Arabic Graffito From Muthallath (Near Yanbu’), 23? AH / 643-4? CE
Islamic Awareness
© Islamic Awareness, All Rights Reserved.
First Composed: 27th November 2007
Last Modified: 25th December 2007
Assalamu ‘alaykum wa rahamatullahi wa barakatuhu:
(a)
(b)
Figure: (a) Photo of the inscription. (b) Outline of the inscription.
23? AH / 643-4? CE.
Register Number
MThLTh-009.
Script
Kufic.
Contents
The translation of the inscription is:
- Salmah wrote
- in three and twenty (i.e., 23)
Comments
This inscription written in old Kufic script is interesting as it leaves out tantalizing detail. If the number "23" means the year then it is the oldest published inscription. Kawatoko apparently considers the number "23" to mean 23 AH. Hoyland, on the other hand, mentions the inscription without commenting on the number "23" or its date.
Location
Muthallath, near Yanbu’, Saudi Arabia.
References
[1] M. Kawatoko, "Archaeological Survey Of Najran And Madinah 2002", Atlal: Journal Of Saudi Arabian Archaeology, 2005, Volume 18, p. 51 and p. 52, Plate 8.13(A).
[2] R. Hoyland, "New Documentary Texts And The Early Islamic State", Bulletin Of The School Of Oriental And African Studies, 2006, Volume 69, No. 3, p. 411, footnote 76.
The images above are reproduced from the stated sources under the provisions of the copyright law. This allows for the reproduction of portions of copyrighted material for non-commercial, educational purposes.
With the exception for those images which have passed into the public domain, the use of these images for commercial purposes is expressly prohibited without the consent of the copyright holder.