Beit Al Quran

Top choice in Manama


The finest collection of ancient Qurans in the region, this wonderful homage to Islam's holiest book displays Qurans from almost every century since the advent of Islam in 610, as well as some of the earliest translations into European languages. This includes the English translation by George Sale, published in London in the 18th century, a copy of which was bought by US founding father and president Thomas Jefferson.

Wrapped in carved Kufic script, the distinctive Beit Al Quran is a fine example of modern Bahraini architecture. As well as Qurans, it also houses manuscripts, woodcarvings and examples of Islamic calligraphy, and boasts a library that is home to works by the likes of ancient Persian poets Rumi and Omar Khayyam. Look out for the miniature Qurans, the smallest of which (from 18th-century Persia) measures only 4.7cm by 3.2cm. The exhibits are well labelled in English and can be superficially perused within an hour. Phone ahead for a guided tour.

The main entrance and car park are at the back, on the southern side of the building. Visitors should dress conservatively.

Transportation

  • bus: 41

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Manama attractions

1. Beit Al Quran Mosque

This delightful little mosque is integrated within the Beit Al Quran complex and is open even when the museum isn't. Often overlooked, it has one of the…

2. Sail Monument

0.16 MILES

This iconic sculpture, most likely a homage to the classic Bahraini dhows, overlooks a busy roundabout and is featured on the BD1 note. Unfortunately, it…

3. Abu Bakr Al Sadiq Mosque

0.36 MILES

This large, modern mosque is named after the second caliph of Islam and has an architectural style and interior common across the city. There are no…

4. Bahrain National Museum

0.41 MILES

Deservedly the country's most popular attraction, this is an outstanding introduction to Bahrain's history, with signage in English and Arabic. It's…

6. World Trade Centre

0.66 MILES

Built in 2008, these 240m-high, 50-floor office towers were inspired by the traditional badqeers (wind towers) seen in historic Bahraini homes. They are…

7. Yateem Mosque

1.01 MILES

Built in 1992 by Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, this mosque is easily identified by its unique minaret, which (unusually for a mosque) also serves as a…

8. Jai Shri Khrishna Temple

1.05 MILES

This 200-year-old Hindu temple is the oldest in the Gulf and a testimony to Bahrain's ancient Indian community. Situated down a narrow alley in the heart…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "bahrain/manama/attractions/beit-al-quran/a/poi-sig/451207/361010",
      "destination": "Manama",
      "continent": "Middle-East",
      "country": "Bahrain",
      "city": "Manama",
      "position": "superzone"
    }