Sword DHU'L-FAQᾹR in Islamic Miniatures

DHU'L-FAQᾹR is one of the most important swords all over the Islamic history, its fame extended to Islamic art including miniatures. The main argument around DHU'L-FAQᾹR is to whom it belongs to; prophet Mohamed, Imam Ali, Ottomans or one of the twelve Shīʿī Imams as some sources claimed. Historical studies presented various analyses around such a point. This article is a trial to answer this debate through the gate of Islamic miniatures. DHU'L-FAQᾹR is mentioned in more than an illustrated manuscript as the miniaturists were interested in episodes of Imam Ali’s life and the prophet as well. The present study explains its compatibility in such paintings with the real depiction of the sword. The article gives a summarized historical background about the sword with exploring some illustrated examples of various manuscripts dating back to medieval epoch and XVII century.