Jabal-e-Noor, also known as the “Mountain of Light”, is a complex in Quetta, Pakistan, that serves as a repository for old and worn Quranic texts. It’s not just a house for old Quran pages; it’s a significant place for Islamic reverence and cultural heritage.
In the middle of the rocky mountains of Quetta, there is a hidden gem that not only attracts tourists but increases the love of Allah in all Muslims. We are talking about Jabal-e-Noor, a mountain that is a house of millions of worn Quran verses and pages. This mountain acts as a chamber to prevent our holy book from desecration.
the meaning of the mountain is “Mountain Of Light” which not only describes its holy cause but also ignites the profoundness of the Quran in one’s heart. According to one survey, the mountain contains more than 6 million pages and books of worn Quran since it began in 1992. Moreover, they have also preserved the 600-year-old Quran, and some copies are handwritten and in different languages.
Two brothers, Abdul Sammad Lehri and Abdul Rashid, who run a stone-crushing business in Quetta, Balochistan, initiated the mission. They were heartbroken when saw a picture of Kaaba or Roza Rasool (SAW) on a newspaper lying on the floor. This gives them an idea of preserving Quran pages in the mountains. They asked various religious scholars to tell them perfect ideas for saving the worn Quran.
Religious scholars approve of two ways: by wrapping the book carefully in a cloth and burying it in the ground, as at Jabal-e-Noor, or placing it in flowing water so the ink is washed away from the pages. After this, the brother started their mission in 1992 and running till now.
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Structure
Here, a network of tunnels carved into the mountainsides acts as a vast repository, safeguarding millions of Qurans, some believed to be centuries old. Jabal-e-Noor transcends mere storage. The serene atmosphere and respectful preservation practices create a spiritual haven for pilgrims and visitors alike. The intricate architecture and a large-scale Quran inscription on marble slabs add to the site’s grandeur.
Additionally, history tells us that these Quran Pak manuscripts hide within the caves to protect them from invaders and desecration during topsy-turvy times in the region’s history. The administrator Haji Muzaffar Ali says “We have buried at least five million sacks of old Qurans”. However, the mountain capacity of tunnels is steadily running out. But we are extending to create more space here.
Now the administration is seeking government help to store more Quran pages with utmost respect and love like they have been doing for more than 3 decades. Jabal-e-Noor ul Quran stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Baluchistan’s history and spirituality. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting and preserving Islamic values for generations to come.