2

Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Originally from the Al-Khamis Mosque cemetery. When recorded it was in the store at the Bahrain National Museum, and was subsequently transferred to public display in the gallery at the Al-Khamis Mosque Visitor Centre. Three element raised decoration at both ends, formed of a central point and two triangles at one end and a central point and slightly rounded rectangle with the third element broken off at the opposite end. Inscriptions on four surfaces. Previous Publication: Number 45, Kalus (1990: 81). The original location, where it is shown in-situ (cf. ibid: Pl. LXIV) is given as a small cemetery to the right of the Karbabad road. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

َّ :� A: ٰ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gra- ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ ْ cious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ‫ُ�ه َ ا �ْل�َ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ َأ ��ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ة َ ن‬ ُ has the right to be worshipped but he, ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا ت�� ��خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� ولا � ْو�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ the Ever Living, the One Who sustains ‫أ‬ َ ََ َ ْ ََّ � َ and protects all that exists. Neither .�‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن‬ ِ‫���م�ا فِي� ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who َ – Is he that can intercede with Him َ‫�ذَ ا ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ except by His permission! He knows ���‫ل��ذِ � ي�������ف ِع� �ن�د ا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ َ what happens to them in this world, َ ْ َ ُ ُ َ َ َ ّ ُ َ ْ ْ ‫ح����ط ن � ش‬ َ ْ ��‫�أْ��د �� �هِ� �� ْ َ ���م�ا خ���ل ف�����ه‬ � � ‫ل‬ and will happen to them in the �‫����ءٍ �ِم� ن‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ي ِ ي� م و‬ ‫� م و ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ Hereafter and they will never compass ُ َّ ُ ُّ ْ َ َ َ َ َّ ْ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫ا‬ anything of His Knowledge except � ‫ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا � و ت‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ع‬ that which He wills. His Seat extends َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ over the heavens and the earth (2:255). .��‫وال� ر‬

Figure 2.387 Surfaces A and E, MUS2

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

365

B:

:�‫ب‬

– And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. God’s blessings upon Muhammad al-Mustafa, God’s blessings upon ʿAli al-Murtada, Fatimah al-Zahra⁠ʾ, alHasan, al-Husayn, ʿAli, Muhammad, Jaʿfar, – Musa, ʿAli, Muhammad, ʿAli, al-Hasan al-ʿAskari and al-Khalaf al-Hujjah al-Qa⁠ʾim Muhammad bin al-Hasan. God’s blessings and peace upon all of them.

Figure 2.388 Surface B, MUS2

َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ � .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ع‬ ِ‫ولا ي� ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل� �ظ‬

‫ِي‬ ‫حم‬ � � � ‫ط‬ � � � ‫ص‬ � � ‫و‬ ‫ا �ل���ل���ه��م �� �ص�ل ���ع��لى ���م�د ا �ل���م���ص�� فى‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ضى و��ا ط��م��ة ا �ل�ز ���ه�را ء‬ �����‫���ع��لى ���ع��ل� ا �ل���مر‬ ‫ي‬ �� ‫ح���س�� ن ���ع��ل حم‬ ‫ح����س ن وا �ل‬ ‫�ل‬ .‫����م�د و ج� ��ع���ف�ر‬ ‫� ي� و ي� و‬ � � ‫وا‬ ‫حم‬ ‫� ن‬ ‫����م�د و���ع��ل وا �ل‬ ‫و�مو��سى و���ع��لي� و‬ �‫ح����س‬ �‫ي‬ ‫ح����ج��ة ا �ل���ق�ا ئ����م��ة حم‬ ‫�ر�� وا �ل‬ ‫���خ��ل ف� ا �ل‬ � � ‫����م�د‬ �� � ‫ا ل����ع��س ك� ي‬ ّٰ ‫ت‬ ‫ا � نب� ا �ل‬ � ‫ح����س ن� �� �ص�لوا � ا �ل��ل�ه و��س�لا ���م�ه ع��لي�����ه��م‬ .�‫ا�ج �م���عي�� ن‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ئ ت‬ ‫�ف‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ظ‬ ��� ،�� ‫ �م�������ه� ا �ل�ع������ج�ا‬........... �‫��ج�د ه �عو� �ل�ك ي‬ ‫ب‬ ‫ر‬ .�‫ا �لن�وا ئ� ب‬ ‫ �ن�� ت��ك �ي�ا حم‬، ‫ك ���ه��م ���غ��م ��س�� ن������ج��ل‬ – Every grief and anxiety will go by the ‫����م�د‬ ‫و‬ � ‫ي �� ي� ب بو‬ ‫�ل‬ blessing of Muhammad and by loving .�‫ب�ولا ي�ت��ك ��ي�ا ���ع��ل‬ ʿAli. ‫ي‬ �� � �‫كا ن� ف��ا ��ت�ه ف� ا �ل� �م ا �ل����ث�ا �ل� ث‬ ‫ع���ش� �م� ن م‬ – He died in thirteenth of Muharram, ‫��ح�ر�م‬ ‫� و ي� يو‬ � ‫ر‬ year 1014. ‫�ة‬ .1014 ���‫����سن‬ C: – … The one who shows the wonders, he will assist you during crisises.

366

Chapter 2

Figure 2.389 Surface C, MUS2

:‫د‬ ‫���ه��ذا ���� �ض� � ا �ل� �غ‬ ‫��م���ف� ور ا �ل���م ب��رور ا �ل��س�ع����ي�د‬ ‫ي‬ ‫رح‬ .)‫(ور د �� ا ب��ك‬ ‫ي‬ �� – Brother of the greatest and generous … .....‫�ر�م‬ ‫ا خ الا �ع���ظ��م والا ك‬ � D: – This is grave of the blessed late, the Innocent (possibly Wardi Abak)

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

367

Figure 2.390 Surface D, MUS2

E: – No carving or inscriptions. See Figure 2.387

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

368

Chapter 2

Reference Number: MUS3 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: 66 cm (l) × 30 cm (w) × 45 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab from a double slab gravestone in the store at Bahrain National Museum. Impact damage on one side surface (A), and significant erosion in places. Inscriptions on two surfaces. Previous Publication: Number 44, Kalus (1990: 80). The original location is given as found re-employed in Qalaʿat al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) presumably as spolia in construction. This would possibly explain the unusual impact damage perhaps sustained during its removal. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬ � : َ َ َ ‫�ذ‬ َ ّ َ�� َ‫َ ْ �� َ َ َ َّ َ ت‬ ‫ لِ�ي��غ��� فِ� �ر �ل�ك ا �ل��ل�هُ ���م�ا ����ق�د �م �مِ � ن� ن�بِ��ك‬........ َ ُ َ َ ْ ‫َ َ �َ أ َّ َُ َّ ن‬ .‫و���م�ا ��ت� �خ�َر و���� ��م ِ��ع���م����ت�ه‬ ِ‫يَ ت‬ ْ َ ْ َ ْ ‫أ‬ ُ ُ ُ ُ ُ ُ ُ ‫َ �� �ذ‬ ّ َ‫ا �َل�ـ�هَ � ل ّ �ه َ ا �ل� ّ �ق‬......... – … none has the right to be wor- ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا ت�� ��خ� ه‬ ‫ا‬ ‫إِ و ي‬ shipped but he, the Ever Living, the ٌ َ‫َ�ةٌ َ َ ن‬ One Who sustains and protects all .‫���سِ�ن��� ولا � ْو�م‬ A: – … that Allah may forgive you your sins of the past and the future, and complete His Favour on you … (48:2).

that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him (2:255).

Figure 2.391 Surface A, MUS3

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

369

B:

:�‫ب‬

– No carving or inscriptions.

‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ � � �� ‫لا �و����ج�د ��� و��� � و‬

Figure 2.392 Surface B, MUS3

C: – ………… – Rabiʿ al-thani, year of eight hundred and fifty four.

:‫�ج��ـ‬ .......................………

‫ن‬ ‫�خ‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫ث ن �ة‬ . �‫رب�����ي ا �ل����ث�ا �� �ل����سن��� ا ر���ب و �م���سي�� ن� و����م�ا ����م�ا ��ي‬ ‫ع ي‬ ‫ع‬

Figure 2.393 Surface C, MUS3

370 D: – No carving or inscriptions.

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Figure 2.394 Surface D, MUS3

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن �ق ش أ ت‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ � �� ‫ك‬ � ‫لا �و�� �ج�د ��� و � � و ��ا ��ب�ا‬

371

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.395 Surface E, MUS3

Reference Number: MUS4 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: 150 cm (l) × 33.5 cm (w) × 64 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. When recorded it was in the store at the Bahrain National Museum, and it was subsequently transferred to public display in the gallery at the Al-Khamis Mosque Visitor Centre. Three element raised

372

Chapter 2

decoration at both ends formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth. At one end the raised decoration is damaged with one of the three elements partially broken off. Shallow carved pointed niche design on the upper surface (E). Inscriptions on five surfaces. Previous Publication: Number S13, Kalus (1990: 53). Original location given as in a palm garden near Zallaq (ibid: 142). Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. – Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth (2:255).

Figure 2.396 Surface A, MUS4

‫أ‬ َّ :� َ َ ٰ ّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َ ُ�� ْ‫ُ َ َْ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأ‬ ُ‫��خ��ذُ هُ ���سِ�نَ����ةٌ َلاَ نَ� ْ �ٌم �لّ�ه‬ �� ‫�هو ا �ل�ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا‬ ‫و و‬ ‫ي‬ َ ْ َ‫َ َ � أ‬ ّ َ َ ‫�َ��م�ا � ا �ل��س���م�ا‬ ‫ا‬ .��‫� و���م�ا � ال� ر‬ ‫و‬ �‫فِي‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َّ َ‫َ �ذ‬ ْ‫َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ُ َّ �إِ�ذ‬ ‫�م� ن� ا ا �ل��ذِ �ي� ي� ش��������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � �نِ� ِ�ه‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫َ ع‬ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ ْ‫َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ أ‬ �� ‫�ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن� �ي� ِ�د‬ ‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا‬ ‫م‬ ُ َ َ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ َ‫ُ ُ ن‬ ُ‫� ْ���سِ�ّ��ُ�ه‬ ‫ش‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫حي����طو� �بِ���ي�ءٍ �ِم�� ِع�ل�ِم ِ�ه و�ِ�سع كر ي‬ ِ�‫ي‬ َّ َ ‫َ ْ أَ ْ ض‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ �‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ .��‫� وال� ر‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

373

B:

:�‫ب‬

– Endowments of the late, Shaikh Husayn Bin Hurz al-Din for Imam al-Qa⁠ʾim … thirty-four shares, one share … – From the garden of bin al-Zayid (possibly al-Din) for the reader at Hilal mosque, (possibly Shuʿayb) southern garden of al-Kharajat … proceeds … part of …

Figure 2.397 Surface B, MUS4

C: – Grave … ʿAbd Allah (ʿAbd al-Samad) who died on tenth of Muharram (al-Husayn). – Year nine hundred and eighty-five …

‫ح���س�� ن � ن ��ح� �ز‬ ‫�� خ‬ �‫ا و��ق�ا �ف� ا �ل���مر‬ ‫حو�م ا �ل����ش��ي��� � ي� ب� ر‬ � ‫�ق‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة ث ث ن‬ ���‫ ا ر ب����ع� و �لا �ي‬.....‫ا �ل�د�ي� �ل�لا ���م�ا �م ا �ل�� �ا �ئ��م‬ ...........‫���س�ه���م�ا ���س���ه��م‬

‫�ص ���م��ة ا � ن ا �ل�زا �ي�د ا �ل��ذ � (ا �ل�د � ن‬ )�‫ي‬ �‫ر ب� � و ي‬

‫ف‬ ‫ن‬ �‫�م������ه��م �ي‬ ‫ف‬ )�‫�ل�ل�د ا ر��س �� �م��س������ج�د ���ه�لا ل �� �ص�ر�م (�ش���ع�����ي� ب‬ ‫ي‬ ��‫ ا �ل‬....... � ��‫� ن‬ ‫�خ ا ��ج�ا ت‬ ......)� �� ‫ (ا �ل�ر‬....�‫��خ�را ج‬ �‫ا ��جل و بي‬ .......‫����ج��ز ء �م����ن�ا‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ت ف‬ � � � � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫�ص‬ ) ‫�د‬ ‫م‬ � ‫�د‬ � ‫ع‬ ( ‫�د‬ � ‫ع‬ ......... ‫�د‬ ‫�ه‬ � � ‫��ب ل�ل‬ ‫�مر��ق‬ �‫��ب ل��� �� و ي‬ ‫ش م‬ ‫��ح� �م ا �ل‬ � .)�‫ح���سي�� ن‬ ‫���ع�ا ���ر ر‬ ‫�خ �ة ث ن ن ت‬ ‫�ة‬ ........... �‫�م� ن� ���ع�ا �م �م���س� و����م�ا �و� و���س�ع���م����ئ‬

374

Chapter 2

Figure 2.398 Surface C, MUS4

D: – … Month of Rabiʿ, who was born in 1007 (possibly 1017).

:‫د‬ ‫�ة‬ )1017( 1007 ���‫ �ش������ه�ر رب�����ي ا �ل���مو�لود ����سن‬....... ‫ع‬

375

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.399 Surface D, MUS4

E: – … And reading for a quarter of income of … Garden. – Ibrahim bin Sinan after planting … – … has got the happiness … – bin (bint) Saʿd … – Written by Masʿud, and engraved by – al-Sayyid Hashim

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ �ق ا ��ئ��ة‬..... ‫��ح�ا �ص� ��ب ( ��ي ) �ص ����م� ت‬ � ......� ‫ور ب‬ ‫ل ر�ع ر�ع ر‬

‫ن‬ ‫ا � ا �ه� �ي��م � ن‬ ..... ‫ب� ����سن���ا � ب����ع�د الا �� �ص�لا‬ �� ‫ب ر‬ ‫ح‬ ‫ف‬

........‫ ا �ل��س���ع�د‬.....�� ‫ *** و��ح�ل‬................. ‫ي‬

‫ت‬

‫� ن ( �����ن� ت‬ ..............***...‫�) ��س���ع�د ���س���ع�د‬ ‫ب� ب‬ ‫ن �ق‬

‫ت‬

�� ��� ‫���� �ه �م��س�ع د‬ .‫���ش�ه‬ ‫و و‬ ‫�ك �ب‬

.‫ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا � ����ش��م‬

376

Chapter 2

Figure 2.400 Surface E, MUS4

Reference Number: MUS5 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: 131 cm (l) × 33 cm (w) × 49 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab gravestone in the store at Bahrain National Museum. Poorly carved three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at each end. Erosion to upper surface (E) and parts of both the side surfaces (A and B). Partially legible inscriptions on five surfaces.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Arabic Transcription and Translation:

377

‫أ‬

َّ A: :� ٰ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gra- ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ cious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ has the right to be worshipped but he, ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ the Ever Living, the One Who sustains َ َّ ََ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�َ��م�ا‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ and protects all that exists. Neither ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ � ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ Him belongs whatever is in the heav- ���‫ل��ذِ � ي�������ف ِع� �ن�د ا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ َ‫أ‬ ens and whatever is on the earth. Who َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ� ُ ن‬ ْ is he that can intercede with Him .�‫حي����طو‬ �� ‫�ي� ِ�د‬ ِ�‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereَّ after and they will never compass. ْ ُ َُ َ – Anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in alTaghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, AllKnower (2:255–256).

Figure 2.401 Surface A, MUS5

َ ْ‫شَ ْ ّ ن‬ ُ‫� ْ���سِ�ّ���ه‬ َ ‫�بِ���ي�ءٍ �ِم�� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه �إِ لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���سِ�ع كر ي‬ َّ َ ُ ُ ْ � ُ ُ ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � �‫ا‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ه‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ح��ف�� ظ�����ه���م�ا‬ ‫د‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ر‬ ‫و‬ ‫و‬ ‫و‬ ‫و‬ ‫ي‬ � ِ ِ‫ت‬ َ� ‫ّ ن‬ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ � ‫�رَاه �� ا �ل ِ�د‬ � � ‫ي� ��ق�د‬ ‫ لا �إِ ك فِي‬،‫و�هو ا ل���ع�ِ�لي� ا ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ِ ُ‫تَّ َ َّ نَ ُّ ْ ُ نَ ْ غَ ّ �َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ � ‫����بي��� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ �� ا �ل��� ��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ � ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا و ت‬ ِ‫ي‬ َ َ‫َُ� ْ�ؤ � ن � ّ ف�َ ��َ ا ْ تَ ْ َ َ �ْ ُ ْ َ � ا �ُْثْ ق‬ ‫وي مِ �� �بِ� �ا ل��لِ�ه ���ق ِ�د ����س�����م��س�ك �بِ� �ا ل�عروةِ لو����ى‬ ٌ َ ٌ َ ُ ّ َ َ َ َ َ ‫لَ ا ن‬ .‫����ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي�� ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ����ِ‫ا ���ف‬ ‫ع‬

378 B: – … whose doors will be opened for them. … will recline, therein … for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be chaste females restraining their glances and of equal ages. This is what you are promised … (38:50–53). – … Therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward (9:22). The angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of the paradise which you have been promised (41:30). – Bequeathed for reading on … the cherished, six … half of palm garden … the western … and half on …

Figure 2.402 Surface B, MUS5

C: – This is a grave of the one who went to the highest place – Of paradise, Haji Najm bin ʿAli bin (Hiz)... God forgive him.

Chapter 2

:�‫ب‬ َ َ َ َ َّ‫�ّ ُ ُ ْال أ ْ� َ ا ُ �ُ �ت‬ ‫ م� ِك‬،�‫ �ل���ه��م � بو ب‬.......... ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫ ف‬......�‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن‬ َ َ َ‫�ف‬ ُ‫َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ َ َ َ َ ��� � � � ‫ و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬،� ‫ا‬ � � �� � �� � ‫�ش‬ � ٍ‫بِ��� �ا كِ����ه��ةٍ ك ثِ يرةٍ و ر ب‬ َ‫َ �ذَ َ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ْ َّ ..............�‫ ���ه� ا ���م�ا �و���ع�د و‬،.........��‫ا �ل����ط�ر‬ ِ‫ف‬ ْ ‫َ َأ َ ً نَّ ّ َ �� َ ُ َأ‬ ٌ َ� ٌ � ‫ع‬ � .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ‫�ج‬ ����ِ‫ ف‬....... ِ‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا �إِ � ا �ل��ل�ه ِ�ع�َّ�ن�د ه � �� ر �ظ‬ َ َُْ�َ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أ تَ��َ فُ ََ ت‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫ح�ز ن�وا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ ُ َّ َّ َْ ُ �� ْ ‫َ أ‬ ‫�نتُ ْ تُ� �َ ُ نَ �� ف‬ �� � ‫ل‬ � � �‫ ا و �ق‬.�‫و� ب���شِ� �روا بِ�ا �ج � �ن��ةِ ا ل�ي� �ك�������م و��ع�د و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ ا �ل�ع�ز �ي��ز‬.....)‫ (�ذا‬..... ‫�ع����ن�د ه �ل��ل����ق� ا ء �ة ���ع��ل‬ ‫ر‬ � ‫ى‬ ‫ت ن ف‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�غ‬ ....... �‫ ا �ل�رب����ي‬...... �‫�� ��ص� �صر���م‬ ���.....��‫����س‬ ‫ن ف‬ ...............‫�� ��ص� ���ع��لى‬ ���‫و‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ا ���ع��ل د ��ج�ا ت‬ �� � � ‫ا‬ ‫��ذا‬ ‫ل‬ � � .� ‫�د‬ � ‫م‬ � � �� � ‫ض‬ ‫ن‬ ‫���ه‬ �� �� ‫ر ج� الى ى ر‬ ‫� ريح‬

‫ن‬ ‫��ج��م � ن ���ع��ل � ن‬ � � ‫� �� ن �ل‬ ‫�ل‬ ) ‫ب� ( ��ح��ز‬ �‫ا �ج � �ن�ا � ا ��ح�ا �ج ي� �� ب� ي‬ ‫ف‬

.‫�ع���� �ع����ن�ه‬

‫ي‬

379

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.403 Surface C, MUS5

D: – … Muharram al-Haram, complete reading … Muhammad. – … one thousand and one hundred …

:‫د‬ ‫�خ‬ ‫ �ش������ه� م‬............. ‫��ح�ر�م ا �ل��ح�را �م (�����ت��م‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ ( حم‬......)‫���ق� ا ء �ة‬ ....)‫����م�د‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ف‬ ‫�ة‬ � �� �� ‫ت‬ .)‫ و�م�ا �ئ� وا �ل��� ��خ�ل�� (��خ�ل�د‬.....�� ‫ لا‬............. ‫ي‬

Figure 2.404 Surface D, MUS5

380 E: – … Hashim ʿAli al-Husayni …

Chapter 2

‫ا �ل‬ � .....��‫ح��س�ي� ن‬ ‫ي‬

:‫�ه�ـ‬ � � � � .................... � � �� ‫ا‬ � ‫ه‬ �� ‫ش‬ � ‫ع‬ �� ‫م‬ �‫لي‬ ‫�خ‬ ..........‫الا ��ـ‬

Figure 2.405 Surface E, MUS5

Reference Number: MUS6 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: 142 cm (l) × 39.5 cm (w) × 39 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Originally from the Al-Khamis Mosque cemetery. When recorded it was in the store at the Bahrain National

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

381

Museum, and it was subsequently transferred to public display in the gallery at the Al-Khamis Mosque Visitor Centre. Well carved. Some unusual damage on the top surface (E) that appears to have been made with a chisel and the raised decoration has been cleanly cut off at both ends. Circular hole drilled in one side surface (A), and damage to both end surfaces (C and D). Elaborate shallow carved pointed niche design with a double border and a flower or abstract symbol in the point of the niche on the upper surface (E). Inscriptions on five surfaces. Previous Publication: Number 16, Kalus (1990: 45) Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter. – And they will never compass. Anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (2:255–256).

