Quran written using the blood of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein remains one of the most unusual and controversial manuscripts in modern Islamic history. Preserved in Baghdad, this extraordinary copy of the Holy Quran was reportedly written using the blood of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. Even decades after its creation, Quran written with blood continues to spark debate among historians, religious scholars, and the general public.
The manuscript has fascinated people around the world because of its unusual origin and the ethical questions it raises. While the Holy Quran is traditionally written using ink and special calligraphy methods, Quran was written using a completely different and controversial approach.
During the late 1990s, Saddam Hussein reportedly ordered the creation of Quran as a symbolic project. According to reports, he made a vow and wanted the Holy Quran written using his own blood as ink. The project reportedly required around 24 to 27 liters of blood collected from him over a long period.
An Iraqi calligrapher named Abbas Shakir Al-Joudi was assigned the responsibility of completing the manuscript. He spent nearly two years carefully writing the entire Quran in traditional Arabic calligraphy. The Blood written Quran contains the complete text of the Holy Quran across approximately 604 pages.
The manuscript includes all 114 chapters of the Quran and hundreds of thousands of words written in intricate calligraphic style. Completing the Quran required immense patience, precision, and continuous effort from the calligrapher.
The Challenging Writing Process
Writing Quran with blood proved extremely difficult for the calligrapher. Blood had to be carefully preserved and treated to ensure that it could be used as writing material. Experts formed a special committee to examine whether the blood-based ink could survive over time without fading or damaging the manuscript.
The calligrapher reportedly worked under strict supervision while writing Quran. He produced sample pages before the committee approved the technique. Once the method proved workable, he continued writing until the entire Quran was completed.
The long process also affected the calligrapher’s health. Reports suggest that his eyesight suffered due to the intense focus required during the project.
Where the Manuscript Is Kept Today
Today, Quran remains preserved in Baghdad. Authorities keep the manuscript inside a secured facility near the Umm al-Qura Mosque, which was once known as the Umm al-Ma’arik Mosque.
The storage area is highly protected. The manuscript sits in a secure basement behind several locked doors. Different individuals reportedly hold separate keys to maintain strict security and control access.
Anyone who wants to see the Blood Quran must obtain special permission from Iraqi authorities. This controlled access has added even more mystery around the manuscript.
Religious and Ethical Debate
The Blood Quran has generated serious debate among Islamic scholars and historians. In Islamic teachings, blood is considered impure, which raises questions about using it to write sacred text. Because of this, many scholars view the project as inappropriate or controversial.
Some experts argue that the manuscript represents a historical artifact rather than a religious object. Others believe it reflects Saddam Hussein’s attempt to leave a unique legacy during his rule.
The discussion surrounding the Blood Quran continues today, with opinions divided between cultural curiosity and religious concern.
A Controversial Historical Artifact
After Saddam Hussein’s execution in 2006, interest in the Blood Quran grew even stronger. For many observers, the manuscript symbolizes one of the most unusual actions taken by a modern political leader.
Some analysts believe the manuscript could be worth millions of dollars because of its rarity and historical significance. Despite its controversial origin, the Blood Quran remains an important piece of modern Middle Eastern history.
The story behind the Blood Quran continues to intrigue researchers and visitors alike. Its unusual creation, strict security, and deep controversy ensure that it will remain one of the most talked-about manuscripts in the world.
