This book is the first to explore and highlight the history of the plants mentioned in the Qur’an, many of which are part of our everyday life, from pomegranates and grapes to ginger and garlic.
Author Shahina A. Ghazanfar explores the context in which these plants are mentioned in the Qur’an - mainly as food plants, as well as for medicinal use, use in beauty, fragrance or for shade. Shahina’s in-depth research for this book has led to new findings in our knowledge of the historical and cultural significance of these plants, their traditional and present uses, as well as detailed exploration of the context in which they are mentioned in the Qur’an.
The main section of the book highlights thirty of the plants most prominent in the Qur’an, with details on where the plant is mentioned in the Qur’an text, detailed etymology, cultural history, and botanical description. Each of these plants are beautifully illustrated with unique botanical paintings by artist Sue Wickison, drawn from living specimens in the wild.
The authors take us on a fascinating journey through the cultural history of these important plants, brought to life with vivid and stunningly detailed botanical paintings.
Author: Shahina Ghazanfar
Illustrator: Sue Wickison
Format: Hardback
Pages: 208
Published: 2024
About the Author
Shahina A. Ghazanfar, renowned for her botanical research in Pakistan, West Africa, and the Middle East, focuses on national and regional floras. With expertise in Middle Eastern vegetation, biogeography, and conservation, she delves into plants of medicinal, historical, and economic significance. Currently, her work centers on medicinal plants of the region. Holding a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and recently awarded a Sc.D. in 2023, she’s a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, honored with the Linnean Medal for Botany in 2021.
About the Illustrator
Sue Wickison, born and raised in Sierra Leone, developed her love for natural history from her father, a teacher and amateur botanist. Her accolades include the 2023 Jill Smythies Award and a 2024 Fellowship with the Linnean Society. Her work includes the Plants of the Qur’ān exhibition at Kew Gardens, and her art is featured in prestigious collections worldwide. She has also created over 50 natural history stamps for ten Pacific countries. Now based in New Zealand, she continues her freelance botanical artistry, focusing on both native and internationally significant flora.