‫أ‬ َّ :� َ َ ٰ ّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َ ُ�� ْ‫ُ َ َْ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأ‬ ُ‫��خ��ذُ هُ ���سِ�نَ����ةٌ َلاَ نَ� ْ �ٌم �لّ�ه‬ �� ‫�هو ا �ل�ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا‬ ‫و و‬ ‫ي‬ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ َ َ ّ َ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫���م�ا �ي� ا �ل��س���م�ا َوا‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ �َ خَ ْف‬ .‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا ���ل������ه��م‬ �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ ْ َ َ َّ ّ ْ َ‫َ َ ُ� ُ نَ ش‬ ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ���ِ‫حي����طو� �ب‬ ِ�‫ولا ي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ي‬ َ َ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا � و ت‬ ‫ع‬ َ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ي� ود ه‬ ‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م لا‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ّ َ‫�َاهَ � ا � ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ا � ُّ�ْ ُ � نَ ا �ْ غ‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ �� ‫�د‬ � ‫�د‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�ك‬ �� ‫�ش‬ ‫�ب‬ ‫�ق‬ ‫ل‬ � �‫ي‬ � � �� ‫ي ر‬ � ِ ِ ‫إِ ر فِي‬ ِ ‫مِ � ي‬ ُ‫�َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ َ َ‫ّ ف‬ ُْ � ‫��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫� َو�ي�ؤ �مِ � ن� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ������ق ِ�د‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا ت‬ َ َ َ ْ ُْ ََ َ َ ُْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ‫ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �بِ� �ا �ل�ع ْر َو�ةِ ا �لوث���ق�ى لا ا ن���فِ��������ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ٌ َ ٌ َ ُّ َ .‫وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي�� ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ‫ع‬

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Figure 2.406 Surface A, MUS6

B: – Eden Paradise, whose doors will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be chaste females restraining their glances and of equal ages (38:50–52). The angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of the paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire – And therein you shall have all for which you ask. An entertainment from the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (41:30–32). Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and His being pleased, and of Gardens for them wherein are everlasting delights. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward (9:21–22). Eden Paradise, which they shall enter and those who acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them every gate (13:23). God Almighty has spoken the truth.

:�‫ب‬ َ َّ�� َ ُ ْ ‫َ ْ ن ُّ َ َّ َ ً َّ ُ ُ ْ أ‬ � ،�‫� ���ع�د ٍ� �م��ف� ��ت����ح��ة ��ل���ه��م ال� ب� َوا ب‬ ِ‫�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ َ َ َ‫ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ نَ َ �ف‬ �‫�ثِ���ي��َر‬ �‫����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ‫�م��ت ِك‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ ْ َّ ُ‫َ َ ُ ْ �َ َ ت‬ َ ََ ‫ا‬ �ِ‫ و ِ�ع ن���د ���ه��م ��ق�ا �صِ را � ا �ل����ط�ر�ف‬،� ٍ‫و� ����ش�ر ب‬ ََّ ‫أَ�ْ َ ٌ تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أ‬ ‫��� � لا‬ ‫ � �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬.�‫� ��ت�را ب‬ ُ َّ َّ َْ ْ َ‫تَ��َ فُ ََ تَْ�زَنُ َأ‬ ُ ْ ُ‫�نت‬ �� �� � � ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا بِ�ا �ج�� �ن��ةِ ا �ل�ي� �ك�������م‬ ِ‫ت‬ ُُ‫تُ َ ُ نَ نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ َ ْ‫ُّ ن‬ ََ� ْ� � � ،�‫�و���ع�د و‬ � ‫ل‬ � ‫ك‬ � � ‫ح� ن� � و�لِي��ا �م ي� ا ح����ي�ا ةِ ا ل�د ����ي�ا‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ �ُ‫َ � ْالآ ��� َ� َ �َ كُ� ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أ ن ��ُ ُ ك‬ ‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ه� � �����ف��س‬ .‫�م‬ ����ِ‫و ي� � خِ� �ر ول�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ُ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ �َ َّ �ُ نَ �ُ �زُ ً ّ نْ �غَ �ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ‫ ��ن� لا �ِم�� � �� و ٍر‬،�‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ��ت�د عو‬ َّ ّ‫َُ ش‬ ُ‫���ُ ُ���ه�� ْ َ ُّ���ُ�ه�� �َ ْح�َ��م� �ّم���ْ�ن�ه‬ � � ‫ح‬ . � � ‫ي‬ � �� ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ر‬ �‫ب‬ ‫ِ �� ٍ ي ب ِ ر‬ ِ ٍ‫بِ ر �ة‬ َ ّ ُ َ َ َ َ ّ�� � َ ‫َ ْ َ ن‬ ٌ ‫ن‬ ْ ‫ور �ض‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�ن‬ ����ِ‫� ��ل���ه��م ف‬ ‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م‬ ٍ‫� وا ٍ� و�ج � ت‬ ِ َ�� ٌ ُّ ُ َ �� َ ّ َّ‫نَ َ أَ َ ً ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا � � ا �ل��ل�ه ِ�ع� �ن�د ه‬ ����ِ‫ ��خ�ا �ِل ِ�د�ي� ف‬،‫�م���قِ����ي��م‬ ِ‫إ‬ ُ‫أَ ْ ٌ َ ٌ َ ��َّ تُ َ ْ ن َ ْ خ‬ ْ‫��لُ َن���َ�ه�ا َ �َم� ن‬ � ‫ �ج�� �ن�ا � ���ع�د ٍ� ي��د و � و‬.‫� ����ج�ر �ع �ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ َ ْ َّّ ُ‫َ َ َ � نْ �آَ ْ َ �أ �زْ َ ا � ْ َ �ذ‬ ‫����ص��ل��ح مِ �� ب�ا ئِ����هِ� ��م و و جِ����هِ� ��م و ِري�ا تِ����هِ� ��م‬ َ ُّ ‫ّ ن‬ ْ َ َ َ‫َ َ َ َ ةُ َ ْ خُ ُ ن‬ � � .� ‫ا‬ � ‫م‬ � ِ‫�ه‬ � �� ‫�ب‬ ‫ك‬ � ‫وا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ �� ‫م‬ � � ‫��� ���ي�د ��لو� ع��لي‬ ٍ‫ِ � ِل ب‬ ‫ق ّٰ �ظ‬ .‫�� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬

383

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.407 Surface B, MUS6

C: – This is … the blessed … – The one who has got God’s mercy and approval, al-Sayyid Sulayman bin alSayyid Naser bin Sulayman.

Figure 2.408 Surface C, MUS6

:‫�ج��ـ‬

.....................‫ �ل�ـ‬.....‫ ا �ل��س�ع����ي�د‬.........‫���ه��ذا‬

‫ا � �ض ن‬ ‫ن ن‬ �‫� وا � ا �ل����سي���د ��س�لي�����م�ا � �ب‬ ‫و لر‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ب� ��س�لي�����م�ا‬

‫غ� � ق ا �ل ح���م��ة‬ ‫ري� ر‬ � ‫ا �ل����سي���د �ن�ا �صر‬

384 D: – Date … – Died on Thursday, twelfth of Rabiʿ alawwal …

Chapter 2

�� � �‫ع���ش‬ ‫� ��ي‬ ‫ر رب ��ع‬

:‫د‬ ‫� �خ‬ .......................‫�ت�ا ري� و‬

‫�� ن‬ �‫ا �ل� �ث�ا �ي‬

��‫�ل‬ ‫ا ��خ��م��ي��س‬

‫ت ف‬ �‫�و �ي‬

...........‫الا ول‬

Figure 2.409 Surface D, MUS6

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ ا �ل����س���د �ه�ا � ����ش��م � ن‬.......... �‫ن����ق �����ش�ه الا ��ج‬ �‫ب‬ ‫ي‬ ‫�� ل‬ .�‫ا �ل����سي���د ���ع��ل‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ا ����ه�ا ا �ل�����ق�� ��ح��ز ت‬ ‫� ��م‬ – Oh grave, you have a great glory … ‫ الا‬..........***‫��ج�د ا ا ث����ي�لا‬ ‫بر‬ �‫ي‬ E: – Engraved by … al-Sayyid Hashim bin al-Sayyid ʿAli.

.‫� �ا ���ه�ا‬ ‫�ي���ض‬ ‫ف‬ ��� ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ – And you have a highness and pride .......� ‫��خ�را*** ب���س�لي�����م�ا‬ ‫و���س��موا ���ع��لى ا �ل�����ج�و�م و‬ more than the stars with Sulayman … .‫ط�ا ���ه�ا‬ ‫أ‬ ‫ت‬ � ‫ن‬ � – Written by Ahmad bin Faraj al-M … ‫�ك‬ ‫�����ب�ه الا �ق�ل �ع����ن�د ر��ب�ه � ح���م�د �ب� �ف�ر�ج‬ ‫ن‬ .......)‫(ا �ل���م���ـ‬ incomparable.

385

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.410 Surface E, MUS6

Reference Number: MUS7 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: Panel 1: 161 cm (l) × 22 cm (w) Panel 2: 164.5 cm (l) × 21 cm (w) Orientation: NA Description: Two gypsum panels on display in the Islamic Gallery at the Bahrain National Museum (Figures 2.411 and 2.412). These are described in the gallery text

386

Chapter 2

panel as “dating from the 13th and 13th centuries, were found in the ruins of a Dilmun temple near Sar village. They bear Arabic inscriptions and floral decorations which had been carved in wood and pressed into the wet plaster, section by sections. The inscriptions on one were inverted”.

Figure 2.411 Surface A, MUS7

Figure 2.412 Surface B, MUS7

Previous Publication: Number 40, Kalus (1990: 75–76) Arabic Transcription and Translation: The inscriptions cannot be read Reference Number: MUS8 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: Double slabs measured as single slab. 134.5 cm (l) × 27.5 cm (w) × 52 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Double limestone slab gravestone on display in the Islamic Gallery at the Bahrain National Museum. Roughed out unfinished gravestone which has been cut to size but left decoratively uncarved (Figure 2.413). A rectangular block for raised decoration is cut at each end with a rectangular plinth below it. Cut marks evident on the side surfaces (A and B), and chisel marks on the lower rectangular plinth. Four shallow linear cup marks cut into the upper surface. No decorative carving or inscriptions.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

387

Figure 2.413 MUS8

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: MUS9 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: 136.5 cm (l) × 32 cm (w) × 50.5 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab gravestone on display in the Islamic Gallery at the Bahrain National Museum. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central thin rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at each end. Shallow carved rounded niche design on upper surface (E). Some localised impact damage on sides of the upper surface (E), and on one side surface (B). Inscriptions on five surfaces. Previous Publication: Number 14, Kalus (1990: 39). The original location is given as the caretaker’s garden, cemetery, Suq al-Khamis. Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

َّ A: :� َ َ ُّ ّٰ َ ‫ن‬ � � � � � � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا ل��ل�ه ا � ل�ـ�ه � ا‬،‫ب����س��م ا ل��ل�ه ا لر �ح��م�� ا لرح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ ْ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ‫ُ�ه َ ا �ْل�َ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ َأ ��ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ة َ ن‬ ُ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا ت�� ��خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� ولا � ْو�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ ‫أ‬ َّ ََ َ ‫ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬

388

Chapter 2

َ َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes ���‫ل��ذِ � ي�������ف ِع� �ن�د ا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ ‫ل‬ � the heavens and whatever is on the �� ‫�ي� ِ�د‬ ‫ي��هِ� ��م و ��م�ا ���ل������ه��م وا‬

earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never ْ ّ ْ َ‫ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ َ َ َ َّ � – Compass anything of His Knowledge �ِ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���س‬ ���ِ‫حي����طو� �ب‬ ِ�‫ي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ع‬ except that which He wills. His Seat ُ ُ ُ َ َ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ َ ‫�ؤ‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ه‬ � ‫ا‬ extends over the heavens and the ‫ وا ي ود‬.��‫� وال� ر‬ ‫ك‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ earth. And He feels no fatigue in ْ ْ ْ َ َ َ ُ َ ُّ َ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫فْ ظ‬ � � � guarding and preserving them. And �� ‫�راه‬ ‫ لا �إِ ك فِي‬،‫ِح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا ل���ع�ِ�لي� ا ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ He is the Most High, the Most Great. ْ ُ�� ْ َ ْ‫ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ُّ ْ ُ نَ ْ غَ ّ ��َ َ ن‬ ‫ا �ل ِ�دي� �ق�د ����بي��� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ �� ا �ل��� �ف��م�� ي� ك‬ There is no compulsion in religion. ‫����ف�ر‬ ِ ِ‫ي‬ Verily, the Right Path has become dis- َ ُ ُ َ�� َ‫ّ ف‬ ْ َ ْ َ‫ْ ت‬ ‫�غ‬ َ ‫�ا � َّل����ط�ا � � ��ؤ‬ ‫ن‬ � � � tinct from the wrong path. Whoever ‫�د ا ����س�����م��س�ك‬ � ‫ا‬ � � ‫�ه‬ � � ‫�ل‬ ‫�ق‬ � ‫ل‬ ِ ِ ِ‫و تِ وي مِ � �ب‬ ِ‫ب‬ disbelieves in Taghut and believes in َ َ َ َ ‫ْ ُ ْ َ ُْثْ قَ َ َ ن‬ Allah, then he has grasped the most .‫����ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�بِ� �ا �ل�عرو�ةِ ا �لو����ى لا ا ���ف‬ trustworthy handhold that will never break.

Figure 2.414 Surface A, MUS9

B:

َ ْ ُ ُ ُُ

َ‫تَتَ ف‬

:�‫ب‬

���� .‫وا �ل�ل�ه ���س��مي�� ع�ل����ي��م‬ – And Allah is All-Hearer, All- �‫��ج�ا �ى �ج� ن��وب�����ه��م �ع� ن‬ ‫ع‬ ِ Knower (2:255–256). Their sides ً َ َ ً َ ُ َّ َ َ ُ ْ َ َ َْ �� ْ �‫ْ �خ‬ ‫�ع ن‬ َ forsake their beds, to invoke their ‫ا �ل���م������ �ض�ا جِ� �ِ ���ي�د و� رب�����ه��م و�ف�ا وط��م���ع�ا‬ ‫ع‬ Lord in fear and hope, and they َّ ٌ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ ُ ُ َْ َ َ َّ ‫ت‬ � ‫ق‬ ‫ن‬ ْ �� ‫ن‬ ‫�ق‬ ‫ن‬ spend out of what We have ‫ ��ف�لا ����ع��لُ �����ف��س ���م�ا‬،�‫َو�مِ���م�ا ر �ز � ن���ا ���ه��م ي����فِ�� و‬ ‫م‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

bestowed on them. No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as reward for what they used to do (32:16–17). The angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of the paradise – Which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask. An entertainment from the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (41:30–32). God Almighty has spoken the truth. And praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

389

ُ‫أُ �خْ َ َ ُ ّ ن �ُ َّ أَ ْ ُ ن َ �زَ َ َ ن‬ ‫كا �وا‬ � ‫� ����ي� ��ل���ه��م �ِم�� ��ق�ر� � ���عي��� ����ج� ا ء بِ����م�ا‬ ِ‫ة‬ ٍ ِ‫ف‬ َ ُ‫َ ْ َ ُ نَ تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا‬ ‫ � �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬.�‫�ي���ع��م�لو‬ َّ َّ َْ ْ َ‫ََ تَْ ُ أ‬ ‫ح�زَ ن�وا َو� ب� ����شِ� �ُ وا �ا ��جل‬ � ‫ولا‬ .��‫�����ن��ةِ ا �ل‬ ‫ر بِ َ تِي‬ ُُ ‫ُ نُ ْ تُ َ ُ نَ نَْ أ‬ ْ ََ� � ،�‫���ت�����م �و���ع�د و‬ ‫�مْ �� ا �ل‬ � ‫ح� نُ� � ْو�يَ��ا �ؤ ك‬ �ِ‫ح����ي�ا ة‬ ‫�ك‬ � ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ َ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ �� َ ََ ُ ْ � َ َ تَ شْ ت‬ �‫�� �ر� و�ل ك‬ ِ‫ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خ‬ ��� ���ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ه‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ������ �ِ ي‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫أَ ن‬ ْ‫ �ُ��ن��زُلاً �ّم� ن‬،َ‫� ْ �����َ�ه�ا �َ��م�ا �َ��ت َّ�د �ُع ن‬ �‫� �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و‬ �‫�م و�ل ك�م فِي‬ �ِ َ َُ ّٰ ‫ق‬ ‫�ظ‬ �ِ ‫�غ� ��ف� ور ّر‬ ‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬.‫ح����ي��ٍم‬ ٍ ‫ي‬ ‫وا �لح‬ .�‫����م�د �ل�ل�ه ر ب� ا �ل�ع�ا �ل���مي�� ن‬

Figure 2.415 Surface B, MUS9

:‫�ج��ـ‬ �� ‫�خ‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫��ذا‬ �‫���ه ���� �ض�ريح ل���م ب��رور ل���ف�ا ر �ح�ا ج� ��ع��لي‬ �‫� نب� ا �ل���مر‬ .‫حو�م‬ ‫ت‬ � ‫كا ن� ت ف‬ – Naser bin Iskandar. His death was on �‫� و��ا �ت�ه �ل��لي��ل�� ن‬ ‫��ن�ا �صر � نب� ا ��س ك‬ � ‫�����ن�د ر و‬ second of Jumada al-awwal, year 1106. ‫ن �ة‬ ���‫(�ش���ـ���ه�ر) �ج ���م�ا د �ى الا ول ����س‬....‫خ��ل����ت�ا �م� ن� � ش���ـ‬ C: – This is the grave of the late, al-Hajj ʿAli bin the late

.1106

390

Chapter 2

Figure 2.416 Surface C, MUS9

D: – Reading one part of the Book of God every day, … for twenty mann … dates. – From half of Alkhaieb … crops … located …

:‫د‬ ّٰ ‫ق‬ �� ‫� � �ز � ن‬ .......‫��ت�ا ب� ا �ل��ل�ه‬ �‫كل يو�م �� �ج� ء م�� ك‬ � ‫�را ��ئ�ه‬ ‫ت‬ ‫�� ش‬ .‫ ����مور‬......‫ع���ر� ن� �م����ن�ا‬ ‫ب‬

‫ي‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ف‬ ‫�خ‬ �� � � �‫�م� ن ����� ��ص� ��ح�ا �ص‬ ‫��خ� ا ل‬ ........‫�ي����ب�ـ‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � � ............ ‫ا لوا ���ق‬ ‫ع‬

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391

Figure 2.417 Surface D, MUS9

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن����ق �����ش�ه ا �ل����سي���د ا �ل�����ف�ا �خ�ر وا �ل��ح�ر ا �ل���م�ا �هر ا �ل����سي���د‬ � ‫���ع�ل � � ن‬ .‫ب� ا �ل����سي���د �ن�ا �صر‬ �‫و ي‬ � ‫� �� ن‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫��ي�ا ��ق��بر ����ج�ا د ك ر �ض‬ – Oh grave, the paradise guard gave you � ‫� وا � ا �جل � �ن�ا‬ the mercy because you embedded a ‫�ة‬ .‫ب�رح���م� ***��ب�ا �ل���م�ؤ �م� ن� ا �ل���مت����ه������ج�د ا �ل���م��ت�ب�����ت�ل‬ faithful person who was praying all E: – Engraved by al-Sayyid ʿAlawi bin alSayyid Naser.

the time.

392 – You are a part of paradise because you embedded a good man his name is ʿAli. – Written by ʿAli bin Abdullah … al-Bahrani.

Chapter 2

‫�ة ف‬ ‫نت‬ �‫���م�ا ا �� الا رو���� �ض� �ي‬ �� � �� �‫ب‬ .�‫��خي��ر ��ف�تى ي����ق�ا ل �ل�ه ���ع��ل‬ ‫ن ي‬ ‫ت‬ �� ‫��ج�ا � ���ع��ل � ن‬ ‫�ل‬ ......‫ب� �ع����ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه‬ ‫�ك‬ �‫�����ب�ه الا ق�ل ا �� ي� ي‬ ‫� ن‬ .�� ‫ا �ل��ب��حرا‬ ‫ي‬

‫�ة‬ �‫�ج�����ن� *** ��ط�ا ب� ت‬

Figure 2.418 Surface E, MUS9

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393

Reference Number: MUS10 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: 134 cm (l) × 30.5 cm (w) × 36 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab gravestone on display in the Islamic Gallery at the Bahrain National Museum. Some erosion. Raised decoration cut off at each end. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Previous Publication: Number 15, Kalus (1990: 42). Number 14, Kalus (1990: 39). The original location is given as the caretaker’s garden, cemetery, Suq al-Khamis. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter – And they will never Compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold (2:255–256).

