Building on the past intervention on Quran manuscript preservation on Pate, we started a community-focused project to support custodians who preserve historic Qur’an manuscripts along the Swahili coast. Sponsored by Halal Safaris Africa, the initiative aimed to help custodians raise funds without having to sell their manuscripts to private collectors or traders.

For over fourteen centuries, the Qur’an has been written, copied, and cared for by hand across the Muslim world. From the earliest parchment copies produced in Arabia to later manuscripts made in Africa, Asia, and Europe, Qur’ans were created using local materials, scripts, and artistic styles. In many African regions, Qur’anic manuscripts were written with plant-based inks, bound with leather, and stored in wooden chests, becoming both sacred texts and records of local history. These manuscripts were often passed down within families, mosques, and learning circles, making communities the true guardians of the Qur’an in physical form.

Many of the historica Quran in Pate are over 400 years old, and would fetch a significant amount if auctioned. Instead of encouraging the sale of Qur’ans, the project created an alternative source of income for custodians through the sale of souvenirs inspired from the Quran. We supported the design and printing of calendars and posters featuring photographs of the custodians’ own manuscripts for sale only by the custodians. Each image highlighted the unique calligraphy, page layouts, bindings, and signs of age that reflect generations of learning and devotion.

The calendars and posters were produced and donated free of charge through the sponsorship of Halal Safaris Africa. Once printed, they were distributed directly to manuscript-holding families, who could sell them locally and to visitors as cultural souvenirs. All proceeds remained with the custodians, helping to meet daily needs while reinforcing the importance of preservation.

Beyond fundraising, the project carried a clear message: Qur’an manuscripts are not objects to be traded away but living heritage that belongs within the communities that have protected them for centuries. By turning manuscripts into images for education and fundraising, the initiative reduced pressure to sell originals and strengthened pride in written heritage.

The project also raised awareness about African Qur’anic traditions, showing that these manuscripts are not only religious texts but also works of craftsmanship shaped by local knowledge, materials, and environments. Through a simple but meaningful approach, the project linked history, dignity, and economic support—demonstrating that safeguarding heritage can benefit both culture and community at the same time.