Muhammad Ibn Muhsin al-Yamani al-Hashimi, A description of the Holy Places in Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem, copied by ‘Ali Ibn Haidar al-Jauzi, Jerusalem, Mamluk, dated 852 AH/1448 AD

Arabic and Ottoman Turkish manuscript on paper, 83 leaves plus 5 flyleaves, lacking opening folio, 13 lines to the page, written in naskh script in black ink, keywords written larger and bolder, brown morocco binding with central tooled medallion

In fairly good overall condition, binding repaired, opening folio lacking, occasional crude paper repairs to margins, some waterstaining, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The colophon of the present manuscript, Muhammad Ibn Muhsin Ibn Hasan Ibn Khalil Ibn ‘Umar al-Yamani al-Hashimi, mentions that the author completed his work at the al-Jawhariyah Madrasa in Jerusalem. The text is divided into three books, and each kitab into ten babs:

Book I: fi fada’il Makkah, A description of Mecca. According to Redhouse, fada’il  translates as the excellent qualities of the holy sites of Mecca. It comprises information on the following: the beginning of the circumambulation of the Holy Shrine; the descent of Adam to earth and the building of the Ka’ba; the choice of the location of the Holy Site by the Prophet Ibrahim; the preference of performing the pilgrimage early; the performance of the circumambulation at sunset and sunrise and in the heat and cold; the listing of the holy sites where prayers are recited and the places to visit in Mecca and its environs; descriptions of Zamzam, Safa and al-Marwa; the retributions after performing the Hajj and falling ill or dying during the performance of the pilgrimage.

Book II: fi fada’il Madina, a description of Medina.

Comprising information on the following: the excellent qualities of the holy places of Medina; the genealogy of the Prophet Muhammad; the Mosque and its surroundings; the Mausoleum, the Minbar and the Holy Tomb; the columns in the courtyard; the sayings of visitors at the tomb; the visit to the tombs of the Martyrs of the battle of Uhud; the mosques that the Prophet prayed in; the wells which the Prophet used to wash and drink and the return of the pilgrim to his country.

Book III: fi fada’il Quds, A description of Jerusalem.

Comprising information on the following: the building of the Aqsa Mosque; the pilgrimage to Jerusalem; visiting and praying in the Mosque; fasting and almsgiving; the Dome of the Rock and the Black Rock; the Mi’raj; the wells of the Mosque and Jerusalem; the virtues of dying in Jerusalem; the excellent qualities of Jerusalem and the tomb of the Prophet Ibrahim al-Khalil.