‫أ‬ � َّ : َ َ ُّ ّٰ َ ‫ن‬ � � � � � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ح‬ � � �� ‫�ه‬ ‫ل‬ ، � � ‫م‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�ه‬ ‫�ه‬ ‫ح‬ � ‫ي‬ ‫س‬ ‫�ل‬ ‫�ل‬ ‫ـ‬ � ‫ل‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ر �� � ر �� ��م‬ ‫ب ��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َّ ٌ َ‫ُ َْ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ ُ‫�ه َ ا �ل� ّ ا �ل���ق�� �م لا ت�� ����خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� َلا � ْ �م �ل�ه‬ ‫و و‬ ‫و حي� يو‬ َ َ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ �َ خَ ْف‬ � ‫ل‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫�ه‬ ِ‫�ه‬ � ‫��م‬ ��� � �� �� ‫� م‬ ‫� ي ِ ي� م و‬ ْ َ َ َّ ّ ْ َ‫ُ� ُ نَ ش‬ ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ���ِ‫حي����طو� �ب‬ ِ�‫ولا ي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ي‬ َ َ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ‫ ولا‬.��‫� وال� ر‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ع‬ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ي� ود ه‬ ‫ لا‬،‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ّ َ‫�َاهَ � ا � ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ا � ُّ�ْ ُ � نَ ا �ْ غ‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ �� � ‫�د‬ ‫�د‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�ك‬ �� ‫�ب‬ ‫�ش‬ ‫�ق‬ ‫ل‬ � �‫ي‬ ‫�� ي� ر‬ � ِ ِ �‫إِ ر فِي‬ ِ ‫مِ � ي‬ ُ‫�َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ َ َ‫ّ ف‬ ُْ � ‫��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫� َو�ي�ؤ �مِ � ن� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ������ق ِ�د‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا و ت‬ َ َ‫ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ ُ َ ُْثْ ق‬ .‫ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �� �ا �ل�ع ْرو� ا �لو����ى‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ‫ة‬

394

Chapter 2

Figure 2.419 Surface A, MUS10

B: – … Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and His being pleased, and of Gardens for them wherein are everlasting delights. They will dwell therein forever (9:21–22) – … Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of the paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask. An entertainment from the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (41:30–32).

Figure 2.420 Surface B, MUS10

:�‫ب‬

َ ْ َ ُ ُّ َ ْ ُ ّ‫َُ ش‬ �ٍ‫���ُر���ه��م رب�����ه��م بِ�رح���م�ة‬ ِ �‫ ي�ب‬.... َ َ ْ ُّ َّ�� َ َ � ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�ن‬ ����ِ‫� ��ل���ه��م ف‬ ٍ‫و�ج � ت‬ َ َ ً َ ‫� � نَ َ أ‬ .‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا‬ ����ِ‫�� �خ�ا �ِل ِ�دي� ف‬ َ ْ َ‫أَّ تَ��َ فُ ََ تَْ�زَنُ َأ‬ َّ��َْ� ُ �� � ‫ � لا‬........ ‫ل‬ � ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ِ‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا بِ�ا �ج�� �ن��ة‬ ُُ َ‫َّ ُ نُ ْ تُ َ ُ نَ نَْ أ‬ ْ ََ� � ،�‫���ت�����م �و���ع�د و‬ ‫�مْ �� ا �ل‬ � ‫ح� نُ� � ْو�يَ��ا �ؤ �ك‬ �ِ‫ح����ي�ا ة‬ ‫ا �ل�� �ك‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ ‫تِي‬ َ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ �� َ ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ ت‬ ِ‫ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خ‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫�� �ر� و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ِهي‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫أَ ن‬ ُ َ ً َ ُ ّ َ ُ َ َ ّ ُ ْ ْ ‫ن‬ ْ‫ ���ن��ز لا �م� ن‬، ‫� ������ه�ا ���م�ا ���ت�د �ع‬ َ �‫� �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و‬ �‫�م و�ل ك�م فِي‬ �ِ َ َُ �ِ ‫�غ� ��ف� ور ّر‬ .‫ح����ي��م‬ ٍ ٍ ‫�ّ ��ْ ُ َ �ضْ َ ن‬ �ٍ ‫� وا‬ ‫ِم� �ن�ه و ِر‬ ٌ ُّ ٌ َ‫ن‬ ،‫� ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

395

C:

: ‫ج‬ �

‫ � ش ��ه� ���ج� ال � �ص ��ل����سن����ة ا �لث��ا ن� �ي��ة‬.... �‫ب����� ر ر �� ب� ا � ��م ل‬ �� ‫�ة‬ ‫��ح� �ة ا �ل� ص ��ن��ة‬ � ‫ف ت ف ت‬ ‫وا �ل���م�ا ��ي� والا �ل��� �و������ي�� ا ل ر ��م��� و‬ ‫ �����ن� ت‬... ‫��ف�ا‬ .� ‫ب‬ ‫� � �� ف‬ �� � ‫ا‬ – Alsheikh … this grave … who read �‫���� �ض�ري وو ��ظ‬ ��‫و���� �ض��م ن��� ت� ���ه��ذا ا ل‬...... ‫ل����ش��ي�� خ‬ ‫ح‬ � everyday … ‫أ‬ .......‫كل �يو�م‬ � �‫�م� ن� ي������ق�ر‬ – … in Rajab in the year of one thousand, one hundred and two, the Inviolable lady, Fa … bint, died.

Figure 2.421 Surface C, MUS10

396

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫ �عن�� ن���د ه‬....... ‫ ث����مره ب����س�ا‬... �‫ ����ج��زء �م� ن‬........ ‫�ش‬ .......... ‫ع���ر� ن� �م����ن�ا‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫ب�����سن����ج �م� ن� ا وا ل ��ح�ا �ص�ل‬ – Basanj at Awal, income of … Alsahlan � ‫ ا �ل���س���ه�لا‬....‫ح�ـ‬ ‫� ق‬ of Sakyah. ‫�م� ن� ا �ل��س�ا �����ي�ه‬ D: – … part of … its fruits … twenty maan … .

Figure 2.422 Surface D, MUS10

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397

:‫�ه�ـ‬ � ‫ن����ق �����ش�ه ا �ل����س���د �ه�ا � ����ش�� � ن ا �ل����س���د‬ ‫ص‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ن‬ � ‫م‬ �‫ب‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ ‫�ل ن � ن‬ �‫ا‬ �‫ح��س�ي��ي� ا �ل��ب��حرا �ي‬ ‫ن‬ �� ‫�ف‬ ‫��ج�ا � ���ع��ل � ن �ع� �ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه � ن‬ � – Written by the one who stands in �‫ب‬ �� �‫ر��س���م�ه ا �ل�����قي��ر ا ��ل ي� ي� ب‬ need of God Ali bin Abdullah bin .‫��ص���م�د الا ��ص��ب�ع� �ع���فى �ع ن������ه��م‬ ��‫�ع��ب�د ا �ل‬ ‫ي‬ ʿAbd al-Samad Alosbai. May Allah E: – Engraved by Sayed Hashem bin Sayed Naser Alhussaini Albahrani.

forgive them.

Figure 2.423 Surface E, part 1, MUS10

Figure 2.424 Surface E, part 2, MUS10

398

Chapter 2

Reference Number: MUS11 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: 153 cm (l) × 18.5 cm (w) × 28 cm (h) Orientation: NA Description: Double limestone slab gravestone in the store at Bahrain National Museum. Badly damaged in places, particularly on the upper surface (E). Traces of red paint/pigment on some of the lettering on three surfaces. Inscriptions on three surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful … that Allah may forgive you your sins of the past and the future, and complete His Favour on you, and … – the straight path. And that Allah may help you with strong help … (48:2–3). The angels … upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of the paradise – Which you have been promised (41:31–32).

Figure 2.425 Surface A, part 1, MUS11

‫أ‬ :� ٰ ْ َ �� ‫َ �غ‬ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ �لِي���� فِ� �ر‬..........،‫ح����ي��م‬ ّ‫َ َ َّ ُ َ تَ ��َ َّ َ ن �ذَ ن َ َ َ �َ أَ �خ‬ ََ� ‫�ل�ك ا �ل��ل�ه ���م�ا ����ق�د �م �مِ �� �بِ��ك و���م�ا ��ت� ر‬ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ َ َ ْ ‫َُ َّ ن‬ ..................‫و���� ��م ِ��ع���م����ت�ه ���ع��لي��ك و‬ ِ‫ي ت‬ ً ْ َ‫َ ً ُّ ْ �تَ ً َ َن ُ َ َ � َّ ُ ن‬ ‫�صِ را��ط�ا �م����س� ��قِي�����م�ا وي��������ص�رك ا ل��ل�ه �������ص�را‬ َ ََ ُ‫َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ ف‬ ً َ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫ ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬.......، ‫�ع�زِ ��ي��ز‬ َ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� ْ ‫تَ�ْ�زَنُ َ أ‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ �� �� ‫ك‬ � � ‫ا‬ � �� � � ِ‫ش‬ ‫��ع‬ ‫�ن‬ � �� �‫ح �وا و� ب رو بِ �ج �ةِ �ي� م و و‬ ِ‫ت‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

399

Figure 2.426 Surface A, part 2, MUS11

B: – We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask. An entertainment from the OftForgiving, Most Merciful. – Their Lord gives them glad tidings of Mercy from Him, and His being pleased, and of Gardens for them wherein are everlasting delights. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward. Amin (9:21–22).

Figure 2.427 Surface B, part 1, MUS11

:�‫ب‬ َ ُُ ‫نَْ أ‬ ْ َ �� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� � ‫�مْ �� ا �ل‬ � ‫ح� نُ� � ْو�يَ��ا �ؤ ك‬ �‫�� �ر‬ ِ‫ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خ‬ � ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أَ ن‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ه� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ ً ُ َ ُ َّ َ َ َُ �ِ ‫ ���ن��زُلا �ِّم� نْ� �غ� ��ف� ور ّر‬،�‫�َ��م�ا ���ت�د �عو ن‬ .‫ح����ي��م‬ ٍ ٍ

‫َُ شّ ُ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ �َ ْح�َ �ّ ��ْ ُ َ �ضْ َ ا ن‬ �ٍ ‫���ر���ه��م رب�����ه��م بِ ر ��م��ةٍ ِم� �ن�ه و ِر� و‬ ِ �‫ي�ب‬ َ�� ٌ ُّ ٌ َ‫َ َ ��َّ َّ ُ ْ َ ن‬ َ‫� � � ن‬ � ‫�د‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�خ‬ ����ِ‫� ��ل���ه��م ف‬ ‫ل‬ �‫ ِ ِ ي‬،‫ي���ه�ا � ِ�ع����ي��م �م���قِ����ي��م‬ ٍ‫و�ج � �ن�ا ت‬ َ َ َ َ ‫����َ أ ً نّ ّ َ �� َ ُ أ ْ ٌ َ ٌ آ ن‬ ���‫ � ���مي‬،‫ي���ه�ا � ���ب�د ا �إِ � ا �ل��ل�ه ِ�ع� �ن�د ه � ����ج�ر �ع �ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ف‬

400

Figure 2.428 Surface B, part 2, MUS11

C: – Grave of the Late, the Savant Shaikh – Salman bin Husayn bin Majid

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫خ‬ �� � � ‫���� �ض�ريح ا �ل���مرحو�م ا �ل����ش��ي��� ا �ل���ع�ا �ل�م‬ � �‫��س�ل���م�ا ن� � نب‬ ‫ح���سي�� ن� � نب� �م�ا ����ج�د‬

Figure 2.429 Surface C, MUS11

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

D: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

401 :‫د‬ ‫آ‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ا �لن����� ش‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء ��ت�ه‬ ‫كل ولا ي����م ك‬ � �‫�ق��� �م����ت‬

Figure 2.430 Surface D, MUS11

E: – No carving or inscriptions.

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Reference Number: MUS12 Co-ordinates: NA Dimensions: 76 cm (l) × 48 cm (h) × 21 cm (w) Orientation: NA Description: Single limestone slab from a double slab gravestone in the store at Bahrain National Museum. Eroded on one end surface (D), on one side surface (A),

402

Chapter 2

and on top surface (E). Possibly defaced on one side surface (B), which also has a circular hole drilled into it. Unusual raised decoration formed of a solid rectangular block that slopes downward to the upper surface (E). Partially legible inscription on one surface and illegible inscription on another. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – … in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in alTaghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (2:256). – …………

‫أ‬ : َ ْ ْ َ َ َ ُ ُ ّ ّ ْ ّ َ‫� ن � ت َ ّ ن‬ ْ ُ�� َ ْ‫نَ غَ ّ �� َ ن‬ ‫ا �ل ِ�د�ي� ��ق�د ����بي��� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ �� ا �ل��� �ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫����ف�ر‬ ِ ِ‫ي‬ َ ُ َ َ ْ َ‫ْ ت‬ ُ َ�� َ‫ّ ف‬ ْ ‫�غ‬ َ ‫�ؤ‬ � ‫�ا � ّل����ط�ا‬ ‫� و�ي �مِ � ن� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ����ق ِ�د ا ����س�����م��س�ك‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫ب‬ ٌ َ ُ ّ َ َ َ َ َ ‫ْ ُ ْ َ ُْثْ قَ َ َ ن‬ �� ��‫�بِ� �ا �ل�عرو�ةِ ا �لو����ى لا ا ���فِ��������ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا وا �ل��ل�ه ����س‬ ‫مِ يع‬ ٌ َ .‫ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ......................................

Figure 2.431 Surface A, MUS12

B: – No carving or inscriptions.

:�‫ب‬

‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.432 Surface B, MUS12

C: – No carving or inscriptions.

Figure 2.433 Surface C, MUS12

403

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

404 D: – No carving or inscriptions.

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫أ ت‬ ‫كا �ب�ا ت‬ �� � ‫لا ت�و����ج�د ن����قوش��� � و‬ �

Figure 2.434 Surface D, MUS12

E: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

Figure 2.435 Surface E, MUS12

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ا �لن����� ش‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء ��ت�ه‬ ‫�ق��� ��ت�ا �ل��� ولا ي����م ك‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

21

405

Noaim/Naim (NOA)

Location: Urban cemetery in Manama Reference Number: NOA1 Co-ordinates: 26.22611° N 050.56799° E Dimensions: 167 cm (l) × 30 cm (w) × 40 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central thin rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at each end. Badly eroded on the top surface (E), on one side surface (A), and on one set of raised decoration. Traces of shallow carved rectangular panel design, probably a niche, on the top surface (E). Inscriptions on five surfaces. Previous Publication: Number 43, Kalus (1990: 78) Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – The angels … upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask. An entertainment from the Oft-Forgiving … (41:30–32). Paradise, – Whose doors … Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be chaste females restraining their glances and of equal ages. This is what you are promised for the day of Reckoning. Verily, this

‫أ‬

:�

َ ُ‫َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ فُ ََ تَْ�زَن‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ � ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫ح �وا‬ ‫ ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬.…… َ َْ‫�َْ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ نَ ن‬ ُ �� ْ ‫َ أ‬ ُ‫ح� ن‬ � ،�‫��������م �و���ع�د و‬ ‫ل‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫ك‬ � � ‫ا‬ �� � � ِ‫ش‬ ‫�ن‬ � � �‫و� ب رو بِ �ج �ةِ تِ�ي‬ ُُ َ‫أ‬ ْ َ �� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� ‫�مْ �� ا �ل‬ ‫� ْو�يَ��ا �ؤ ك‬ �‫�� �ر‬ ِ‫ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خ‬ � ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أَ ن‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ه� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ ً ُ َ ُ َّ َ َّ�� َ َُ �‫ �ج‬...‫ ���ن��زُلا �ِّم� نْ� �غ� ��ف� ور‬،�‫�َ��م�ا ���ت�د �عو ن‬ ........� ‫ا‬ � � ‫�ن‬ ِ‫ت‬ ٍ

َ َ‫َّ ُ ُ ْ أَْ َ ُ ُ �تَّ �� نَ َ َ ْ ُ ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫ �م� ِك‬،�‫��ل���ه��م ال� ب�وا ب‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ� ي��� ف‬ َ َ َ‫�ف‬ ُ‫َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ َ َ َ َ ��� � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫ع‬ ، �� � �� ‫���ه‬ � � ‫�ش‬ ‫�ق‬ � ‫��م �صِ ر‬ ِ‫� و‬ ٍ‫بِ��� �ا كِ����ه��ةٍ ك ثِ يرةٍ و ر ب‬ َ َ َ‫َّ ْ أْ َ ٌ َ �ذَ َ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ‫ ���ه� ا ���م�ا �و���ع�د و� لِ�ي� ْو�ِم‬،�‫ا �ل����ط�ر�� � ���ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ف‬ ْ َ��َّ‫نَّ َ �ذَ َِ�زْ ُق ��َ َ َ ُ ن‬ َ� ‫ا �ل‬ ‫ح‬ .‫ � � ���ه� ا �لر �� �ن�ا ���م�ا �ل�ه �مِ � ن� ����ف�ا ٍد‬،� ‫ا‬ �� � � ‫�س‬ ِ‫ِ بِ إ‬

406 is our provision which will never finish (38:50–54). God Almighty and his Prophet have spoken the truth. Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

Chapter 2

‫� �ص�د ق ا �ل�ّ�لٰ�ه ا �ل� �ظ‬ ���‫ع�� � �ي��م �� �ص�د ق ��س �ل�ه ا �ل‬ � �‫�ن‬ ‫ر‬ � � ‫�� و � و‬ �‫بي‬ ‫�ر �ي��م وا �لح‬ .�‫����م�د �ل�ل�ه ر ب� ا �ل�ع�ا �ل���مي�� ن‬ � �‫ا �ل ك‬

Figure 2.436 Surface A, NOA1

B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge. – Except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (2:255–256).

َّ َ َ ّ ٰ :�‫ب‬ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َ ُ�� ْ‫ُ َ َْ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأ‬ ُ‫��خ��ذُ هُ ���سِ�نَ����ةٌ َلاَ نَ� ْ �ٌم �لّ�ه‬ �� ‫�هو ا �ل�ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا‬ ‫و و‬ ‫ي‬ َ‫أَ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ َ َ َ َ َ ‫� و���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫���م�ا �ي� ا �ل��س���م�ا وا‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ ���‫ل��ذِ ي� ي�������فع ِع� �ن�د إِ ا بِ� نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لم ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ َ‫� ُ نَ ش‬ ْ � �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ ٍ‫حي����طو� �بِ���ي�ء‬ ِ ‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ ْ ّْ .‫�ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ء‬ �� � �� ‫�ه‬ �� ‫ا‬ ‫ك‬ � �� � ‫� لا بِ����م�ا‬ � ِ‫س‬ � � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ � ‫و ع ر ي‬ ِ‫و ت‬ ِ‫إ‬ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ � �‫وال� ر�� ولا ي� ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع�ِ�لي‬ ُ ْ ُّ َ َّ َ َّ َ� ‫ّ ن‬ َ ْ َ ُ َْ � ‫�رَاه �� ا �ل ِ�د‬ � ‫ي� ��ق�د ت����بي�� ن� ا �لر� ����ش�د‬ ‫ لا �إِ ك فِي‬،‫ا ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ِ ْ َ ْ َ َ� ّ َ‫َ ْ غ‬ َ ‫�����ُ�ف� ْ �ا � ّل����ط�ا �غ�ُ � َوُ� ْ�ؤ � � ن‬ ‫ك‬ �‫�مِ � ن� ا �ل��� ��ف��م� ن� ي‬ ‫و‬ ‫ر‬ � ِ‫تِ ي م‬ ِ‫ب‬ ِ‫ي‬ َ َ َ‫ْ تَ ْ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ُْثْ ق‬ َ�� َ‫ّ ف‬ ‫�بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ����ق ِ�د ا ����س�����م��س�ك �بِ� �ا �ل�عرو�ةِ ا �لو����ى لا‬ ٌ َ ٌ َ ُّ َ ََ َ َ ‫ان‬ .‫����ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي�� ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ����ِ‫���ف‬ ‫ع‬

407

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.437 Surface B, NOA1

C: – Reading parts of the Book of God the Powerful … Shaikh.

