The Nur Al-Qur'an: The Light of the Qur'an exhibition showcases the beauty of calligraphy of the Qur'an and Islamic manuscripts from across the word. The Museum also runs calligraphy classes on Saturday afternoons for adults and Sunday mornings for children.
Al-Qur'an has been the source of knowledge to man. Al-Qur'an is also the source of inspiration to all artists. Calligraphy is the essence of the art of the Qur'an which is an important element of Islamic Arts. One of the ways to promote Islamic Arts is by enhancing the Arts of the Qur'an and other manuscripts.
In conjunction with the past and current activities, such as the national calligraphy competition, the publication of the Museum’s own calligraphy calendar and the International Al-Qur'an recital, Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) will be organising the Nur Al-Qur'an exhibition beginning from 23 November 1999 to 31 March 2000. This fine exhibition will be situated at the Special Gallery 2, IAMM, Jalan Lembah Perdana, 50480, Kuala Lumpur and will be open for public.
Nur Al-Quran reflects the beauty of Islamic calligraphy by showcasing invaluable Quran and Islamic manuscripts. Most of the exhibits are from China, Iran, Australia and Indonesia. 20 manuscripts were specially flown from Museum of Cultural Palace of Nationalities, People’s Republic of China. One of the main attractions is the central scroll of the contents of the Quran dated back to 1327 Hijrah.
A total of 69 Al-Qurans from Iran, written in various styles of calligraphy, from thuluth to Arabic naskh, courtesy of Isfahan Pious Foundation and Isfahan Grand Mosalla. These Al-Qurans were written in various medium. Visitors will surely be awed by one of the oldest Al-Quran in the world, dated back to first century of Hijrah.
University of Melbourne has kindly loaned 16 manuscripts and Al-Qurans for this exhibition. The collection mainly focused on the art of the Quran. The One Hudred Sayings of Ali and the Book of Ans al-Jalil Tarihn al-Qadiy are two of these fine collections.
Nur Al-Quran would not be complete without Qurans from the region, courtesy of Museum Istiqdal. 9 of the finest Qurans from the Malay World were specially flown from Indonesia. Adding to the elegance of Nur Al-Quran are IAMM’s own rare collections. The exhibition, which will be officially opened on 23 November 1999, serves as a tool to educate the public on the beauty of the art and the knowledge of the Al-Quran.
As an addendum to the exhibition, IAMM will also publish a catalogue which describes the history and techniques of writing the Quran. This catalogue is a masterpiece by IAMM’s own Dr. Mandana Barkeshli and Universiti Teknologi Mara Malaysia’s Dr. Dzul Haimi Mohd Zain. This catalogue will be on sale from 23 November 1999 onwards.
Thanks to Isfahan Pious Foundation, Isfahan Grand Mosalla, The University of Melbourne Conservation Service – Iam Porter Art Conservation Centre; The Museum of Cultural Palace of Nationalities of the People’s Republic of China; Bayt Al-Quran and Museum Istiqdal, Indonesia, Islamic Centre, Albukhary Foundation, and Malaysian Airlines, Nur Al-Quran exhibition is now a reality.