Sulwan al-Muta' Fi 'Udwan al-Atba'

Ibn Zafar al-Siqillis' Sulwan al-Muta' Fi 'Udwan al-Atba' is one of the most fascinating illuminated manuscripts from the Arab world that has survived to this day. Contrary to what the title, which literally translates as “Consolation for the ruler during the hostility of his subjects,” might suggest, the ascetic author sharply criticizes social injustice, exploitation, and political oppression. In doing so, he combines Islamic ethics, spirituality, and his deep knowledge of the Quran. With the help of parables and Quranic verses, he explains the five stages of spiritual perfection to his ruling target audience: total trust in God (tawfīḍ), comforting oneself in suffering (ta'assī), patience (ṣabr), contentment (riḍa), and asceticism or self-denial (zuhd). They are intended to serve as comfort to the unpopular rulers. Just as remarkable as Ibn Zafar's text are the 30 large, sometimes full-page miniatures with their precious golden backgrounds. Among them is the oldest surviving independent landscape painting in Islamic book art. Also noteworthy are the use of perspective, the picture formats, and the unusually naturalistic depictions of plants. A true masterpiece from Damascus that heralds a new era in Arabic book art.