AN ILLUMINATED SUFI SCROLL, NEAR EAST, OTTOMAN, DATED 1152 AH/1739 AD |

Ottoman Turkish manuscript on paper, written in naskh in black ink, important words in muhaqqaq, a gold and orange heading, with several seals

In generally good condition, minor tears, consolidating tape on reverse, stains, rubbing and folds, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This long scroll lists several ijazehs appointing al-Sayyid ‘Ali ibn al-Sayyid Khalid al-Hanbali al-Halabi a khalifah (successor) of various Sufi orders. The first part of the scroll appoints al-Sayyid ‘Ali ibn al-Sayyid Khalid al-Hanbali al-Halabi, a resident of Aleppo, as a khalifah of the Qadiriyyah Sufi order by a certain al-Hajj Ahmad al-Sharif ibn ‘Abdallah al-Qadiri al-Baghdadi al-Naqshbandi. Ahmad al-Sharif then gives his spiritual lineage stretching back to ‘Abd al-Qadir al-Gilani and then back to the Prophet Muhammad through Junayd al-Baghdadi and ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, and ultimately back to God through the angels Jibra’il and Israfil. Thereafter the wasiyyah or legacy of ‘Abd al-Qadir Gilani is given, followed by his genealogy. It is dated at the bottom 1 Rajab 1152 (4 October 1739 AD), alongside two impressions of Ahmad al-Sharif’s seal.

There then follows an ijazeh awarded to al-Sayyid ‘Ali by al-Sayyid Mustafa ibn al-Sayyid Hajj ‘Ali al-Bani making al-Sayyid ‘Ali a khalifah of the Rifa’iyyah Sufi order. This is dated 1153 (1740-41 AD) and al-Sayyid Mustafa’s seal impression is at the end of the document. It is followed by a genealogy of al-Sayyid ‘Ali, going back to the Prophet Muhammad, dated 13 Shawwal 1153 (1 January 1741 AD) and another undated ijazeh of al-Shaykh al-Sayyid Salih ibn Mustafa making al-Sayyid ‘Ali a khalifah of the Sa’diyyah Sufi order. Lastly, another ijazeh of Ahmad al-Sharif, this time appointing al-Sayyid ‘Ali as a khalifah of the Naqshbandiyyah Sufi order. As with the first part of the scroll, this is also dated 1 Rajab 1152 (4 October 1739 AD). It is witnessed at the bottom by numerous shaykhs along with their seal impressions.