ّٰ

��

‫ة‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬



�‫�ق�را ء � ا ����ج��زا ء �م� ن� ك‬ ....... ‫��ت�ا ب� ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل�ع�ز ��ي��ز‬ �� � ‫ا‬ . ‫ل����ش��ي�� خ‬

� ‫ت‬ �� ‫�خ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ل‬ � � � � � – Good dates from crops of the palms ‫����مرا ��س�ا ل���م�ا �م�� ا را �� �ج�ا � �م�� ا ل���� �خ�ل‬ ‫ف‬ ‫�ة �ق ة‬ which is known as (possibly Barbaghi ‫غ‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ا �ل���م���ع�رو�� (ب�ر ب���ي� ا �ل���عي���) ب�����س��ي����ح� ب��� و� (ب�و‬ al-ʿAyn) at Buqwah area. ‫قة‬ .)�‫�و‬

Figure 2.438 Surface C, NOA1

408 D: – The blessed late, al-Hajj Naser bin alHajj ʿAbd al-Husayn, God bless them. – Died in the eighth of Jumada al-thani, year one thousand and seventy-six.

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ����‫ ا �ل���م‬....... � ‫ل‬ � �� � � ‫ح‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ �� ‫م‬ � � ‫�د‬ � � � � ‫ح‬ ‫ق‬ ‫��م‬ �� ‫م‬ ‫برور‬ ‫س رو‬ �‫ج‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫��ن�ا �صر � نب� ا �ل��ح�ا ج �ع��ب�د ا ل‬ � .‫ح���سي��� �ع���فى �ع����ه���م�ا‬ � � ‫ت ف ف‬ )‫و�و �� �� �ث�ا �م� ن� �ش������ه�ر �ج ���م�د �� (�ج ���م�ا د �ى‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي ي‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ا �ل����ث�ا �ن �م� ن ����سن����ة ����س� ت‬ .���‫� و����س��ب���عي�� ن� وا �ل‬ � �‫ي‬

Figure 2.439 Surface D, NOA1

E: – Written by the one who stands in need of the Only Owner of the Day of Reckoning … ʾAli bin Husayn bin Zayn al-Din. God bless them. – ………… – ………… – Engraved by al-Sayyid Hashim bin alSayyid Naser …

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ ���ع��ل � ن‬....... ‫كا ت� �ب�ه ا �ل��ف������ق�� �ل���م�ل�ك � �م ا �ل�د � ن‬ ‫ير‬ �‫ي‬ �‫ي� ب‬ ‫يو‬ �� � ‫ح���س�� ن � ن �ز � ن ا �ل�د � ن ف‬ ‫ي� �ع���ي� �ع ن������ه��م‬ �‫� ي� ب� ي‬ ..................... ......................

‫ن‬ �� ‫ن �ق‬ ‫��� ���ش�ه �ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا � ����ش��م �ب� ا �ل����سي���د الا ����ج�ل‬ ......‫ا �ل����سي���د �ن�ا �صر‬

409

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.440 Surface E, NOA1

Reference Number: NOA2 Co-ordinates: 26.22606° N 050.56804° E Dimensions: 152.5 cm (l) × 28.5 cm (w) × 63 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Badly eroded in various areas and cracked and with a section missing on one side surface (B). Eroded three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at each end. Partially legible inscriptions on two surfaces and illegible inscriptions on the other three surfaces. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – ………… – Inner-selves desire … you ask … mercy … Allah …

‫أ‬

:� .................... ّٰ ‫�ة‬ ‫ن‬ � ‫ا ن�������ف��س ك‬ ......‫ ا �ل��ل�ه‬.... �‫ رح���م‬.....�‫ �ت�د �عو‬......‫�م‬ �

410

Chapter 2

Figure 2.441 Surface A, NOA2

:�‫ب‬ B: ّٰ َ � � – In the name of Allah … whatever is � ‫ ���م�ا‬.………………………‫ب����س��م ا ل��ل�ه‬ ‫ي‬ in the heavens and whatever is on ِ‫ف‬ َّ ََ ْ َ‫أ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ �‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ the earth. Who is he that can inter.��‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ cede with Him except by His permisَ � ْ‫ا �لّ� � �َ شْ ��َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ �إِ�ذ‬ sion! ...His Seat … the heavens and ......................‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه‬ ِ‫إِ َب‬ ‫�ذِ ي� ي ع‬ the earth. And He feels no fatigue in ُ ُ ُ َ َ ‫أ‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ ‫َ ْض‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫ا‬ guarding and preserving them. And ‫� وال� ر�� ولا ي��ؤ ود ه‬ ‫ك‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا � و ت‬ He is the Most High, the Most Great ُ َ ْ� ‫� فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ (2:255). .‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع��ل� ل�ع�ظ‬

‫ِي‬

Figure 2.442 Surfaces B and E, NOA2

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

Figure 2.443 Surface C, NOA2

411

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫آ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ق ت‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء �����ه�ا‬ ‫ل�ا ��ب��ة �م����ت�ك�ل��ة ولا �ي���م ك‬ ��‫ا � ك‬

412 D: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read.

Chapter 2

‫آ‬ ‫ ت‬:‫د‬ ‫ق ت‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء �����ه�ا‬ ‫ل�ا ��ب��ة �م����ت�ك�ل��ة ولا ي����م ك‬ ��‫ا � ك‬

Figure 2.444 Surface D, NOA2

E: – Very deteriorated. Unable to read. See Figure 2.442 Reference Number: NOA3 Co-ordinates: 26.22623° N 050.56821° E Dimensions: 139.5 cm (l) × 28.5 cm (w) × 52 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE

:‫�ه�ـ‬

‫آ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ق ت‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء �����ه�ا‬ ‫ل�ا ��ب��ة �م����ت�ك�ل��ة ولا ي����م ك‬ ��‫ا � ك‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

413

Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Unfinished. The gravestone has been cut to size and the three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central thin rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at each end has been finished, albeit crudely (Figure 2.445). No inscriptions or other decoration have been added. Some erosion to the upper parts of the raised decoration where it was above the ground surface. Fifteen rows of four shallow cup marks are cut into one corner of the top surface (E) (Figure 2.446). These are almost certainly connected with playing the Awari/Mancala type games discussed in relation to ABN46. Excavated to expose whole gravestone.

Figure 2.445 NOA3

Figure 2.446 Fifteen rows of four shallow cup marks, likely Awari/Mancala type game, NOA3

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: NOA4 Co-ordinates: 26.22652° N 050.56711° E Dimensions: 56 cm (l) × 28 cm (w) × 45 cm (h)

414

Chapter 2

Orientation: NA Description: Broken fragment from either a single or double limestone slab gravestone. Eroded on the inscribed surface. Hollow (Figure 2.447). Partial inscription on one surface.

Figure 2.447 Hollow cavity, NOA4

Arabic Transcription and Translation: – … preserving them … And He … – … Allah …

ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫فْ ظ‬

�ِ ........... .........‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�ه َو‬ ّٰ

.............‫ ا �ل��ل�ه‬..........

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

415

Figure 2.448 Inscription fragment, NOA4

22

Al-Qadem (QAD)

Location: Village cemetery containing a mosque Reference Number: QAD1 Co-ordinates: 26.21629° N 050.51596° E Dimensions: 132 cm (l) × 25.5 cm (w) × 47 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. The carver has had to compensate for a fault formed of an indentation in the stone on one side surface (A). Three

416

Chapter 2

element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at each end. Inscriptions on five surfaces. The gravestone was covered with a recently made wooden green painted slatted canopy. Excavated to expose whole gravestone. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede? – With Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge. Except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth (2:255).

Figure 2.449 Side A, QAD1

‫أ‬

:�

ُ ُ‫ّ ُ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ ‫ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا �هو ا �ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ ‫ي‬ َّ ٌ َ‫َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ َّ َ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ ‫ن‬ � �‫� و���م�ا �فِي‬ ِ‫���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه ���م�ا فِي� ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ُ َ�� ْ‫أَ ْ َ ن �ذَ َّ َ ش‬ . ‫ال� ر�� �م�� ا ا �ل��ذِ �� ي�������ف‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫ض‬ ‫ع‬ َ ْ َْ‫ْ َ ُ َّ �إِ�ذْ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ أ‬ ‫ي��هِ� ��م َو���م�ا‬ �� ‫ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � �نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن� �ي� ِ�د‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫م‬ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫خَ ْفَ ُ ْ َ َ ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ َّ � ‫حي����طو� �����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا‬ ِ�‫���ل������ه��م ولا ي‬ ِ‫َ إ‬ ‫بِ ي‬ َ َ َ ‫َ َ َ ُ ْ ُّ ُ َّ َ َ َ أ ْ ض‬ .‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫� ����ش�ا ء و���سِ� ك‬ ِ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ‫ع‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

417

:�‫ب‬ B: ٰ ُ ُ‫نَّ َ َ � ُّ ك‬ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫�م‬ � �‫ �إِ ����م�ا ولِي‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Verily, َ ‫ا � ّ ُ َ َ �ُ�س �ُ ُ َ ا �َّ � نَ �آ �َ نُ اْ ا �َّ � نَ ُ ُ ن‬ your protector is none other than �‫ي� ي����قِ����ي��مو‬ ِ‫ل��ل�ه ور ول�ه و ل��ذِ ي� م��و ل��ذ‬ Allah, His Messenger, and the beَ‫َّ َ ةَ َُ ْتُ ن‬ lievers, those who establish regular .�‫����ص�لا � و�ي�ؤ �و‬ ��‫ا �ل‬ prayers and regular charity, and they bow down humbly. َ َّ ُ َ ُ َ َ َ ّ ّ َََ َ َ َ‫كا �ةَ َ ُ���ه�� ْ َ ا ُ ن‬ ‫�ز‬ – And whosoever takes Allah, His Mes- ‫ و�م� ن� ي�ت�ول ا �ل��ل�ه ور��سو�ل�ه‬،�‫��عو‬ � ‫م‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ا �ل و‬ ِ‫ك‬ senger, and the believers, it is the fel- َ ‫َ ا �َّ � نَ �آ �َ نُ اْ ��َ نَّ � �زْ َ ا � ّ ُ ُ ا �ْ �َ � ُ ن‬ lowship of Allah that must certainly .�‫و ل��ذِ ي� م��و �ف� � حِ� � ب� ل��لِ�ه ���ه��م ل���غ�ا لِ ب�و‬ ِ‫�إ‬ triumph (5:55–56).

Figure 2.450 Side B, QAD1

C: – It is the grave of Shaikh ʿAli – bin ʿAbd Allah al-Awali …

:‫�ج��ـ‬ �� ‫خ‬ �� .�‫���ه��ذا �م���ق�ر ا �ل����ش��ي�� ���ع��ل‬ ‫� ي‬ ‫�ن‬ .)‫ب� �ع����ب�د ا �ل�ل�ه الا وال� ( ����ج�ا‬ ‫ي‬

418

Chapter 2

Figure 2.451 Side C, QAD1

D: – The praise … – And the reading at … two parts, alFatiha and al-Ikhlas for three times.

:‫د‬ ‫ا �لح‬ ........‫����م�د‬

‫ ����ج��زء ا ن� وا �لح‬.……‫وا �ل�����ق� ا ء �ة �ع����ن�د ه‬ ‫����م�د‬ ‫ر‬ � �� ‫ث‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � .‫والا �خ�ل ص �ل �ث�ا‬ – And one part for him with his par- ‫و����ج��ز ء �ل�ه ����م و�ل�د ��ي�ه وا ب����ن�ه ا ب�را �ه����ي��م‬ ‫ع‬ ents and his son Ibrahim and his � ‫�ز‬ .‫و و ج��ا �ت�ه‬ wives.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.452 Side D, QAD1

419

420 E: – Whatsoever is on the earth will perish. And the Face of your Lord full of Majesty and Honour will remain forever (55:26–27). Peace be on you, a Word from the Lord, Most Merciful (36:58). – This shrine embedded … it is surrounded with real knowledge.

Chapter 2

ُ‫َ َ ْ َ �َ ن َ َْقَ َ ْ ُ َ ّ َ �ذ‬ ‫ وي�ب���ى و����ج�ه رب�ِ�ك و‬،�ٍ ‫ع��لي�����ه�ا ��ف�ا‬ ّ َّ ‫َ ْ ْ َ َ َا ٌ َق ْ ً ن‬ ‫وال ك‬ � ٍ ‫ ����س�ل �م �ولا �مِ �� ر ب‬.‫�را �ِم‬ ِ‫�إ‬

:‫�ه�ـ‬

ُ ْ‫كُّ �َم� ن‬ � � ‫ل‬ َ َ‫�ْل‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا ����ج�ل ِل‬ َ �ِ ‫ّر‬ .‫ح����ي��م‬ ٍ

‫ن‬ ‫��ح�د م‬ ‫د*** �ل‬....‫حو�ى‬ � �‫���ه��ذا ���� �ض�ري‬ � ��‫ح����ي�ط �م‬ ‫ح‬ � .‫ا �ل���ع��لى (ا �ل���ع��ل ) �ص�د �ق�ا‬ ‫م‬ ‫ض‬ ‫�ق‬ – … his grave is as wide as the width of ��‫ ح�م�ا ���م�ه �م� ن� �م�� ����ي��م*** �ك���ع�ر‬....‫ولا‬ earths and skies. �� � �‫� الا ض‬ ‫ت‬ .‫ح���ق�ا‬ � ‫ا �ل��س���م�ا وا و ر‬

Figure 2.453 Side E, QAD1

Reference Number: QAD2 Co-ordinates: 26.21631° N 050.51609° E Dimensions: 142.5 cm (l) × 38 cm (w) × (height not measurable) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Double limestone slab gravestone. An active shrine is centred around this gravestone which is sunk into the floor, cemented in place, and surrounded with green carpet. A moveable aluminium canopy has been placed over the gravestone. Coins (predominantly of 100 fils denomination), small glass perfume bottles, one dinar notes, stems of green or dried fragrant herbs (mashmoom, Basil, Ocimum basilcum) had been put through the canopy grille as offerings (Figure 2.454). The gravestone is exceptionally well carved with three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central rounded arch at each end. This is finished with carved calligraphy on the rear of each element and carved geometric star

421

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

patterns in the top of the facetted cubes (Figure 2.457). A shallow pointed niche design is carved on the upper surface (E) which incorporates a double scroll into the double border below the point of the niche. Inscriptions on five surfaces but only one is legible and two are partially legible because of the gravestone being partly buried in the shrine floor and covered with cement. Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Covered with cement and cannot be read.

‫أ‬ :� ‫أ‬ ‫ق ت‬ ‫ة‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء �����ه�ا‬ ‫� غم������ط�ا � ب�ا ل� ���س��م ن��� ت� ولا ي����م ك‬

Figure 2.454 Surface A, QAD2

B: – Covered with cement and cannot be read. C: – I put my trust in Allah. – Written by Hasan bin ʿAli. – Abd Muhammad bin Jaʿfar.

:�‫ب‬

‫ة أ‬ ‫ق ت‬ ‫�� ن� �را ء �����ه�ا‬ ‫� غم������ط�ا � ب�ا ل� ���س��م ن��� ت� ولا �ي���م ك‬ ٰ

:‫�ج��ـ‬

ّ ‫ت�ك�ل� ت‬ .‫� ���ع��لى ا �ل��ل�ه‬ ‫و‬

‫ت‬ ‫ح����س ن � ن‬ � .�‫ب� ���ع��ل‬ ‫�ه‬ � ‫�ك‬ ‫��� �ب‬ � ‫ي‬

�� ‫����م�د � ن‬ ‫�ع� �ب�د حم‬ .‫ب� ج� ��ع���ف�ر‬ ��

422

Chapter 2

Figure 2.455 Surface C, QAD2

D: – This is the grave of the chaste, the enlightened mind. – The one who has got paradise. – Shaikh ʿAli bin Sulayman.

Figure 2.456 Surface D, QAD2

� :‫د‬ ‫ن‬ .‫���ه��ذا ��ق��بر الا �ط���ه�ر الا �ور‬ �

‫�� ا �ل ن‬ �� .� ‫�����ن�ا‬ ‫ا �ل���م� �ن�د ر ج� الى ��ف�رد و س �ج‬

‫ن‬ ‫ل����ش���� خ ���ع��ل � ن‬ �� .� ‫ب� ��س�لي�����م�ا‬ �‫ا � ي� ي‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

E: – May the blessing of Allah be upon Muhammad al-Mustafa, ʿAli alMurtada, Fatimah al-Zahra⁠ʾ, Khadija al-Kubra, al-Hasan al-Zaki, al-Husayn al-Shahid, ʿAli, Muhammad, Jaʿfar alSadiq, Musa al-Kadhim, Ali al-Rida, Muhammad al-Jawad, ʿAli al-Hadi, al-Hasan al-ʿAskari, and al-Khalaf alHujjah al-Qa⁠ʾim al-Mahdi. May the blessing of Allah be upon all of them.

Figure 2.457 Surface E, part 1, QAD2

Figure 2.458 Surface E, part 2, QAD2

423

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫م‬ � ‫ح‬ � � � ‫ا‬ � ‫ل‬ � � � ‫ط‬ � ‫�د‬ � � � �� ��� �� ‫ه‬ � � � � ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ ‫ع‬ ‫ص‬ ‫��ل‬ ��‫ص‬ ��‫��م‬ �� � � ‫م‬ � �‫ا �ل‬ �‫� فى و لي‬ ‫ل لى‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ت‬ ‫�ة‬ )‫ضى و��ا ط��م� ا �ل�ز ���ه�ر�ى (ا �ل�ز ���ه�را ء‬ �����‫ا �ل���مر‬ ‫� ن‬ ���‫و خ��د ي‬ ‫ح����س ن ا �ل�زك� وا �ل‬ ‫�ل‬ � ‫��ج��ة ا �ل ك‬ ���‫ح���سي‬ ‫�����ب�ر�ى وا � ي‬ ‫ق‬ �� ‫ل����ه� �ي�د ���ع��ل حم‬ ‫ش‬ � ‫����م�د و ج���ع���ف�ر ا �ل���� �ص�ا د‬ ‫ا � � �� و ي� و‬ ‫��ا �� �ظ��م ���ع��ل ا �ل �� (ا �ل ���� �ض�ا) حم‬ �‫و�مو��سى ا �ل ك‬ ‫����م�د‬ ‫و ي� رضى ر و‬ ‫ا ��جل‬ ‫�وا د و���ع��ل ا ��ل���ه�ا د �� وا �ل‬ � �‫ح����س ن� ا �ل����ع��س ك‬ �‫�ر�ي‬ �‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ ‫وا �ل‬ ‫���خ��ل ف� ا �ل‬ � ‫ح������ج��ة ا �ل���ق�ا ��ئ��م ا �ل����م���ه�د �� �� �ص�ا‬ � � �‫ح� ب‬ ‫ي‬ ّٰ ‫ن‬ .�‫ا �ل�ز ���م�ا � و�� �ص��لى ا �ل��ل�ه ع��لي�����ه��م ا�ج �م���عي�� ن‬

424 23

Chapter 2

Sh. Abd al-Rauf al-Bahrani (Sh. AB)

Location: Mosque in Jidhafs village Reference Number: Sh. AB1 Co-ordinates: 26.21703° N 050.53794° E Dimensions: 156 cm (l) × 33.5 cm (w) × 35 cm (h) Orientation: NW to SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Eroded and with patches of cement on it. Partially buried in cement under a metal and glass canopy inside a shrine. Approximately 70 cm below current ground level suggesting it is in its original position (Figure 2.459). The only accessible legible inscription is on the upper surface (E). Two inscriptions can be seen but are not accessible for adequate reading or photography on the side surfaces (A and B). Three element raised decoration at one end formed of two facetted cubes and a central thin rounded arch, broken or cut off at the other end. Shallow carved rounded niche design on top surface (E). Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – Difficult to read. B: – Difficult to read. C: Difficult to read.

‫أ‬

:�

‫ق‬ ‫�ي���ص����ع� ب� �را ء ��ت�ه‬ :�‫ب‬ ‫�ق‬ � ‫�ي���ص����ع� ب� را ء �ت�ه‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ ‫ق‬ � ‫ت‬ ‫ن‬ � ����‫�ي���ص����ع� ب� را ء �ت�ه ب���س�ب�� ب� الا ���س��م‬

:‫د‬ � ‫ق‬ �‫�ي���ص����ع� ب� �را ء �ت�ه ب���س�ب�� ب� الا ���س��م ن��� ت‬ :‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ت‬ �� � ‫ ا‬....) �‫��ج�ا �ن (ا �ل ا �ج‬ ‫�����ب�ه ا �ل�ع����ب�د ا ���ل‬ – Written by … Sheikh … Lutf Allah ..... ‫ل����ش��ي�� خ‬ ‫�ك‬ � � ‫ر‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي‬ � ‫ف‬ ٰ ٰ ّ ّ ‫ف‬ ‫ف‬ Lut Allah Bin Ali Lut Allah Aljedhafsi ّٰ � ‫�ل�����ط� ا �ل��ل�ه �ل�����ط� ا �ل��ل�ه � نب� ���ع��ل� �ل�����ط� ا ل��ل�ه‬ Albahrani, May Allah bless them. ‫ي‬ ‫ن‬ ‫� �ف‬ ‫�ل‬ � .‫�را �� �ع���فى �ع ن������ه��م‬ ‫ا �� �ج�د ح�������صي� ا ل��ب��ح ي‬ ‫���ع��ل � ن‬............. ‫��ج�ا �ن‬ �� ‫ن �ق‬ – Engraved by … Ali Bin … ........ �‫ب‬ �‫��� ���ش�ه ا ���ل ي‬ �‫ي‬ D: – Difficult to read. E:

425

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.459 Surface E, Sh. AB1

24

Sh. Latfulla (Sh. LA)

Location: Mosque in Jidhafs village Reference Number: Sh. LA1 Co-ordinates: 26.21703° N 050.53794° E Dimensions: 143 cm (l) × 32 cm (w) × 30.5 cm (h) Orientation: NW to SE

426

Chapter 2

Description: Single limestone slab gravestone. Partly covered in modern green mosaic tiles. Flat rectangular slab, probably the plinth from which the raised decoration was removed, at each end. Accessible inscriptions only on two surfaces, and one of these (A) was only partially photographable (Figure 2.460). Located in a metal and glass canopy inside a shrine. Approximately 100 cm below current ground level suggesting it is in its original position.

