Ancient manuscripts are texts “written” (Latin: scripta) “by hand” (Latin: manu) that date far back into the past. Where biblical manuscripts are concerned, ancients manuscripts are very important because the older they are, the closer they tend to be to the original text . This is vital if we want to know what was actually said by the authors.

Manuscripts are distinct from historical records such as epigraphs on rocks, firmans, revenue records which provide direct information on events or processes in history. Manuscripts have knowledge content.

For the purpose of rediscovering and analyzing the Islamic cultural and scientific heritage there is a wide range of subjects that depend upon texts. That being so, the number one reason why manuscripts are important for research is a straightforward one.