Sacred Seals of Ali ibn Musa al-Riza (PBUH) In Astan Quds Razavi

Astan Quds Razavi has had the most extensive administrative network among the religious sites of Iran. A various number of seals have been used for the accreditation of documents and correspondence in this complex. Many of the mentioned seals are in the name of the custodians of the regular affairs in Astan Quds Razavi. All the same, a number of seals in the name of Ali ibn Musa al-Riza (PBUH) are also available which may be considered the sacred seals of the collection. The physical characteristics and combination method of three sample seals have been examined in this article. The seals were made during nearly forty years (1856-1894 BC) in the Qajar period. The research adopts a historical-analytical approach and is written based on library research. The examination and comparison of the seals indicate that their text content is selected relatively similar in terms of content and structure. The relatively large dimensions of the seals and their shapes which resemble a Mihrab or a crown also confirm their significance and the spiritual dignity of the holy shrine of Razavi. Moreover, Nasta’liq and Thuluth scripts are used in the composition of the seals, and the calligraphic scripts of their main frame are based on the basic rules of composition in late Islamic seals. The sacred seals of Ali ibn Musa al-Riza (PBUH) can be compared and matched with the administrative seals of Qajar kings in terms of script, composition and physical characteristics.