Exhibition on rare ‘memories’ of Haj begins

Some of the world's most incredible and historic Islamic artefacts and collections will be revealed to the public in a one-of-a-kind exhibition, held in the UAE Capital.

The Haj: Memories of a Journey exhibition celebrates the rich legacy of the spiritual journey of Haj through the display of more than 182 artefacts on loan from 15 local and international institutions, as well as donations of personal Haj memorabilia.

The exhibition has six sections that trace the historical narrative and chronological timeline of the innovations made to facilitate Haj practices throughout different eras.

Each section showcases the universal values that characterise Islam and the ones associated with Haj, reminding viewers the diversity of cultures, traditions and customs of Muslims from around the globe.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the exhibition will open to the public from September 20 until March 19, 2018.

On the sidelines of the Press conference and private tour of the exhibition held on Tuesday, Saif Saeed Ghobash, director-general of Tourism and Culture Authority Abu Dhabi (TCA Abu Dhabi), told Khaleej Times, the exhibition is not only important for Muslims, but also for the tourists and residents who come from different faiths and backgrounds.

"The exhibition demonstrates to the world the oneness of mankind and the true peacefulness of our religion. We are all one, regardless of different religions," he said.

Yousif Al Obaidli, director-general of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, said the exhibition aligns with the UAE leadership's vision and the efforts to create a society of peace and tolerance.

"This exhibition is a truly distinctive chance to promote the universal concepts of Islam that centres around tolerance, cultural dialogue and openness amongst different generations and visitors to the country."

He added that the exhibition sheds lights on the late Sheikh Zayed's own Haj journey, and will highlight his religious and humanitarian visions, which were "true to the values of Islam."

Know the six sections

The first section covers the advent of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula, through a documented presentation of the archaeological sites associated with pre-Islamic practices, as well as the development of mosques in the UAE.

The second section, 'Islam: Belief, Book and Practice,' explores the Islamic faith, the holy Quran and the Islamic rituals, tracing the evolution of copying and codifying Quran with the development of Arabic calligraphy. This section reveals a rare collection of Quranic pages, including a blue-painted leather print with gold, silver and other coloured ink from 900 AD.

The third section, 'Journeys,' is dedicated to a historic account of the evolution of the Haj routes, recounting the physical journey that pilgrims undertook across the Arabian Peninsula and the world - especially at the time of the pilgrimage of the late Sheikh Zayed, in 1979.

The fourth section, 'Makkah the Blessed,' is devoted to the presentation of documents and collections related to Makkah.

The fifth section, 'Madina the Illuminated,' includes gifts presented to the Prophet's Mosque throughout different eras and historical photographs.

The six section houses souvenirs and keepsakes collected during personal Haj journeys.

The exhibition also showcases contemporary artworks influenced by Haj, including works by the Emirati artist Mohammad Kazem, Nassir Nasrallah. Visitors will also see artworks by Salwa Al Khudairi and Nadi Al Mulla.

Source: Khaleej Times