Figure 2.460 Sh. LA1

Arabic Transcription and Translation:

‫أ‬

َّ :� A: ٰ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ ْ Gracious, the Most Merciful Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ‫ُ�ه َ ا �ْل�َ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ َأ ��ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ة َ ن‬ ُ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا ت�� ��خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� ولا � ْو�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ ‫أ‬ َ ََ ‫ْ َ �ذ‬ ََّ � َ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ِ‫���م�ا فِي� ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in ���‫ل��ذِ � ي�������ف ِع� �ن�د ا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ the heavens and whatever is on the َ ْ ُ َ َ َْ‫أ‬ ْ ‫ْ َ خ ف‬ earth. Who is he that can intercede .‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م‬ �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower (2:255–256).

427

ْ َ َ َّ ّ ْ َ‫َ َ ُ� ُ نَ ش‬ � ‫لا‬ ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء‬ ���� ‫ح����ط‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫و ي ِي و� بِ ي‬ َ َ َ َ ‫َ أْض‬ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و���سِ� ك‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ع‬ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ي� ود ه‬ ‫ لا‬،‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ّ َ‫�َاهَ � ا � ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ا � ُّ�ْ ُ � نَ ا �ْ غ‬ � � ‫ل‬ � ‫�د‬ �� � ‫�د‬ ‫�د‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�ك‬ �� ‫�ش‬ ‫�ب‬ ‫�ق‬ ‫ل‬ � �‫ي‬ ‫�� ي� ر‬ � ِ ِ �‫إِ ر فِي‬ ِ ‫مِ � ي‬ ُ‫�َ َ نْ َ ْ ��ُ ْ َّ �غ‬ َ َ‫ّ ف‬ ُْ � ‫��ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫� َو�ي�ؤ �مِ � ن� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ������ق ِ�د‬ ِ‫����ف�ر بِ�ا �ل����ط�ا و ت‬ َ َ َ ْ ُْ ََ َ َ ُْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ‫ا ����ست�����م��س�ك �بِ� �ا �ل�ع ْر َو�ةِ ا �لوث���ق�ى لا ا ن���فِ��������ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا‬ ٌ َ ٌ َ ُّ َ .‫وا �ل��ل�ه ����س مِ�� ي�� ع�ِ�ل����ي��م‬ ‫ع‬

Figure 2.461 Partial view of surface A, Sh. LA1

B: – Difficult to read.

:�‫ب‬ ‫�ق‬ � ‫�ي���ص����ع� ب� را ء �ت�ه‬

428 C: – reading part of the Holy Quran every day, with a fare of 2 baskets of palm dates … from the crop of palm garden … known as … Mani land in al-Bahrayn, 1150.

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬

ّٰ �� ‫� � �ز � ن‬ ‫� ة‬ �‫كل يو�م �� �ج� ء م�� ك‬ ‫��ت�ا ب� ا �ل��ل�ه‬ � � ‫�ق�را ء‬ ‫� �� ن ن ت‬ �� ‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ �م�� ��ح�ا �ص�ل‬.......‫ب�ج��ل� �تي��� �م�� ����مر ا �ل������خ�ل‬ ‫ �����س������ح��ة‬...... ‫ ا �ل���م���ع� �ف‬..... �‫ص ���م��ة ا �ل ن��������خ‬ �‫رو‬ ‫�ر‬ ‫ب ي‬ ‫ل‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫��� ن�م�� �م� ن� ا �ل��ب��ح‬ .1150 ���‫�ر�ي ن� ����سن‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ا �ل�ع�ز �ي��ز‬ �

Figure 2.462 Surface C, Sh. LA1

D: – Difficult to read. E: – Difficult to read.

:‫د‬ � ‫ق‬ �‫�ي���ص����ع� ب� �را ء �ت�ه ب���س�ب�� ب� الا ���س��م ن��� ت‬ :‫�ه�ـ‬ � ‫��� ص����ع� �ق ا ء‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ال‬ �� � � �� ‫م‬ � � � ‫س‬ � ‫�ه‬ ‫س‬ �� � ‫ت‬ ‫ا‬ �� � �‫ب ب ب‬ ‫ي� ب� ر‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

25

429

Sh. Ahmed bin Muhammed Al-Khalifa Tomb (SHAM-ALK)

Location: Small walled plot in Manama containing the tomb of Sheikh Ahmed bin Muhammed Al-Khalifa. Co-ordinates: 26.22725° N 050.58373° E Dimensions: 288 cm (l) × 153 cm (w) × 131 cm (h) (maximum grave dimensions) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Upright flat marble headstone commemorating Al-Fattah es Sheikh Ahmed bin Muhammad Al-Khalifa, first Al-Khalifa ruler of Bahrain, d. 1209 AH, AD 1795. The inscription appears to be laser-etched onto the stone and was filled in with black paint, most of which has come off. Arabic Transcription and Translation: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. You, the one in rest and satisfaction. Come back to your Lord well-pleased and well-pleasing. Enter you then among My honoured slaves. And enter you My Paradise (89:27–30). God Almighty has spoken the truth. – Al-Fatih, Shaikh Ahmad bin Muhammad al-Khalifa. – Entered al-Bahrayn in 1198 AH–1783 AD, died in 1209 AH–1795 AD. May Allah abide him in His spacious paradise.

ّٰ ُ ْ��َّ‫ن � َ أَ َّتُ َ ن‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ا‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫ح‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ، � � ‫م‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � � ‫�ه‬ ‫ح‬ ‫ي‬ � � � ‫ب����س��م ا �ل��ل‬ ‫�ف‬ ‫�ه‬ ‫�ي‬ �� �� �� �� ‫م‬ ‫ي‬ � � �� ‫ر‬ ‫ر‬ ‫س‬ � ً َ َّ ً َ ّ َ َ ْ ُ‫ْ ُ ْ َ نَّ�ة‬ ‫إِل‬ � ،‫�ك را ضِ���يَ����ة �م ْر ضِ���يّ����ة‬ � � � � ِ ِ‫ ا ر جِ عِي� ى رب‬، �����ِ‫ا �ل���م��ط��مئ‬ َّ�� َ ُ�� ْ َ َ � � ُ‫��َ ْ خ‬ ‫ق‬ � � � ‫ا‬ � ‫د‬ ، ‫د‬ ‫ا‬ . ‫�د‬ � � � � � � ‫�ن‬ ‫�خ‬ ‫�ب‬ ‫ص‬ � � ‫ل‬ � �‫�ف�ا د ��ِ�لي� فِي� ِع��� ِ ي� و ِي� �ج تِي‬ ‫ّٰ �ظ‬ .‫ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م‬ ‫����م�د ا �ل�خ �� �ة‬ ‫ل����ش���� خ �أ ح���م�د � ن حم‬ �� � ‫ا �ل�����ف�ا ت� ا‬ . �‫� ��لي���ف‬ �‫ب‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ح‬ � ‫ت �ف‬ ‫����ف��ت�� ا �ل� ��ح ن‬ �‫ و�و ي‬.‫�م‬1783 – ‫�ه�ـ‬1197 ‫�ر�ي� ���ع�ا �م‬ ‫ح �ب‬ ٰ ‫ّ ف‬ ‫ ا ��س ك‬.‫�م‬1795 – ‫�ه�ـ‬1209 ‫���ع�ا �م‬ ��‫�����ن�ه ا �ل��ل�ه �����س��ي‬ ‫ح‬ � .‫�ج� ن���ا �ت�ه‬

430

Figure 2.463 SHAM-ALK

Chapter 2

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

26

431

Sayed Yahya Al Husseini (SYA)

Location: Tomb next to a mosque in Al Musalla village Reference Number: SYA1 Co-ordinates: 26.21202° N 050.54042° E Dimensions: 151 cm (l) × 33.5 cm (w) × 54 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone inside a small modern domed shrine with a tiled interior. Some erosion and small patches of cement adhering to the surface. Three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and central rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at each end. Eroded traces of shallow carved pointed niche design on the upper surface (E). Legible inscriptions on five surfaces, three of which were impossible to photograph (A, C, D), as although they could be read, they could not be accessed for adequate photography because of the position of the gravestone within the small shrine space (Figure 2.464).

Figure 2.464 SYA1

432 Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – The angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of the paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask. – An entertainment from the OftForgiving, Most Merciful (41:30–32). Whose doors will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be chaste females restraining their glances and of equal ages. This is what you are promised for the day of Reckoning. Verily, this is our provision which will never finish (38:50–54). B: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world,

Chapter 2

‫أ‬

:�

َ ََ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نُ ْ ُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ ْ ‫تَ�َُْ أ‬ ،�‫���ت�����م ت�و���ع�د و‬ ‫ح�ز ن�وا َو� ب� ����شِ� �روا �ا �ج�� �ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ُُ‫نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� ْ � � � ‫ل‬ � � � � �ِ‫ح� ن� � و�ي��ا ك�م ي� ا ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خ‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫رة‬ ِ‫ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ أَ ن‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������ه� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ‫ِي‬ َ‫َ �َ َّ ُ ن‬ .�‫���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬ ً ُ َ َُ ُ ُ َّ ً‫ُّ �فَ َّ َ �ة‬ �ِ ‫���ن��زُلا �ِّم� نْ� �غ� ��ف� ور ّر‬ ‫ �م�� ��ت����ح� ��ل���ه��م‬.‫ح����ي��ٍم‬ ٍ َّ‫ْ أَْ َ ُ ُ �ت‬ َ َ‫َ َ ْ ُ ن‬ َ �� ‫ن‬ � � � ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫ �م� ِك‬،�‫ال� ب�وا ب‬ ���ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د عو� ف‬ ���ِ‫�� ئِ� ي��� ف‬ َ َ َ‫�ف‬ ُ‫َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ َ َ َ َ ��� � � � ‫ و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬،� ‫ا‬ � � �� � �� � ‫�ش‬ � ‫ر‬ ‫و‬ ‫ي‬ ٍ‫بِ��� �ا كِ����ه��ةٍ ك ثِ ةٍ ر ب‬ َ َ َ‫َّ ْ أْ َ ٌ َ �ذَ َ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ‫ ���ه� ا ���م�ا �و���ع�د و� لِ�ي� ْو�ِم‬،�‫ا �ل����ط�ر�� � ���ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ف‬ ْ َ��َّ‫نَّ َ �ذَ َِ�زْ ُق ��َ َ َ ُ ن‬ َ� ‫ا �ل‬ ‫ح‬ .‫ � � ���ه� ا �لر �� �ن�ا ���م�ا �ل�ه �مِ � ن� ����ف�ا ٍد‬،� ‫ا‬ �� � � ‫�س‬ ِ‫ِ بِ إ‬

:�‫ب‬ َّ َ َ ّ ٰ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َّ ٌ َ‫ُ َْ ُ ْ َ ُّ ُ َ َأْ ُ �ذُ ُ َ�ةٌ َ ن‬ ُ‫�ه َ ا �ل� ّ ا �ل���ق�� �م لا ت�� ����خ� ه ���سِ�ن��� َلا � ْ �م �ل�ه‬ ‫و و‬ ‫و حي� يو‬ َ َ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َّ َ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫� َو���م�ا �ي� ال� ر�ضِ� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫َ ف‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ � ��ْ َ هُ � ل ّ �إِ�ذْ � َ ْ َُ �َ َ ْ ن‬ .���‫ل��ذِ � ي�������ف ِع� �ن�د ا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��ل ��م�ا ب�ي‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

– And will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great (2:255). Allah and His Prophet have spoken the truth.

Figure 2.465 Surface B, SYA1

C:

433

َ‫أ‬ ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ ْ ْ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش��َ� ْء �ّم� ن‬ � �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ � ِ ٍ �‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا ي�ِي و� بِ ي‬ َ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ ّ ْ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ل‬ ‫ل‬ � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫ء‬ �� � �� � ‫�ه‬ ‫�ه‬ �� ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫��م‬ � ‫ك‬ � �� �� ِ‫س‬ � � � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫و‬ ‫و‬ ‫ع ر ي‬ ِ‫ت‬ ِ‫ِع� مِ ِ إِ ب‬ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫َ أَ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ ُ ُ فْ ظ‬ � �‫وال� ر�� ولا ي� ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع�ِ�لي‬ ّٰ ‫ق‬ ‫ق‬ ُ َ ْ� ‫ا‬ .‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه و�� �ص�د � ر��سو�ل�ه‬.‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ل�ع�ظ‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬

� ‫��ق�را ء �ة‬ ����‫ ���� ��صن‬.........‫ �م� ن� ث����مر‬.......�‫�ج�ز ئ�ي�� ن‬ �‫ب� ج‬ ‫ن‬ �� � �‫�ر � ن� �م� ن ��ح�ا �ص‬ .‫��خ�ل‬ � ‫ا �ل��ب��ح ي‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ ا �ل��ب��ح‬.......‫ا � �ل���غ�را ا �لوا �ق����ع��ة‬ – Al-Ghara … palms which is located … .�‫�ر�ي ن‬ – Reading two parts … from dates … at Sanj in al-Bahrayn, from crop of al-Bahrayn.

:‫د‬ �‫حو�م ا �ل����سي���د ي‬ �‫���ه��ذا ���� �ض�ري� ا �ل���مر‬ ‫��ي�ح�ى � نب� ا �ل����سي���د‬ ‫ح‬ ‫( حم‬ .)‫����م�د‬ ‫ا ب�و ش������ب�ا ��ن��ة ا �ل‬ � – Abu Shabanah al-Husayni. May Allah �‫ح��س�ي� ن�� �ع���فى �ع ن����ه���م�ا و�ع� ن‬ ‫ي‬ forgive them and the other believers. .�‫ا �ل���م�ؤ �م����ني�� ن‬ D: – This is the grave of the late, al-Sayyid Yahya Bin al-Sayyid Muhammad.

E: – Engraved by al-Sayyid Salih bin alSayyid Hashim. May Allah forgive them. – O grave have a look on al-Husayni Yahya, the master of both the chandelier and the dust.

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ‫ن����ق �����ش�ه ا �ل����س���د �� �ص�ا �ل � ن‬ � � � ‫ا‬ � � � � ‫ع‬ � �� ‫ا‬ � ‫ه‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫ش‬ ��‫ل‬ ‫س‬ � � �� � ‫م‬ ‫ح ب� ي‬ ‫ي‬ ‫فى‬ ّٰ .‫ا �ل��ل�ه �ع ن����ه���م�ا‬ ‫ث‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ �� ‫��ط�ل ���ع��لى �ه�ا ���م��ة ا �ل����ث�ر�ى وا �ل��ر��ي�ا*** ا‬ ‫ا �ل�����ق��بر ب�ا �ل‬ � .‫ح��س�ي� ن�� ي���ح�ى‬ ‫ي ي‬

434

Chapter 2

‫ �����ن��ة‬...........*** � ‫ ���س� م�ه �ه‬.......... ‫�ج‬ �‫�ج �� و و يحي‬ ‫ا �لن‬ � .‫���ح�ى‬ ‫��ع����ي��م و ي ي‬ ‫ت‬ � �‫�����ب�ه) الا ��ق�ل ���ع��ل � نب‬ – … written by ʿAli bin Husayn, May ‫ح���سي�� ن� �ع���فى‬ ‫( �ك‬........ �‫ي‬ Allah forgive them, in 1093. ‫�ة‬ .1093 ���‫�ع ن����ه���م�ا ����سن‬ – … his body … paradise …

Figure 2.466 Surface E, SYA1

27

Tubli (TUB)

Location: Village cemetery in Tubli adjacent to the Sheikh Hashem El Tublah mosque Reference Number: TUB1 Co-ordinates: 26.18412° N 050.54807° E Dimensions: 140 cm (l) × 26 cm (w) × 54.5 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone in Tubli cemetery. Well-carved three element raised decoration formed of two facetted cubes and a central thin rounded arch all set on a rectangular plinth at each end. Delineated central uncarved rectangular panel on the top surface (E) which, unusually, is not a niche. Several small circular holes drilled in one side surface (A), and some surface pitting in places. Inscriptions on five surfaces.

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

435

Arabic Transcription and Translation: A:

ُ َ��َ ْ َّ ُ� ُ َّ

َ ُّ َ ُ َ� َ َّ َّ‫ن‬

‫أ‬

:�

‫� ا �ل� � ن‬ – Verily, those who say: Our Lord is ‫ي� ��ق�ا �لوا رب����ن�ا ا �ل��ل�ه ��ث��م ا ����س��ت��ق�ا �موا‬ ِ‫إِ � �ذ‬ Allah, and afterward are upright; the َ ُ ََ‫ْ َ َ ُ أََّ ت‬ َ َ ُ ْ َ َُّ َ َ َ َ ‫�� ف‬ � ‫���ة � لا‬ angels descend upon them, saying: ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫ت����ت ن���ز ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ Fear not nor grieve, but receive the َ ُ َ ُ ُ‫َْ َ َّ ُ ن‬ ْ َ‫تَْ�زَنُ َأ‬ ُ ّ ‫ن‬ ْ ‫ت‬ �� ‫ت‬ �� � ‫ل‬ � � � glad tidings of the paradise which you ،�‫��������م �و��ع�د و‬ ‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا �ا �ج � �ن��ةِ ا �ل�� �ك‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫ي‬ ِ‫ت‬ have been promised. We have been ُُ‫نَْ ُ أَ ْ َ �ؤ‬ ْ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ ََ� ْ� � � � ‫ل‬ � ‫ك‬ ‫ال‬ � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ your friends in the life of this world ‫ح� ن� � و�ي��ا �م � ح����ي�ا ةِ ل�د ����ي�ا و � � خِ� �ر‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫ة‬ and are in the Hereafter. Therein you َ ْ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ ش‬ � ‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا‬ shall have all that your inner-selves .�‫�����ت����ه‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ‫ِي‬ desire, ً ُ‫أَ ن ��ُ ُ ُ ْ ََ ُ ْ َ َ �َ َّ ُ نَ �ُ �ز‬ – And therein you shall have all ‫ ��ن� لا‬،�‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫� �����ف��س ك‬ for which you ask. An entertainَ َُ َّ�� َ ً‫َ ْ ن ُّ �فَ َّ َ �ة‬ �ِ ‫�ِّم� نْ� �غ� ��ف� ور ّر‬ �‫ �ج‬.‫ح����ي��م‬ ment from the Oft-Forgiving, Most �‫� ���ع�د � �م�� ��ت����ح‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�ن‬ ِ‫ت‬ ٍ ٍ ٍَ Merciful (41:30–32). Eden Paradise, َ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ ُ ‫�ع ن‬ َ‫�َّ ُ ُ ْال أ ْ� َ ا ُ � �تّ �� ن‬ whose doors will be opened for them. ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ‫�د‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ م� ِك‬،�‫�ل���ه��م � بو ب‬ � � � � � ‫�ي‬ ‫�ه‬ ���ِ‫ي� � و� ف‬ ���ِ‫�� ئِ� ي��� ف‬ Therein they will recline, therein َ َ َ‫�ف‬ ُ‫َ � ن َ ُ ْ ��َ َ ت‬ َ َ َ َ ��� � � � ‫ و ِع���د ���ه��م �ق�ا �صِ را‬،� ‫ا‬ � they will call for fruits in abundance � � �� � �� � ‫�ش‬ ٍ‫بِ��� �ا كِ����ه��ةٍ ك ثِ يرةٍ و ر ب‬ َ and drinks. And beside them will َ َ‫َّ ْ أ�ْ َ ٌ َ �ذَ َ تُ َ ُ ن‬ be chaste females restraining their ‫ ���ه� ا ���م�ا �و���ع�د و� لِ�ي� ْو�ِم‬،�‫ا �ل����ط�ر�� � ��ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ف‬ glances and of equal ages. This is ْ َ��َّ‫نَّ َ �ذَ َِ�زْ ُق ��َ َ َ ُ ن‬ َ� ‫ا �ل‬ ‫ح‬ what you are promised for the day of .‫ � � ���ه� ا �لر �� �ن�ا ���م�ا �ل�ه �مِ � ن� ����ف�ا ٍد‬،� ‫ا‬ �� � � ‫�س‬ ِ‫ِ بِ إ‬ Reckoning. Verily, this is our provi‫وا �لح‬ sion which will never finish (38:50– .‫����م�د �ل�ل�ه‬ 54). Praise be to Allah.

