التوقیعات في النثر الفني في العصور الاسلامیة والعباسیة

Abstract

Signing the official documents has always been an art in the
history of Arabs and Arabic Literature of Islamic and
Abbasside regimes. We know very well about the seal (Muhr e
Nabuwat) of Holy Prophet (PBUH). Muslim caliphs and other
fellow officials of their government used to sign the documents
presented before them for any purpose like approval or
disapproval regarding official matters or for process of state
affairs. While signing the document, they commonly used to
write any small verse (Ayyah) from Holy Quran or some part
of Hadith of Holy Prophet (PBUH), any quotation based upon
Hikmah, related with the theme of the document on the
concerned documents. Even they established a center known as
“Bait-ul-Hikmah” to promote literary and scholarly attitude of
their people during their regime. Highly learned people and
experts in Arabic language, Islamic sciences and calligraphy
were appointed in that center. In this Article the style of
signing the documents has been discussed in detail which is
called, “Al-Touqi’at.” It represents literary taste of Muslim
rulers, and their love for knowledge.