By Abdullah Bugis (with photos)
SHAH ALAM, Malaysia, April 18 (KUNA) -- Out of its dedication to spread the message of Islam and conserve Islamic arts particularly in the areas of manuscripts and calligraphy, Malaysia launched the Holy Quran Museum in Shah Alam city, Selangor province, about 25 kilometers southwest Kuala Lumpur.
KUNA team toured the museum which is affiliated to the Resto Foundation, a non-profit organization established by the Federal Government of Malaysia in 1988 under Companies Act 1965.
The museum seeks to revive Islamic culture and collect the unique Islamic works of art from the Malay Archipelago, Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.
Among the most notable exhibits at the museum is a Quran manuscript dating back 400 years which has an exciting story.
The manuscript, developed by a calligrapher from Ache region, was sent by express mail to the museum on December 22, 2004, just two days ahead of the devastating tsunami resulting from an Indian Ocean earthquake.
Due to the catastrophe of Ache, officials of the museum have so far failed to identify the calligrapher or the sender of the manuscript.
In 1994, Resto Foundation made history by being the first foundation in the country to develop and copy a Quran manuscript, something that was never accomplished since the fall of Malacca kingdom at the hands of the Portuguese colonial power 500 years ago.
Alongside with this manuscript, the museum showcases several rare copies and manuscripts of the Holy Quran from Southeast Asia in recognition of the notable calligraphers.
The activities of the museum expanded from collection to the development and designing of Islamic works of art which enriched the exhibits ranging from manuscripts and decorations to training printing and copying of the Holy Quran.
The museum serves as an Islamic call center offering regular training courses relating to Arabic and Ottoman calligraphy and Islamic teachings and Quran recitation on an annual basis.
It also organizes Quran recitation contests in collaboration with the government with a view to bringing up a generation of Muslim scholars and promoting Islamic culture.
The Holy Quran Museum attracts growing numbers of visitors from around the globe who are interested in Islamic heritage, thus adding to the numerous tourist destinations in the culturally-diversified Malaysia. (end) aab.gb KUNA 180901 Apr 10NNNN