Figure 2.467 Surface A, TUB1

436

Chapter 2

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ َ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ � ْ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ �إِ�ذ‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in �‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن‬ �‫ل��ذِ ي� ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ the heavens and whatever is on the َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ earth. Who is he that can intercede .‫ي��هِ� ��م و���م�ا ���ل������ه��م ولا‬ �� ‫� ي� ِ�د‬ with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never ْ ّ ْ َ‫ُ ُ نَ ش‬ َ َ َ َ َّ � – Compass anything of His Knowledge �ِ‫�ءٍ �ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا بِ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���س‬ ���ِ‫حي����طو� �ب‬ ِ�‫ي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ع‬ except that which He wills. His Seat ُ ُ ُ َ َ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ ‫َ أَ ْ ض‬ َ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ ‫�ؤ‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫ا‬ extends over the heavens and the ‫� وال� ر�� ولا �ي ود ه‬ ‫ك‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ earth. ّٰ ‫ق‬ ُ َ ْ� ‫� فْ ظُ ُ َ َ ُ�ه َ ا �ْ َ ُّ ا‬ – And He feels no fatigue in guarding ‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه‬.‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ِح���������ه���م�ا و و ل���ع�ِ�لي� ل�ع�ظ‬ and preserving them. And He is the ‫ا �ل���ع�� ا �ل� �ظ‬ �‫ع�� ����ي��م وب���ل�غ ر��سو�ل�ه ا �ل���� ب�ن�� ا �ل ك‬ Most High, the Most Great (2:255). ‫�ر��ي��م‬ �‫لي‬ ‫ي‬ God Almighty has spoken the truth. ‫أ‬ ‫ق‬ And His Messenger, the Generous .�‫و�� �ص�د � ���ع��ل� � ���مي��ر ا �ل���م�ؤ �م����ني�� ن‬ ‫ي‬ Prophet proclaimed the message. And Ali, the commander of the faithful has spoken the truth.

Figure 2.468 Surface B, TUB1

437

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

C: – Reading one part for twenty mann, al-Bahrayn’s weight … n … from the crop of al-Ghara palms. – … in al-Kharajat which is located at Katkan in al-Bahrayn.

:‫�ج��ـ‬

‫ق � �ة �ز ش ن‬ �‫�را �ئ� ����ج� ء ب��ع���ر�ي‬ ‫ن‬ ‫� ة‬ �� � �‫�م� ن ��ح�ا �ص‬ .�‫��خ�ل ا �ل���غ�ر‬ � ‫ل‬ ‫�خ ا ��ج�ا ت �م �ق�� ��ه�ا �����س������ح��ة‬ � ‫ن‬ ‫ل‬ � ‫ �م�� ا ر �� � و �ع� ب ي‬............... ‫ت‬ �‫�� ك‬ ‫��ا ن� �م� ن� ا �ل��ب��ح‬ ‫�ك‬ .�‫�ر�ي ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫�م����ن�ا و�ز ن� ا �ل��ب��ح‬ ...� ....�‫�ر�ي ن‬

Figure 2.469 Surface C, TUB1

438 D: – This grave of the noble, al-Sayyid Hasan bin al-Sayyid ʿAli bin al-Sayyid Muhammad. – Al-Qaruni al-Husayni who died seventh of Rajab, one thousand and ninety-five.

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ‫�ش ف‬ ‫ح����س ن‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫��ذا‬ � � � ‫�د‬ �� ‫�ي‬ ‫�د‬ �� � �� ��‫ل‬ ��‫ل‬ ��� ‫س‬ � ���‫ل‬ ‫س‬ � � � ‫ض‬ ‫ه‬ � � ‫ي‬ ‫ريح ي‬ � �‫ر‬ �‫� نب� ا �ل���م�ؤ�ت���م� ن ا �ل���مر‬ ‫حو�م ا �ل���م ب��رور ا �ل����سي���د ���ع���ل‬ � ‫ي‬ �� ‫�ن‬ ‫م‬ � .‫ب� ا �ل���م���ق�د ��س ا �ل����سي���د ح���م�د‬

� ‫ح��س�� ن� � ن ف‬ �� ‫ش‬ ‫ن �ل‬ ‫كا � و��ا �ت�ه ���س�ا ب�ع �������ه�ر‬ �‫ا �ل���ق�ا رو �ي� ا � ي ي‬ ‫�ت��س���ع�� ن ا �ل��ف �ه �ة‬ �� ‫ن �ة‬ . �‫�ر��ي‬ ‫ر �����ج� ب� ����س��� ��خ��م��س و ي� و � �ج‬

Figure 2.470 Surface D, TUB1

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

E: – Engraved by al-Sayyid Naser bin alSayyid Hashim al-Husayni. May Allah forgive them. – This is a grave of prophet Muhammad’s son, who is a viscount and saint. – He was a good person and had a face as beautiful as his name Abu al-Husayn Hasan al-Husayni. – Written by Husayn bin ʿAli bin Zayn al-Din. May Allah forgive them.

439

:‫�ه�ـ‬ �‫ن����ق �����ش�ه ا �ل����سي���د ��ن�ا �صر � نب� ا �ل���مر‬ ‫حو�م ا �ل����سي���د‬ ّٰ ‫ا �ل�����ف�ا �خ�ر ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا � ����ش��م ا �ل‬ � ‫ح��س�ي� ن�� �ع���فى ا �ل��ل�ه‬ ‫ي‬ .‫�ع ن����ه���م�ا ب����م����ن�ه‬ �� ‫��� ن *** ك ن�ز �ف‬ �‫���ه��ذا ���� �ض� ي‬ ‫��� ا �ل������خ�ا ر‬ �‫ح ا �ل����سي���د ا �ل���م �كي‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ن‬. � ‫ا �لت��� ا �ل�د‬ �‫و قى و ي‬ ‫ن‬ �� ‫خ‬ ‫ح���س�� ن‬ � ‫كا ��س���م�ه*** ا �� ا ل‬ � ‫كا � �ل�ه خ���ل����ق�ا و���ل��ق�ا‬ � �‫� ي‬ ‫يب‬ ‫ح����س ن ا �ل‬ ‫ا �ل‬ � � .��‫ح��س�ي� ن‬ ‫ت � � ي‬ ‫ن‬ ‫���� �ه الا ��ق� �ل���م�ل�ك ا �ل�د � ن � ن ن‬ �‫ح���سي��� �ب� ���ع��لي� �ب‬ �‫ي‬ ‫�ك �ب‬ ‫ل‬ ٰ ّ ‫�ز � ن ا �ل�د � ن‬ .�‫ي� �ع���فى ا �ل��ل�ه �ع ن������ه��م ب����م����ن�ه ا�ج �م���عي�� ن‬ �‫ي‬

Figure 2.471 Surface E, TUB1

440

Chapter 2

Reference Number: TUB2 Co-ordinates: 26.18419° N 050.54807° E Dimensions: Slab 1: 60 cm (l) × 31 cm (w) × 33.5 cm (h) Slab 2: 71 cm (l) × 35 cm (w) × 37 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE Description: Double limestone slab gravestone in Tubli village cemetery. Cemented onto a modern concrete block base. Unfinished, mis-shapen and badly cut to size with saw and chisel marks evident (Figure 2.472). Roughed out but unfinished three element raised decoration at each end. No inscriptions or decorative carving.

Figure 2.472 TUB2

Arabic Transcription and Translation: No inscriptions Reference Number: TUB3 Co-ordinates: 26.18507° N 050.54725° E Dimensions: 120 cm (l) × 27 cm (w) × 33 cm (h) Orientation: NW-SE

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

441

Description: Single limestone slab gravestone set on a plaster slab on top of a marble plinth under a glass case in the Sheikh Hashem El Tublah mosque. Some erosion, surface pitting, and also a small rectangular cut mark on one side surface (B). Raised decoration broken or cut off at both ends. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Previous Publication: Number S14, Kalus (1995: 147–148). Original location described as unknown but at the time of recording it was in the courtyard of a house in the village (ibid: 147). Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, none has the right to be worshipped but he, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. – Who is he that can intercede with Him except by His permission! He knows what happens to them in this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills.

Figure 2.473 Surface A, TUB3

‫أ‬ َّ :� َ َ ٰ ّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ ‫ ا �ل��ل�هُ لا � �ل�ـ�هَ � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ َ ُ�� ْ‫ُ َ َْ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأ‬ ُ‫��خ��ذُ هُ ���سِ�نَ����ةٌ َلاَ نَ� ْ �ٌم �لّ�ه‬ �� ‫�هو ا �ل�ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا‬ ‫و و‬ ‫ي‬ َ ْ َ‫َ َ � أ‬ ّ َ َ � َ �ِ‫� و���م�ا فِي� ال� ر�ض‬ ِ‫���م�ا فِي� ا �ل��س���م�ا وا ت‬ َّ َ َ َ ْ َّ ُ‫�َم� ن �ذ ا ا �ل� � � شْ������َ��فُ �ع���ْ�ن َ�د هُ � لا ��إِ�ذ �� �ه �َ�ْ��ع��ل‬ ‫� َ �ذِ ي� ي ع ِ َ إِ بِ نِ ِ ي م‬ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف ُ ْ َ َ ُ� ُ ن‬ ْ‫َ َ ْ نَ أ‬ � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � � � ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫�ه‬ ِ‫�ه‬ � ‫��م‬ ��� ‫ا‬ � �� �� ‫م‬ ‫م‬ �‫حي����طو‬ ‫ي‬ ‫و‬ ‫و‬ � �‫ي‬ ‫���م�ا ب�ي��� � ي‬ ِ ِ ْ ْ ّ ْ َ‫ش‬ َ َ َ َ َّ � . �ِ‫����ءٍ �ِم� ن� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه � لا ����م�ا � ����ش�ا ء و���س‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫بِ ي‬ ‫ع‬

442 B: – His Seat extends over the heavens and the earth. And He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great. There is no compulsion in religion. Verily, the Right Path has become distinct from the wrong path. Whoever disbelieves in Taghut and believes in Allah, then he has grasped the most trustworthy handhold that will never break. And Allah is All-Hearer, AllKnower (2:255–256). Allah …

Figure 2.474 Surface B, TUB3

C: – This is the grave of … the blessed – al-Sayyid … Muhamad bin …

Chapter 2

:�‫ب‬ َ َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ ُ ُ ‫َ أ ْ ض َ َ َ َ ُ�ؤ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫�ر���سِ�ي���ه ا‬ ‫� وال� ر�� ولا ي� ود ه‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ك‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ ْ ُّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ‫فْ ظ‬ �ِ ‫ح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع��ل� ا �ل�ع�ظِ�� ����ي��م لا � ك‬ �‫�راه �فِي‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ِي‬ ْ ُ�� ْ َ ْ‫ّ � ن ��َ تَّ َ َّ نَ ُّ ْ ُ نَ ْ غَ ّ ��َ َ ن‬ ‫ا �ل ِ�دي� �ق�د ����بي��� ا �لر� ����ش�د �مِ �� ا �ل��� �ف��م�� ي� ك‬ ‫����ف�ر‬ ِ ِ‫ي‬ َّ ُ َ َ ْ َ‫ْ ت‬ ُ َ�� َ‫ّ ف‬ ْ ‫�غ‬ َ � � ‫�ا‬ ‫ا‬ � � ‫�ط‬ ��‫ل‬ ‫� و�ي�ؤ �مِ � ن� �بِ� �ا �ل��لِ�ه ����ق ِ�د ا ����س�����م��س�ك‬ ِ‫و ت‬ ِ‫ب‬ ٌ َ ُ ّ َ َ َ َ َ ‫ْ ُ ْ َ ُْثْ قَ َ َ ن‬ �� ��‫�بِ� �ا �ل�عرو�ةِ ا �لو����ى لا ا ���فِ��������ص�ا �م ��ل���ه�ا وا �ل��ل�ه ����س‬ ‫مِ يع‬ ُّ ٌ َ ..........‫ع�ِ�ل����ي��م ا �ل��ل�ه‬

:‫�ج��ـ‬ �� �� ....‫ ا �ل���م���ق�د ��س‬........‫���ه��ذا �م���ق�ر الا ����ج�ل‬

‫����م�د � ن‬ ‫ حم‬....‫ا �ل����س���د‬ ...........�‫ب‬ ‫ي‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

Figure 2.475 Surface C, TUB3

443

444 D: – ................. – … month … year of one thousand and eight.

Figure 2.476 Surface D, TUB3

Chapter 2

:‫د‬ ......................... ‫ف‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫�ة‬ ‫ � ش‬..... .���‫ ا �ل����سن��� ا �لث��ا �م����ن� والا �ل‬.......‫�������ه�ر‬ ‫ب‬

445

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

E: – … between proudness and … – … paradise … At the end it happens …

‫� �ة‬

:‫�ه�ـ‬ ���‫ن ف‬ ...........‫��خ�ر و‬ �� ***................... � �‫بي‬

‫ن‬



‫ ا ��جل‬....... �‫�ق‬ .... �‫�����ن�ا � *** ����ج�ل الا ���م�ر ح�ا د �ث‬ ‫ل‬

Figure 2.477 Surface E, part 1, TUB3

Figure 2.478 Surface E, part 2, TUB3

Reference Number: TUB4 Co-ordinates: 26.18503° N 050.54732° E Dimensions: 145 cm (l) × 29 cm (w) × 34 cm (h) Orientation: NNW-SSE Description: Single limestone slab gravestone set on a plaster slab on top of a marble plinth under a glass case in the Sheikh Hashem El Tublah mosque. Significant

446

Chapter 2

erosion on the top surface (E). Raised decoration broken or cut off at both ends. Inscriptions on five surfaces. Previous Publication: Number S14, Kalus (1995: 145–147). Original location described as unknown but at the time of recording it was in the courtyard of a house in the village (ibid: 145). Arabic Transcription and Translation: A: – The angels descend upon them, saying: Fear not nor grieve, but receive the glad tidings of the paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have all that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have all for which you ask. An entertainment … (41:30–32) – Eden Paradise, whose doors will be opened for them. Therein they will recline, therein they will call for fruits in abundance and drinks. And beside them will be chaste females restraining their glances and of equal ages. This is what you are promised for the day of Reckoning. Verily, this is our provision which will never finish (38:50–54). God Almighty has spoken the truth. And His Messenger, the Generous Prophet proclaimed the message.

Figure 2.479 Surface A, TUB4

‫أ‬

:�

َ ََ ُ‫تَ��َ نَ�زَُّ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ةُ أَّ تَ��َ ف‬ � ‫��� � لا‬ ‫��خ�ا �وا ولا‬ ‫� �ت�� ل ع��لي����هِ� ��م ا �ل���م�لا ئِ� �ك‬ َ َ‫�ْلَ��َّ َّ ُ نتُ ْ تُ َ ُ ن‬ ُ �� ْ ‫تَ�ْ�زَنُ َ أ‬ � � � � � ،�‫ح �وا و� ب���شِ� �روا �ا �ج � �ن��ةِ ا ل�� �ك�������م و��ع�د و‬ ِ‫ب‬ ‫تِي‬ ََ ْ ُُ َ‫نَْ أ‬ َ ��� ‫ُّ نْ َ َ � ْ آ‬ � ‫�مْ �� ا �ل‬ � � ‫ح� نُ� � ْو�يَ��ا �ؤ �ك‬ �‫ح����ي�ا ةِ� ا �ل�د ����ي�ا و ي� ال� خِ� �ر‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ل‬ ِ‫ة‬ ِ‫ف‬ َ ْ ُ ََ ْ ُ ُ ُ�� ‫ََ ُ ْ َ َ تَ شْ تَ َأ ن‬ ‫ي���ه�ا‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ ����ِ‫�م ف‬ �‫�م و�ل ك‬ �‫ي���ه�ا ���م�ا ����������هي� � �����ف��س ك‬ �‫و�ل ك‬ ِ ً ُ ُ� َ‫َ �َ َّ ُ ن‬ .........‫ ��ن��ز لا‬،�‫���م�ا ��ت�د �عو‬ َ َّ َ ُّ ‫َ ْ ن‬ َّ�� َ ُ َ َْ‫� �ةً َّ ُ ُ ْ أ‬ � ،�‫� ���ع�د ٍ� �م��ف� ��ت�� �ح� ��ل���ه��م ال� ب�وا ب‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�ن‬ ِ‫�ج � ت‬ َ َ َ‫ُ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ نَ َ �ف‬ �‫�ثِ���ي��َر‬ �‫����ه��ةٍ ك‬ ‫�م��ت ِك‬ �ِ‫ي���ه�ا بِ��� �ا ك‬ ����ِ‫ي���ه�ا ���ي�د �عو� ف‬ ����ِ‫�� ئِ��� ي�� ن� ف‬ ٍ‫ة‬ ْ َّ ُ‫َ َ ُ ْ �َ َ ت‬ َ ََ �ِ‫ و ِ�ع ن���د ���ه��م ��ق�ا �صِ را � ا �ل����ط�ر�ف‬،� ٍ‫و� ����ش�را ب‬ ْ ْ َ َ‫أَ�ْ َ ٌ َ �ذَ َ تُ َ ُ ن‬ َ� � ‫ل‬ � � ،� ِ ‫ ���ه� ا ���م�ا �و��ع�د و� لِي�و�ِم ا‬،�‫� ��ت�را ب‬ ِ‫ح����س�ا ب‬ َ��َّ‫نَّ َ �ذَ َِ�زْ ُق ��َ َ َ ُ ن‬ ّٰ ‫ق‬ � ‫ا‬ . ‫د‬ ‫ا‬ � ‫�د‬ ‫� � ���ه� ا �لر �� �ن�ا ���م�ا �ل�ه �مِ � ن� ����ف� ٍ � �ص � ل��ل�ه‬ ِ‫إ‬ ‫ا �ل���ع�� ا �ل� �ظ‬ �‫ع�� ����ي��م وب���ل�غ ر��سو�ل�ه ا �ل ك‬ .‫�ر��ي��م‬ �‫لي‬

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

447

َّ B: ٰ :�‫ب‬ َ َ َ ُّ �‫ب����س��م ا �ل�ّ�ل�ه ا �لر��ح��م� ن� ا �لر‬ – In the Name of Allah, the Most ‫ ا �ل��ل�ه لا � �ل�ـ�ه � لا‬،‫ح����ي��م‬ ِ‫إِ إ‬ Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah, َّ ٌ َ َ ٌ ُ ُ‫ُ َ �ْلَ ُّ ْ �قَ ُّ ُ َ تَأْ ��ُ �ذ‬ َ ‫ن‬ ‫�ة‬ ُ َ ْ ‫ن‬ � ‫�ه ا‬ none has the right to be worshipped ‫ح� ا �ل�� ي��و�م لا �� ��خ� ه ���سِ���� ولا �و�م �ل�ه‬ ‫و ي‬ َ but he, the Ever Living, the One Who َ َّ ََ َ ‫أ ْ َ �ذ‬ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � ‫���م�ا �� ا‬ ‫ا‬ sustains and protects all that exists. ‫� و���م�ا �� ال� ر�� �م� ن� ا‬ ‫و‬ ِ‫ت‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫فِي‬ ِ‫ض‬ َ Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ � ْ‫ا �َّ � َ شْ ��َ ُ ْ َ ُ ّ �إِ�ذ‬ Him. To Him belongs whatever is in �‫������ف ِ�ع����ن�د ه � لا � نِ� ِ�ه �ي���ع��لُ ���م�ا ب�ي�� ن‬ �‫ل��ذِ ي� ي‬ ِ‫إِ ب‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ the heavens and whatever is on the ُ َ َ ْ ُ َ‫ْ َ َ خَ ْف‬ َْ‫أ‬ ْ َ‫ح��ُ��ط نَ � ش‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � ‫ل‬ � � � � earth. Who is he that can intercede ٍ‫����ء‬ ‫ا‬ ‫�د‬ �� ‫�ه‬ ِ‫�ه‬ � ‫��م‬ ��� ‫ا‬ � �� �� ‫م‬ ‫م‬ ‫� ي ِ ي� و‬ ِ‫� و ي ِي و� ب‬ ‫ي‬ with Him except by His permission! ْ ّ He knows what happens to them in ‫�ِم� نْ� ِع�ل� مِ�� ِ�ه‬ this world, and will happen to them in the Hereafter and they will never compass anything of His Knowledge َّ ُ ُّ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫ل��س� َ��م�ا‬ � � ‫ا‬ ‫ا‬ ‫ء‬ �� � �� – Except that which He wills. His Seat � ‫�ه‬ �� ‫ا‬ ‫ك‬ � �� � ‫� لا بِ����م�ا‬ ِ‫س‬ � � � ِ‫�س‬ ‫�ش‬ ‫و ع ر ي‬ ِ‫و ت‬ َ‫إِ أ‬ extends over the heavens and the ُ َ ْ ُ ُ َ ُ َ َ ُ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ ‫ض‬ ‫�ف ظ‬ َ ّ َ َ ‫َ �ؤ‬ earth. �‫ولا ي� ود ه ِح���������ه���م�ا و�هو ا �ل���ع�ِ�لي‬.��‫وال� ر‬ – And He feels no fatigue in guarding ُ َ ْ� ‫ا‬ ‫ق ّٰ �ظ‬ and preserving them. And He is the ‫ �� �ص�د � ا �ل��ل�ه ا �ل�ع�� ����ي��م وب���ل�غ ر��سو�ل�ه‬،‫�� ����ي��م‬ ِ‫ل�ع�ظ‬ Most High, the Most Great (2:255). ‫أ‬ ‫ق‬ �‫ا �ل ك‬ God Almighty has spoken the truth. �‫�ر��ي��م و�� �ص�د � ���ع��ل� � ���مي��ر ا �ل���م�ؤ �م����ني�� ن‬ ‫ي‬ And His Messenger, the Generous ‫ن‬ ‫�ل‬ � Prophet proclaimed the message. ���‫وا ح���م�د �ل�ل�ه ر ب� ا �ل�ع�ا �ل���مي‬ And Ali, The commander of the faithful has spoken the truth. And Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.

