This treasury of Korans has five important sections. The Abdul Rahman Jassin Kanoo Mosque in the building, where prayers are conducted five times a day, was given by Kanoo and a specially-commissioned stained glass dome one of the largest of its type in the world, covers the unusual circular prayer area. The Al Forqan Library donated by Sheikh Ahmad Zaki Yamani, holds reference material on the Holy Koran and Holy Koranic subjects, commentary, interpretations and the Hadith. It is planned that there will be eventually some 50,000 volumes in all world languages and translations of the Holy Korans published in all living languages. Yousif Bin Ahmad Kanoo School for Quranic Studies, imparts education on all aspects of the Koran to aspirants. The main Al Hayat Quran Museum and its ancillary facilities occupy the most substantial part of Beit Al Quran and comprises 10 halls over two floors. The voluminous spaces are inter-connected by easy split-level ramps that link the two main levels of the museum. The ten halls are sponsored by different institutions like Arab Banks and individuals. Each of the halls bears a historic name, the name of an Islamic holy city, the name of the famous Islamic pioneers or, in rare cases, the name of the particular sponsor.

Visitors can perambulate effortlessly from one hall to another through the subtle changes in level. The treasures on show exhibit different aspects of the collection with its vast historic range. These centuries-old copies are displayed in specially-designed cabinets with sophisticated environmental controls and fibre optic lighting technology. The cabinets cater for the very special lighting and humidity requirements essential for the proper display of rare and delicate old manuscripts. When I went to see the Museum I was overwhelmed by the reverential atmosphere prevailing there.

The oldest, rather the oldest piece of Koran on display were fragments of a vellum book dating to 8th century A.D. I was lucky, that an Egyptian Islamic scholar, speaking English, was going around the museum and he ensured that I saw the most important of the exhibits. He said that, while the Museum contained many precious Korans, many nations had with them, priceless Korans which were national treasures, and they would not part with the books for display outside their countries.

Turning to me he said "In your country, India, there are many valuable Korans. There is one original copy in the Aligarh Muslim University Library, calligraphed by no less a person than Hazrat Ali, the fourth Khalifa of Islam. This volume, made of camel skin parchment is written with ink made from an extract from the date palm. It is in Kufic, the very early form of Arabic. This Aligarh copy is the rarest of the rare as dates back to the time of the Prophet. As the scriptures were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, disciples wrote them down."

There were Korans in parchment, illuminated Korans, some of them unique exhibits relating to historic manuscripts and events, the Holy Koran in print with examples from the first ever printed copies to modern coloured and illuminated prints. There were translations of the Koran in many languages including many first edition issues in Latin, English, French, Dutch and German, some of them dating to 1694, when the wooden print alphabets were in vogue. Among Indian Korans, exhibited in the museum, many were great examples of the calligraphic skill of the artists. In the case of many editions, the translations in Urdu, side by side with Arabic texts was a common feature. Many famous Urdu kalams from the Indian subcontinent was represented. Due to association of the colour green with Islam, various volumes were written in black ink against a green background. Of the illuminated type of Korans the most important were five copies of Kashmir origin with lavishly decorated pages by 16th century artists.

Among miniature Korans, the pride of place goes to a Pakistani artist, who has engraved important verses of the Koran on two rice grains. The miniature artist had even engraved the holy book in two portions of split pea. Of the regular miniature Koran, the most important was a centuries old volume from Iran, 4.7 cm by 3.2 cm, with red and blue covers in papiermache with brilliant floral decorations.

The collection and preservation of Holy Koranic manuscripts and calligraphic heritage for future generations and avail these where possible, to scholars and to the general public by putting them on display in an appropriate cultural setting is the main task of this grand museum. It also has a special section on the promotion of museological studies into the preservation, restoration, display and storage Islamic manuscripts and old books. Exhibitions of international standing on Koranic calligraphy, art of the Islamic book, and the various aspects of Islamic art and culture are hosted by the Foundation managing the Museum.