A Verse Count Analysis OF MSS Marcel 5, Arabe 335, Leiden Or. 14.545 A and Other MSS Some of the Oldest Qurʾān Fragments in Western Libraries

This article provides a verse count analysis of MSS Marcel 5 and the other related MSS. Furthermore, the article provides a brief history of Marcel collection in the Rassian National Library which is a pricleless collection and includes very old Quranic parchemnts. This manuscript has been subjected to radio-carbon dating (14C dating) and was dated to an early period in Islamic history, as is shown by its paleographical and codicological features. Because of its dating, it has received considerable attention from scholars. This study confirms the manuscript's direct relationship with MSS Paris, BnF Arabe 335, St. Petersburg, National Library, Marcel 3, Leiden Or. 14.545 a & other MSS in USA libraries such as Chicago, Oriental Institute. A verse count analysis was carried out in search of its origin. There is evidence that the manuscript journeyed from al-Fuṣṭāṭ in Egypt to, Paris, before finally settling in St. Petersburg in Rassia and other parts of the world. However, for several reasons, it was difficult to determine the exact origin of the manuscript.