Figure 2.480 Surface B, part 1, TUB4

448

Figure 2.481 Surface B, part 2, TUB4

Chapter 2

:‫�ج��ـ‬ � ................‫ ا �ل���مرحو�م ا �ل����سي���د‬.......‫���ه��ذا‬ ‫ن ت ف ف ث‬ �� ‫ا �ل����س���د حم‬ – al-Sayyid Muhammad al-Qaruni who ‫����م�د ا �ل���ق�ا رو �� �و �� �� �ـ�ا �م� ن� �ش������ه�ر‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ي ي ي‬ died in eighth of Dhu al-Hijjah, one ‫أ‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ح����ج��ة ����سن����ة ث�لا ث‬ ‫�ذ �� ا �ل‬ thousand and ninety-three. .���‫� و���س���عي�� ن� و� �ل‬ �� � ‫ي‬ C: – This is … the late, al-Sayyid …

Figure 2.482 Surface C, TUB4

Catalogue of the Funerary Inscriptions

449

:‫د‬ ‫ �م� ن‬.......‫ ���م� ت��ل��ة ��س�ا �ل���م��ة‬........ ‫�ق ا �ي��ة ����ج��زء �م� ن‬ �‫ر‬ ‫ر‬ � � ‫ا �ل�خ‬ ‫ت‬ . ‫ ����م‬.....� ‫�را ����ج�ا‬ ‫ع‬ ‫��ح�ا �ص� ا �ل ن��������خ� ا �ل���م���ع� �ف� �ب�ا � ش‬ – Crop of palms known as al-shatib al- �‫ل�����طي��� ب‬ ‫رو‬ � ‫ل � ل �ة ت‬ ‫ن‬ kabir which is located at Katkan area �‫�� ك‬ ‫�����بي��ر ا �لوا ���ق ب�����س��ي����ح� �ك‬ .‫��ا � ��ح�د ه ا �ل��ب����ح�ر‬ ‫ا �ل ك‬ nearby the sea. ‫ع‬ D: – Recite part of … from the income … from al-Kharajat … with

Figure 2.483 Surface D, TUB4

450 E: – Engraved by … al-Sayyid Hashim … may Allah forgive them. – …………

Figure 2.484 Surface E, part 1, TUB4

Figure 2.485 Surface E, part 2, TUB4

Chapter 2

:‫�ه�ـ‬ �� ‫ن����ق‬ .......‫ �ع���فى �ع ن������ه��م‬....‫ ا �ل����سي���د �ه�ا � ����ش��م‬......‫���ش�ه‬ .....................

Chapter 3

Conclusions 1

Contemporary Practices Relating to Cemeteries, Graves, and Gravestones

A variety of contemporary practices and associated material culture linked with gravestones were recorded during the fieldwork in the cemeteries, particularly in the larger cemeteries of Abu Anbra and Hoora (Figure 1.1). These do not directly relate to the historical gravestones but do provide context for the locations in which they are now found. Cemeteries and graves are visited by members of the Shiʿa community especially on Thursday afternoons and throughout the day on Fridays. This occurs all through the year and is not associated with particular holy days. Close family and friends will visit a grave and this is not gender restricted, with men visiting female graves and vice versa, and with the same readings and prayers at both. There are also no restrictions on children visiting cemeteries and they can participate from any age and may also read from the Quran at the grave. At the grave side the visitor can start by greeting the dead, but this is not a requirement. The Quran is then either read or recited from memory with preferred parts including, first in sequence, al-Fatiha (1:1–7), followed by other popular sura and ayah such as Surah al-Qadr (97:1–5), which is read seven times. The salutatory prayer Ziyarat Ashura might also be said or read afterwards. Generally, the visitor will sit facing the Qibla with his or her hand on the grave. Plastic or wooden stools are frequently left next to graves. In some instances, a copy of the Quran and other prayer texts were also left at the graveside in a tin or wooden box for ease of access (Figure 3.1). Schöller (2004: 152) has noted that the practice of reading or reciting the Quran at graves could have the intention of two-way benefits for the deceased and the reader/reciter themselves. Though it was stated by Bahraini grave visitors that a final request is usually made that their prayers and blessings should remain with the deceased. Assuming equivalence between cemetery visitation and gravestone associated commemoration practices of today and the past is unwarranted. In contemporary Bahraini Shiʿa cemeteries, it is not important to read gravestone inscriptions aloud, but for the past it is not known if this was a significant practice. Halevi (2007: 27) has made the point that “all tombstone inscriptions invite the literate passer-by to read them, presumably out loud”. Equally, illiteracy need not have been a hindrance to participation, for the illiterate with competence in spoken Arabic could also participate in oral performance and ritual at key moments when prompted by the reader (ibid.). The elaborate design of the Bahraini funerary epigraphy suggests that © koninklijke brill nv, leiden, 2019 | doi:10.1163/9789004383661_004

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Chapter 3

Figure 3.1 Tin containing Quran and unidentified prayer texts, Abu Anbra cemetery

should reading aloud have been significant in the past, this might have been linked with only a minority, i.e. akin to the process Halevi describes. Plants are frequently grown on or around contemporary graves (Figure 3.2). Of recurrent significance is mashmoom, basil (Ocimum basilicum), which has a sweet smell and as such is used at weddings, at death, and in cemeteries. It is also prevalent because it does well in the Bahraini climate if watered. Plastic containers – jerry cans, soft drink and laundry liquid bottles – used for watering plants were ubiquitous at most graves. If mashmoom is not grown at the grave itself cut stems could be left on the grave (Figure 3.3). These fragrant plants are referred to generically by Schöller (2004: 577–78) as Rayhan, a term which can refer to sweet basil or myrtle (Myrtus) and which in classical and middle Arabic signified, “a plant of sweet odour”. Schöller (2004: 185) also describes how growing plants, particularly fragrant ones, on or among graves was closely connected with the idea of “sprinkling” or “watering” the grave. In some instances, plastic flowers, as a durable alternative to real flowers which do not thrive in the Bahraini summer when temperatures can reach 40°C with 80% humidity, were also used as grave ornaments (Figure 3.4). Sprinkling rose-water on graves and burning incense on or near graves are other contemporary practices. These were described as not for the benefit of the dead but for the visitors so they could smell pleasant perfumes whilst at their relative’s graveside. Both practices were materially indicated by numerous discarded plastic and

Conclusions

453

Figure 3.2 Plants, including mashmoom and an unidentified flower, growing on graves, Abu Anbra cemetery. The fan palm leaves are added to beautify the grave.

glass rosewater bottles and lesser numbers of incense burners in wood, metal, and clay left in the cemeteries. Providing dishes of food and water for birds on graves was also recorded (Figures 3.3 and 3.5). This was seen as an auspicious act, benefitting the birds, and through the good deed being achieved, the deceased as well. Such practices are not exclusively Shiʿa, nor confined to Bahrain. Mershen (2004: 165) describes how the Sunni Balushi community at al-Khod in Oman sprinkled graves with rose-water, and held the hatmah ceremony at the end of either the three or seven-day long mourning period at the grave. This involved reciting passages from the Quran over a clay pot filled with basil leaves and rose-water. As in the Bahraini cemetery context, they were practices that were materially attested by dried basil twigs and empty rose-water bottles. Other artefacts that were recorded in association with contemporary graves in the Bahraini cemeteries included a child’s doll that was left on a grave in Hoora cemetery (Figure 3.6). It is probable the doll belonged to the baby or child buried in the grave and had been placed there in their memory by a relative. Flags were also frequently attached to gravestones or planted in graves. These were of types commonly flown during Ashura and commemorating either Imam Hussein (Figure 3.7), or his brother Abbas ibn Ali, referred to in Bahrain as Abu al-Fadel (Figure 3.8). The presence of the flags was described as denoting the love of the deceased

454

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Figure 3.3 Dried mashmoom stems, containers for bird seed and water (dry), and incense burner on grave, Hoora cemetery

Conclusions

Figure 3.4 Plastic flowers on a grave, Al-Qadem cemetery

455

456

Figure 3.5 Water container for birds on grave, Hoora cemetery

Chapter 3

Conclusions

Figure 3.6 Child’s doll left on a grave, Hoora cemetery

457

458

Figure 3.7 Flag commemorating Imam Hussein, Hoora cemetery

Chapter 3

Conclusions

459

Figure 3.8 Flag commemorating Abu al-Fadel, Abu Anbra cemetery

for Imam Hussein and Abu al-Fadel. Occasionally, gravestones or other stones placed alongside the gravestones were wrapped in green cloth, either in strips or larger pieces (Figure 3.9). Green is used because it was the favourite colour of the Prophet Muhammad and as such is believed to obtain the blessing of the Prophet Muhammad and his family for the deceased. Some of the cloth can be obtained on pilgrimage to the Imam Hussein shrine in Karbala (Iraq), or the Imam Ridha/ Reza shrine in Mashad (Iran), where it is bought, then touched, put, or rubbed on the shrine and brought back to Bahrain where it is wrapped or tied around the gravestone or associated stones, again with the intention of getting blessings for the deceased from the Imams associated with the shrines. A contemporary association between magic and historical gravestones was also evident in two instances. In Karranah cemetery, a glass bottle containing a sheet of paper with the Arabic words ‘buried in an old grave’ written on it was found under one of the slabs of gravestone KAR4 (Figure 3.10). In Abu Anbra cemetery a roll of brown plastic containing an unidentified powdered herbal or plant-based medicine was found at a depth of 50 cm in close proximity to gravestone ABN49 (Figure 3.11). These two examples appear representative of the practices described by Schöller (2004: 116) as “the tomb speaking”, where the dead were approached for information or advice, “mainly with regard to questions of private nature”. Seeking the intervention of the deceased was also recorded in relation to gravestone MAL1,

460

Figure 3.9 Green textile wrapped stone in front of gravestone, Noaim cemetery

Chapter 3

Conclusions

Figure 3.10

Paper charm and the glass bottle in which it was found, Karranah cemetery

Figure 3.11

Powdered herbal medicine and roll of plastic in which it was found, Abu Anbra cemetery

461

462

Chapter 3

where the inside of the wooden door giving access to the grave chamber was covered in the names of people who had sought the help of the individual buried there (Figure 3.12). 2

Comparative Shiʿa Contemporary Practices Relating to Cemeteries, Graves, and Gravestones

Comparative literature on Bahraini Shiʿa practices relating to cemeteries, graves, and gravestones does not appear to exist. Studies of quotidian Shiʿa post-funeral cemetery visiting practices and their associated material culture elsewhere is also limited, with a focus instead upon mourning and lamentation rituals (e.g. Thaiss 1972: 355–356; Pinault 1992: 99–114, 1999; Aghaie 2004, 2005; Torab 2007: 146–148, 164–165; Flaskerud 2005, 2010: 184–189; Khosronejad 2014; Fox 2016), ritual more generally (e.g. Loeffler 1988; Aghaie 2004, 2005; Thurfjell 2006; Deeb 2006), or, to a lesser extent, ritual at major shrines such as those of Shiraz (e.g. Betteridge 1992), Karbala (e.g. Donaldson 1933: 92–100) or Mashad (e.g. Donaldson 1933: 180–183) evident. The absence of dedicated Bahraini study correlates with observations made by Khosronejad (2013: 143) that the anthropology of Shiʿa ritual has generally not been the focus of research until recently, and, as noted by Allan (2013: ix), that in comparison to other aspects of Islam, little has been written on the art and material culture of the Shiʿa. Notable comparative exceptions include Khosronejad’s (2013) research on Bakhtiari nomads in the Zagros Mountains of Iran, which is significant in indicating the types of offerings left at shrines. Saints shrines were located on nomad migration routes with most shrines simple structures, “small, plain platforms with a collection of stones and, in some cases, a tomb inside the building” (Khosronejad 2013: 149), often with a surrounding cemetery. These were visited as part of pilgrimage, and offerings were hung in sacred trees near the shrine including paper prayers, coloured cloth, and the heads and legs of domestic fowls. Most pilgrims were women, petitioning, for example, to have a son (ibid: 151–152). The shrines formed one among a range of funerary monuments that constituted Bakhtiari landscapes of funerary memory. Others included three-dimensional lion sculptures that commemorated “the graves of unknown chiefs and warriors who have died in local battles” (Khosronejad 2011: 204), and māfihgah, square constructions built of cemented stone blocks that commemorated chiefs, and male relatives (Khosronejad 2013: 158). The distribution by women of votive dishes of food to the poor at graves “for the benefit of deceased spirits” is also described by Torab (2007: 118) in her study of women’s ritual in south Tehran. Olfactory elements were also significant with rose-water used along with saffron tossed in oil when “cooking halva for the dead,

Conclusions

Figure 3.12

Door covered in the names of people petitioning the deceased, Amir Zaid shrine and mosque, Malkiya

463

464

Chapter 3

with the fragrant aroma alerting “the dead that they are being remembered” (Torab 2007: 129), and providing a contrast to the Bahraini use of rosewater for the living described earlier. Aghaie (2004: Figure 14) also provides an illustration of a man spraying rose-water onto an unspecified ritual procession in Tehran and describes its use as widespread at ritual events, including communal prayer, as the Prophet Muhammad “is believed to have loved the smell of perfumes, and roses in particular”. Some detail on the Martyrs cemeteries that were developed in Iran after the 1979 revolution is also provided by Aghaie (2004: 136–138). These were usually fenced off from ordinary cemeteries, thus forming a special section, decorated with images and statements of Fatima and Zaynab, and signs and banners containing revolutionary slogans, images of revolutionary leaders, soldiers fighting, martyrs praying, and relatives mourning. Besides “traditional gravestones containing religious calligraphy” (ibid: 137), glass display cases could be incorporated into the martyr’s individual memorials containing framed photos of the deceased, letters, prayer beads, dog-tags, prayer stones, and vases of plastic flowers. Betteridge (1992: 203–204) also describes the material culture of making vows at shrines in Shiraz, which were represented by a piece of string or shred of cloth tied to the tomb window or grating, or by a safety pin or padlock attached in the same way. Flaskerud (2010) discusses the use of images in Shiʿa ritual space, and indicates that these could be offered as votive gifts, and items such as wall hangings were purchased from shrines such as those at Mashad and Karbala (ibid: 181). The same sources for some of the textiles (and likely also some of the figurative banners and flags) found in the Bahraini cemeteries. 3

The Importance of the Historical Gravestones to Contemporary Bahraini Communities

The historical gravestones are important to the Bahraini communities in which they are located in varied ways. In a cemetery such as Abu Anbra where there were 50 gravestones pre-dating 1900 AD catalogued as part of this study, the gravestones are a source of pride to the community and as such are curated, venerated, and maintained. In other communities, awareness of the importance of the gravestones increased as a result of the fieldwork completed during this study as community leaders and people visiting graves saw the recording in progress and were told about the results of the research. Tangible results of this increased awareness included pro-active maintenance of the surroundings of what might have been previously neglected gravestones through weeding, rubbish removal, and sweeping of the immediate vicinity. This was particularly manifest in the village cemetery of Daih where after the gravestone (DAI1) was recorded, a Perspex and cement case complete with a floor of potsherds collected in the cemetery was built to house the gravestone (Figure 3.13). Although not without conservation issues relating to

Conclusions

Figure 3.13

Perspex and cement case covering DAI1, Daih cemetery

Figure 3.14

Glass case covering ABS1, Abu Saiba cemetery

465

moisture build-up inside the case, the Daih example attests community appreciation of the gravestone as a historically important monument. Similarly, a locally made glass display case also suffering from condensation retention had been constructed to house a gravestone (ABS1) in the Abu Saiba village cemetery (Figure 3.14). At Tubli, two gravestones (TUB1 and TUB2) were displayed inside the Sheikh Hashem El Tublah Mosque on plaster slabs raised on marble

466

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plinths inside professionally made glass cases which were not exhibiting any signs of moisture/condensation retention (Figure 3.15). The use of the glass and Perspex cases transformed these particular gravestones almost into museum objects, though in two of the three contexts (Tubli and Abu Saiba) they still had an explicitly religious association through being housed inside a mosque and shrine, respectively.

Figure 3.15

Glass case covering TUB3, Sheikh Hashem el-Tublah mosque, Tubli

467

Conclusions Table 3.1

Contemporary shrines housing historical gravestones

Location

Gravestone Codes

Description

Abu Anbra

ABN34

Askar

ASK1

Karranah

KAR5

Mahooz

MAH2

Malkiya

MAL1

Al-Qadem

QAD2

Sh. Abd al-Rauf al-Bahrani

Sh. AB1

Sh. Latfulla

Sh. LA1

Sayed Yahya Al Husseini

SYA1

Housed in the shrine of Sheikh Husayn bin ʿAbd al-Samad. A concrete building (13.7m × 14.7m) with a small green dome (Figure 3.16). Housed in a shrine that is part of the Sasaʿa bin Sawhan mosque complex. The gravestone is in a broken varnished wooden superstructure within a shrine room (Figure 3.17). The mosque complex was extensively vandalised during sectarian trouble in 2012. Housed in the Sheikh Nasser bin Muhammad bin Sheikh Abdullah al-Rabi mosque/shrine. A small concrete block building with a green dome on top built in 2012 (Figure 3.18) (4.5m × 4.5m). Housed within a shrine room (2.3m × 1.2m) inside the Sheikh Suliman Al-Mahoozi mosque (Figure 3.19). Housed inside the Amir Zaid shrine and mosque in a sunken shrine room (2.3m × 4m) accessed by a staircase and partitioned off with a wooden screen from the mosque. The gravestone is situated within an aluminium and glass canopy covered with cloth shrouds at the far end of the sunken room (Figure 3.20). The grave is located 40–50 cm below the ground level of the sunken room (Figure 2.369). Housed inside the modern concrete Sheikh Ali Al-Qademi shrine building (8m × 5.5m) (Figure 3.21). The gravestone is covered with a moveable aluminium canopy (1m × 1.8m). Housed inside a shrine room (1.8m × 1m) attached to the Western Madaris mosque (Figure 3.22). The gravestone is partially buried in cement under a metal and glass canopy (Figure 3.23). Housed inside a shrine room (2.3m × 1m) attached to the Western Madaris mosque (Figure 3.24). The gravestone is partly tiled and with a metal and glass canopy (Figure 2.460). Housed inside a small modern domed shrine with a hexagonal shaped interior (each hexagonal side is 1.4m) (Figure 3.25) with a tiled interior at the side of the Sayed Yahya Al Husseini mosque building (Figure 2.464).

468

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Figure 3.16

Shrine of Sheikh Husayn bin ʿAbd al-Samad, Abu Anbra cemetery

Figure 3.17

The damaged wooden superstructure covering ASK1, Sasaʿa bin Sawhan mosque, Askar

Conclusions

Figure 3.18

Sheikh Nasser bin Muhammad bin Shaikh Abdullah al-Rabi mosque/shrine, Karranah

Figure 3.19

Sheikh Suliman Al-Mahoozi shrine, Mahooz cemetery

469

470

Chapter 3

Figure 3.20

Textile shrouds and aluminium superstructure covering MAL1, Amir Zaid shrine and mosque, Malkiya

Figure 3.21

Sheikh Ali Al-Qademi shrine, Al-Qadem cemetery

Conclusions

Figure 3.22

Interior of shrine room housing Sh.AB1, Western Madaris mosque

471

472

Figure 3.23

Chapter 3

Metal and glass superstructure with green textile shroud used to cover Sh.AB1, Western Madaris mosque

Conclusions

Figure 3.24

Perspex and metal superstructure covering Sh.LA1, Western Madaris mosque

473

474

Figure 3.25

Chapter 3

Domed shrine containing SYA1, Sayed Yahya Al Husseini mosque

Conclusions

475

Excluding the archaeological shrines discussed in Chapter 1, a further nine instances of the use of some form of shrine building to house a historical gravestone were recorded (Table 3.1). These shrines are subject to modification, rebuilding, and ‘improving’ as community finances allow. The rebuilding of the Sheikh Nasser bin Muhammad bin Shaikh Abdullah al-Rabi shrine/mosque in Karranah containing gravestone KAR5 provides such an example. This changed fundamentally between the year 2001, when it was first recorded (Insoll 2005: 35), and 2015, reflecting the residential development that had occurred in its surroundings. In 2001, the shrine was a rudimentary structure with walls made from un-cemented concrete blocks one row thick and laid end on end with a roof of corrugated iron sheets placed on scrap timber rafters. The gravestone was covered with a metal grille made from welded rods in turn covered with a green cloth shroud (Figure 3.26). By 2015 this was replaced by a completely different architecturally non-descript structure built in 2012, with rendered cement block walls, barred windows, a small green dome, and tiled floor (Figure 3.18). The process of shrine morphology is not unique to Bahrain. Allan (2012: 16) cites the caption to a photograph of the tomb of Imam Ibrahim near Baghdad taken in 1976 that read: “The tomb of Imam Ibrahim, between Karbala and Hilla, started with a tin, then flags, and at the end they built a dome for it”. Besides buildings and internal aluminium canopies, a green-painted slatted wood framework covered QAD1 (Figure 3.27). This appeared to once have had a textile cover attached to it, but this deteriorated and had been removed.

