Which two religions created and used illuminated manuscripts?

Illuminated manuscripts have historically been created and used by which two religious faiths?

1. Christianity and Islam

2. Hinduism and Catholism

3. Hindusim and Buddhism

4. Islam and Buddhism

Answer: A. Christianity and Islam

There are two main religions that have historically produced and used illuminated manuscripts: Islam and Christianity. 

Christianity: Christian monks created illuminated manuscripts throughout the Medieval period, usually of a biblical text, prayer, or religious art. Illuminated manuscripts contained gold leaf, color, and ornate designs to foster the manuscripts as both sacred texts and artistic works. Key examples are The Book of Kells and The Très Riches Heures of Jean de France, Duc de Berry, by the Limbourg Brothers. 

Islam: The illuminated manuscript also played a significant role in Islamic religious culture, preserving and transmitting texts, especially that of the Qur'an. In Islamic culture, illuminated manuscripts valued the calligraphy of Qur'anic scripture and adorned the manuscripts with patterns of spirals, floral motifs, and geometric design. An example of an illuminated manuscript in Islamic culture is the Shahnameh, a Persian epic poem. 

Other religions, such as Judaism, have traditions of illuminating manuscripts. However, illuminated manuscripts are historically associated with Christianity and Islam.