Hindu family in Ajmer has 'world's tiniest Quran'

A Hindu family in Ajmer is in possession of a copy of the holy book of Islam - Quran. Placed in their temple and worshipped daily, the family claims it is the tiniest Quran in the world.

Ajmer:Ajmer The city of Khwaja Garib Nawaz has always been famous worldwide for setting an example of communal harmony. It is the boon of this land that ‘the symbol of brotherhood’ that a Hindu family has kept the holy book of Muslim, the Quran Shareef in their temple and worship it daily. It is not just an ordinary Quran, it is being claimed to be the tiniest Quran in the world.

Balakishan Khandelwal's family has been setting an example of communal harmony for years. In the temple adorned in Khandelwal's house, whenever the holy book of Hindus, Gita is worshipped, a Quran Sharif is also placed alongside. It is revered and worshipped every morning and evening and is cherished with great adoration and respect. The main reason behind this is that it is one such unique representation of Quran Sharif that this Hindu family possesses. It is claimed to be the world's tiniest Quran.

Images are read with magnifying lenses

In an exclusive conversation with ETV Bharat, Balakishan Khandelwal said that the length of this Quran is about 1.8 centimetres, while the width is 1.8 centimetres. It weighs about 1 gram 950 mg. The most unique thing is that the Quran has about 258 pages, which in itself makes it the shortest Quran. All the verses of the Quran are recorded in these 258-pages of Holy Quran Sharif which can be read only through magnifying lens.

This Quran is the family’s prized possession

Balakishan Khandelwal says that about 45 years ago, his father had entrusted him with this prized possession with great reverence, just before his death. He was told at that time that this Quran is a symbol of prosperity and happiness in the family and he should always cherish it within the family. Honouring the last wish of his father Balakishan Khandelwal has safeguarded the tiniest Quran for the last 45 years in the same manner as he cherishes the holy Gita and pays respect and devotion every morning and evening, with a sincere heart.

It is safely kept in a silver box

Balakishan has got an artistic silver box crafted to keep the Quran safely. It is smaller in size than a matchbox. It is beautifully carved. Balakishan says that on the occasion of any Hindu or Muslim festival, they take out this Quran Sharif from its silver box, and worship it. Later, it is restored back to the box after applying ‘itr’ or perfume to it.

Balakishan further elaborated that the Quran in his possession has its name recorded in the Rajasthan Book of Records. He had also applied for the Guinness Book of World Records, for possessing the world's tiniest Quran, but he was asked for a copy of this unique Quran which he refused to part with. He has been safeguarding this sacred book of Quran with immense reverence.