Figure 3.26

Sheikh Nasser bin Muhammad bin Sheikh Abdullah al-Rabi shrine, Karranah, in 2001

476

Figure 3.27

Chapter 3

Wooden framework covering QAD1, Al-Qadem cemetery

In addition to being a source of community pride and curation, and having religious associations through being in shrines and mosques, the gravestones are important to Bahrainis in another way. Recently, there has been a surge in interest in local history amongst all elements of the population, a development, in part, growing out of social media raising public awareness of local history and its sources (cf. http://www.jasblog.com/wp/ or https://www.instagram.com/aljareesh/?hl=en). The gravestones are perceived as a significant source of evidence for the history of Bahrain, in providing information on villages, Saints, Sheikhs, and other people in the Bahraini past through the names, dates, and geographical information the inscriptions contain.

Conclusions

4

477

The Threats Facing the Gravestones

The only recorded example of deliberate damage of a location with a historical gravestone was at Askar. Here, the mosque complex was vandalised in 2012. Photographs of the mosque immediately after the event indicate that the white marble casing surrounding the gravestone had been broken open and the wooden fretwork cover largely removed. Fortunately, the gravestone was not harmed, as the building was the target. Most of the debris had been removed by February 2015 when the gravestone was recorded. Elsewhere, the main threat facing the gravestones was deterioration through climatic and environmental factors. Exfoliation and erosion of stone surfaces due to moisture and wind-blown particle damage, and the effects of damage caused by soil salts were all apparent (e.g. JBH8, Figure 2.236). The dispersal of gravestones was also noted at the Al-Khamis Mosque. In the 1980s, as part of a cleaning up operation at the site, many of the gravestones were removed from their original positions and placed in at least two parallel rows adjacent to the eastern wall of the mosque (e.g. KHA8, KHA9, KHA10, KHA11, KHA13, KHA14, KHA15, KHA16). Some of the Al-Khamis gravestones also seem to have been moved to the stores of the Bahrain National Museum at or around the same time (e.g. MUS2, MUS6). The beauty of some of the gravestones could lead to their having value on the international Islamic art market. However, no examples of their international or local sale were found. A query made to the Middle East Department at Sotheby’s received the following reply, “we have sold over the years many tombstones but not many from Bahrain” (C. De Nicolais pers. comm. 13/11/17). An accompanying search of the Artnet price database (https://www.artnet.com/auctions/) by Ms Chiara De Nicolais using the keyword ‘tombstone’ provided 30 entries for the sale of Islamic gravestones between 2000 and 2016, but none from Bahrain. It is also possible that gravestones in Bahrain could have been collected by private individuals. One example of this was recorded. Gravestone BEIT1 is on display in the Beit al-Qurʾan Museum in Manama which houses the collections of its founder, Abdul Latif Jassim Kanoo. The incorporation of gravestones in shrine contexts has already been discussed. The modernisation, re-modelling, and re-building of these buildings by local communities, as well as the transference of gravestones to modernised, re-modelled, or re-built locations, although well-intentioned, could potentially pose a threat to gravestones. Primary, is the use of inappropriate materials to embellish the gravestones which can both obscure the gravestones and cause damage through the addition of tiles, cement, or marble facings. The green glazed tiles added to the upper surface (E) of gravestone Sh.LA1 provide a case in point (Figure 2.460). More extreme examples were recorded at the Sheikh Daoud tomb in Jidhafs village

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(N26.21866° E050.53706°). Here, the gravestone of the Shaikh was entirely encased in travertine slabs which could not be removed without damaging the gravestone surface (Figure 3.28). Another two gravestones were in the road immediately next to the tomb. These were entirely covered with large modern ceramic flooring tiles

Figure 3.28

Travertine slabs covering gravestone, Sheikh Daoud tomb, Jidhafs

Conclusions

Figure 3.29

479

Two ceramic tile covered gravestones next to Sheikh Daoud tomb, Jidhafs

and protected from vehicle damage by four steel posts at their corners (Figure 3.29). Removing the tiles would be impossible without damaging the gravestones. 5

Management Options for Protecting and Presenting the Historical Gravestones

Partly as a result of this research project, positive management and protection options for the gravestones are emerging. A component of the construction of a visitor centre and site museum at the Al-Khamis Mosque involved the display of gravestones that were not in their original context for reasons already described. These were displayed both internally and externally. The internal gravestone display was unproblematic inside the clean air-conditioned environment of the museum building. The gravestones (MUS2, MUS4, MUS6) were raised on black painted wooden plinths and other than being lit with low-level lighting were left untouched (Figure 3.30). The external display of gravestones was more problematic because of dust and moisture concerns. The solution was to display the gravestones (KHA3, KHA8, KHA10, KHA12, KHA13, KHA15, KHA17, KHA18, KHA20) slightly raised on grey granite plinths in a roofed pavilion open at the front and partially open at the two sides (Figure 3.31). This replicates the conditions the gravestones would be in outside but

480

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offers some protection from sun and moisture. Light dusting of the gravestones is also completed as required. It is not a viable option to move other gravestones to similar centralised locations that are either partially or wholly environmentally controlled. Wherever possible they should be left in context, and managed and maintained in-situ. The primary concern is for those gravestones that are partly buried as these are frequently affected by moisture and soil salts, as previously described. Using glass display cases in the cemeteries is also problematical as they need climatic control, and risk turning the gravestones into museum objects. A solution, where required, is provided by slightly raising the affected gravestones above ground level on standardised shallow granite plinths akin to those used in the Al-Khamis Mosque. The both facilitates their survival and maintains their contextual integrity. This is a policy that the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities is likely to develop and adopt in consultation with the relevant local communities, and the Jaffaria Waqf Authority, which maintains most of the cemeteries containing affected gravestones. Until late 2015 there was no legal protection for the gravestones under Antiquities legislation in Bahrain unless they formed part of a scheduled archaeological site, as, for example, at the Al-Khamis Mosque (cf. State of Bahrain 1995). The historical gravestones in cemeteries were unprotected until Abu Anbra was added to the National Heritage list on 10th September 2015 on the basis that it is an ancient cemetery linked with the historically important area of Bilad al-Qadim. The recognition of Abu Anbra as an actively used cemetery is also manifest in its day to day function remaining under the control of the Jaffaria. However, if the historical gravestones in the Abu Anbra cemetery are to be altered, moved, cleaned etc., then the Jaffaria has to gain permission from the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. For other cemeteries, there is currently no such legal protection for the gravestones. It is hoped that this study reinforces the need to extend legal protection to all the historical gravestones and the locations in which they are found.

Conclusions

481

Figure 3.30

Gravestones raised on painted wooden plinths, Al-Khamis Mosque visitors centre

Figure 3.31

Gravestones raised on granite plinths in external pavilion, Al-Khamis Mosque visitors centre

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Index Aʿali 1, 3, 36–38 Abbas ibn Ali/Abu al-Fadel 453, 459 Abu Anbra 1, 4, 5, 15, 20, 28–31, 39–184, 451, 459, 461, 464, 480–481 Abu Mandah 210 Abu Naser 135 Abu Saiba 1, 20, 21, 185, 465, 466 Africa 28 ʿAli 40, 59, 78, 253, 308, 365, 436 Allah 36, 40, 43–44, 45–46, 51, 55–56, 59–60, 62–63, 67, 70–71, 76, 78, 82, 84, 88, 92, 95, 99, 105, 109, 113–114, 116, 117, 119, 122, 124, 126–127, 129, 134–135, 138–139, 141, 143–144, 148, 152, 155, 158, 160, 163, 167, 171, 172, 178, 180, 181, 183, 186, 189, 191, 192–193, 196–197, 199, 202–203, 208–209, 213, 220, 225, 232, 235–236, 239, 243, 247, 250, 254, 258–259, 264, 266, 268, 269, 270, 272–273, 275–276, 278, 280, 283–284, 288, 291–292, 294, 296, 300–301, 305–306, 307, 308–309, 314, 319–320, 323, 328, 329, 335, 337, 340–341, 344, 350, 354, 358, 360, 364–365, 368, 372, 377–378, 381, 382, 387–389, 393, 397, 398–399, 402, 406, 409–410, 414, 416–417, 420, 421, 424, 426–427, 429, 432–433, 434, 435–436, 441–442, 446–447, 450 Allan, J. 462, 475 Alnaboud 47 Antiquities legislation 480–481 Arabian Gulf 16 Arabian Peninsula 28 archaeology 28–34, 74, 79, 143, 164, 166, 169, 170, 176, 177, 182, 191, 204, 208, 214, 231, 246, 254, 258, 263, 267, 271, 280, 288, 305, 313, 337, 340, 413, 416 Ashura 453 Askar 1, 190, 477 Awal 14, 24, 162, 308, 396

Barbar 1, 191 Barburah 41 beads 4, 28, 464 Beit al-Quran 1, 195, 477 Belgrave, J. 3, 15 Bent, T. and M. 3 Bilad al-Qadim 1, 39, 141, 200 birds 453, 456 Blair, S. 12, 21 Bronze Age (see also Dilmun) 3, 15 Buqwah 407 burial 4, 5 coffin 4 commemoration 5, 8 cremation 12 grave goods 4

Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities 1, 2, 480, 481 Bahrain National Museum 2, 4, 185, 360, 364, 368, 371, 376, 380–381, 385, 386, 398, 401, 477 Bakhtiari 462 Balushi 453

Daih 1, 201, 464, 465 Day of Reckoning 39, 45, 134, 147, 197, 242, 250, 291, 309, 405, 432, 435, 446 Deir 15 Diez, E. 3 Dilmun 5, 27, 261 Durand, Captain E. L. 3

calligraphy 4, 16, 21–25, 125 engraver 13, 17–21, 43, 48, 54, 92, 137, 146, 150, 153, 158, 163, 174, 188, 199, 211, 226, 244, 246, 248, 253, 294, 302, 316, 325, 356, 375, 384, 391, 397, 408, 424, 433, 439, 450 Kufic 14 Thuluth 21 writer 13, 17–21, 42, 54, 92, 137, 146, 150, 157, 162, 174, 188, 194, 200, 234, 245, 248, 252, 317, 375, 384, 392, 397, 408, 421, 424, 434, 439 chaîne opératoire 16 children 453, 457 coins 348, 420 colour green 459, 460, 475 red 27, 201, 263, 283, 288, 291, 337, 398 conversion to Islam 5 crops 22–23, 237, 270, 390, 407, 433, 437, 449 cup marks (see also mancala/awari) 28, 169, 207, 318, 337, 413

488 dynasties Abbasids 4 Buyids 7 Carmathians 7 Fatimids 7 Hamdanids 7 Ottomans 8 Safavid 8 Umayyads 4, 14 Egypt 21 endowment 24, 41, 47, 52, 61, 95, 131–132, 135, 145, 156, 161, 162, 173, 181, 183, 187, 193, 198, 210, 237, 244, 270, 294, 315, 356, 373, 375, 390, 396, 407, 428, 433, 437, 449 Shiʿa Jaffaria 1, 480–481 Sunni 1 farming 356, 375, 407, 433, 437, 449 Farsi 205 flags 453, 458, 459, 464 garden (see also palm garden) 156, 162, 183, 193, 373, 375 gender 21–23, 31, 462 Ghana 28 al-Ghara 434, 437 glass bottle 267, 420, 459, 461 graffiti 349, 463 gravestones carving 16, 25–28 chronology 5–8 decoration 17, 25–28, 33, 39, 43, 45, 49, 55, 59, 64, 66, 70, 74, 79, 80, 81, 83, 88, 93, 98, 99, 101, 104, 111, 112, 117, 121, 125, 129, 133, 142, 143, 147, 151, 153, 154, 159, 164, 166, 169, 170, 176, 177, 182, 191, 192, 196, 200, 201, 204, 208, 214, 215, 216, 217, 219, 223, 224, 229, 231, 235, 242, 246, 250, 257, 258, 262, 263, 267, 268, 271, 275, 279, 283, 287, 299, 303–304, 305, 308, 313, 318, 323, 327, 331, 337, 340, 349, 350, 353, 358, 360, 364, 372, 376, 381, 386, 393, 402, 405, 409, 413, 416, 420–421, 424, 426, 431, 434, 441, 446 display 185, 195, 201, 348, 364, 371, 381, 385, 386–397, 420–421, 424, 426, 431, 441, 445, 464–466, 477–479, 479–481 locations 1–2 manufacture 12, 13, 15–21, 25–28, 66, 79, 93, 125, 142, 206, 207, 214, 215, 216, 217, 223, 257,

Index 298–299, 304, 313, 318, 323, 326–327, 347, 386, 415, 440 orientation 13 sales 477 typology 10–14, 35 Haj/Haji 31, 90, 115, 173, 251 Al-Hajjar 5 Halevi, L. 451 Hansen, H. 3 Hell 14, 307, 320 Hijaz 21 Hillat al-Sayf 162 Hindu 12 Højlund, F. 15 Hoora 1, 13, 204, 451, 454, 456, 457, 458 Hunaniyah 1, 8, 218 iconoclasm 27 Iran 8, 12, 16, 205, 212, 464 Isfahan 25 Mashad 459, 462, 464 Shiraz 25, 462, 464 Siraf 14 Tehran 462, 464 Zagros Mountains 462 Iraq 8, 31 Baghdad 475 Hilla 475 Karbala 459, 462, 464, 475 Janusan 15 Jebelat Habshi 1, 20, 219 Jid Alhaj 193 Jiddah Island 14, 15 Jidhafs 1, 21, 254, 424, 425 Jidhafs al-Imam 1, 256 Kalus, L. 5, 15, 31, 271, 277, 299, 313, 328, 334, 364, 368, 372, 386, 387, 393, 405, 446 Karranah 1, 261, 461, 475 Kassite 27 Katkatan 315, 437, 449 Kervran, M. 3, 5, 13, 31 Al-Khalifa 218, 429 Al-Khamis 1, 271 al-Kharajat 156, 373, 437, 449 al-Khawariyah 95 Khosronejad, P. 462 Kuwait Failaka Island 31

489

Index Lebanon Baʿalbak 141 Lowick, N. 12, 14 magic 267, 459, 461 al-Mahall 294 Mahooz 1, 347 Malaysia 12 Malkiya 2, 349, 463 Manama 8, 21, 195, 204, 347, 360, 405, 429 mancala/awari 28, 169, 413 Mani 183, 294, 428 Al-Maqsha 2, 5, 350 martyrs 464 materials aluminium 348, 349, 420, 475 brass 21 bronze 21 cement 190, 200, 223, 254, 257, 421, 424, 431, 475, 477 concrete 12, 440 coral 29 earthenware 21 glass 267, 349, 424, 426, 465 granite 479 gypsum 4, 12, 13–14, 16, 191, 385 haematite 27–28 ink 16 limestone 14 marble 12, 141, 218, 429, 465, 477 metal 424, 426, 451 paper 21, 461 parchment 21 Perspex 465 plaster 200, 205, 461, 465 plastic 177, 451, 452, 455, 464 sandstone 12 stucco 4, 14, 21 textiles 349, 459, 460, 462, 464, 475 tiles 268, 348, 477, 478 travertine 478 wood 348, 349, 451, 475, 477 Al-Mearaj, M. 31 medicine 177, 459, 461 mihrab (see also Qibla) 4, 25, 347 mosques Abu Anbra 59, 66, 70, 74, 79, 170 Amir Zaid 349, 463 Askar 190 Hilal 373 Karranah 263

Al-Khamis 3, 4, 5, 28, 31, 39, 271, 364, 371, 380, 381, 387, 393, 477, 479, 480 Mahooz 347 Nasrudin 200 Al-Qadem 415 al-Rabi 261, 268, 475 Salamya 36 Sh. Abd al-Rauf al-Bahrani 424 Sheikh Hashem El Tublah 434, 441, 445, 465 Sh. Latfulla 425 Mubarak al-Makki 21 Muharraq 14, 15 Al Musalla 431 Nabi Salih Island 24 Noaim 2, 405, 460 Nubia 33 Oman Dhofar 27, 28 al-Khod 453 palm 294, 356, 407, 433, 437, 449 dates 47, 145, 390, 433 gardens 145, 198, 372, 378, 428 trees 47, 52, 131, 135, 145 Paradise 36, 39, 43, 45, 50, 55, 56, 60, 67, 70, 74, 76, 85, 89, 92, 94, 97, 106, 113, 114, 130, 137, 139, 143, 154, 155, 159, 161, 166, 171, 178, 180, 197, 208, 224, 231, 235, 242, 246, 250, 258, 275, 276, 284, 291, 294, 295, 296, 306, 309, 320, 328, 351, 378, 382, 389, 391, 392, 394, 398, 405, 422, 434, 435, 445, 446 perfume 420, 452–453 rosewater 453, 464 plants 459 basil 420, 452, 453, 454 herbs 177 poetry 194 pottery 453, 464 Prophet Muhammad 5, 40, 115, 181, 189, 248, 268, 288, 292, 310, 365, 417, 433, 436, 439, 446, 447, 464 Al-Qadem 2, 415, 455 Qalaʿat al-Bahrain 3, 4, 5, 27, 28, 368 Qibla 13 Quran 4, 21–22, 24, 35, 36, 39–40, 41, 43–44, 45–47, 50–52, 55–59, 59–63, 64, 67–68, 70–71, 74–77, 83, 84, 85, 88–89, 92, 94–95, 99, 102, 105–106, 111, 113–114, 117–119, 122,

490 Quran (cont.) 124, 125–127, 129–130, 134–135, 138–139, 141, 143–144, 147–148, 152, 154–155, 159–160, 162, 166–167, 171–172, 177–178, 181, 182–183, 186, 188–189, 192–193, 196–198, 202, 208–209, 219–220, 224–225, 228, 230, 231–232, 235–236, 242–243, 244, 246–247, 250, 254, 258–259, 264, 269–270, 272–273, 275–276, 278, 280, 284, 288, 291–292, 294, 295, 296, 300–301, 305–306, 308–310, 314, 315, 319–321, 323, 328–329, 335, 340–341, 344, 350, 353–354, 356, 358, 360–361, 364, 368, 372, 377–378, 381–382, 387–389, 390, 393–394, 398–399, 402, 405–407, 410, 416–417, 418, 420, 426–428, 429, 432–433, 435–436, 441–442, 446–447, 451, 453 religious figures 181, 268, 238, 288, 361, 365, 423, 453, 458, 459, 464, 475 Riffa 218 Saar 3, 356, 386 al-Sabkha 156 sacrifice 462 al-Sahramuw 41 Saints 39, 349, 476 Sanj 433 Sayed Yahya Al Husseini 2, 431 Sayhat al-Bahrain 47 Schöller, M. 14, 17, 451, 452, 459 Shakhura 5 Sh. Abd al-Rauf al-Bahrani 2, 424 Sh. Ahmed bin Muhammad al-Khalifa 2, 429 Sh. Latfulla 2, 425 al-shatib al-kabir 449 Shiʿa 7–8, 25, 204, 451–464 shrines 4, 28, 31–33, 39, 45, 49, 173, 467–476, 477 Abu Anbra 169 Abu Saiba 185 Amir Zaid 349, 463 Askar 190

Index Al-Khamis 20, 271, 279, 288, 291, 334 Mahooz 347, 348 Al-Qadem 420 al-Rabi 261, 268, 475 Sayed Yahya Al Husseini 431 Sh. Abd al-Rauf al-Bahrani 424 Shaikh Husayn bin ʿAbd al-Samad 109, 110, 117, 141, 142 Sh. Latfulla 426 Sihat Albalad 162 Sitra 95, 135 Sotheby’s 477 Sufala 95 Al-Suli 193 Sunni 8, 14, 453 Syria Palmyra 28 temple 3 tools 16 tool marks 93, 142, 214, 219, 224, 257, 299, 304, 318, 347, 381, 386, 402, 434, 440 Tubli 2, 20, 24, 434, 465, 466 Tylos/Hellenistic 5, 27, 185 al-Ukuw Island 132 Waqf (see endowment) water 452, 456 weights and measures 23–24 Bahraini weight 183 baskets 156, 162, 183, 244, 428 mann 47, 135, 210, 390, 396, 437 Muhammadi Qirans 41 Muhammadiyyah 52, 244, 294 Qirans 61 quarter 375 shares 183, 244, 315, 373 Wulff, H. 16 Zallaq 372